Studying abroad isn’t just about how many destinations you check off your bucket list; it’s about how deeply you experience the place you call home for a semester or full academic year.
The most meaningful memories often come from immersing yourself in your location, forming connections with the people there and developing a true understanding of a new culture. While weekend getaways to nearby countries can be exciting, constantly traveling can mean missing out on the rhythm of daily life and hidden gems in your host city.
That’s where slow tourism comes in. Instead of rushing from one destination to another, slow tourism encourages you to stay present, explore intentionally and focus on quality over quantity.
Why Does Slow Tourism Matter?
Beyond creating richer travel experiences, slow tourism also makes a more positive environmental impact.
Every flight taken contributes to carbon emissions via gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and drive global warming.
By reducing short-haul flights and choosing more sustainable travel options, you can reduce your carbon footprint (the total emissions your activities produce).
How to Practice Slow Tourism While Studying Abroad
Find your local favorites.
Skip the tourist checklists and take time to discover your go-to coffee shop, local museum, study spot, or weekend market. The more time you spend in your city, the more it starts to feel like home.
Explore nearby, not just far away.
There’s always more to see right where you are. Instead of flying across the continent, take day trips to small towns or nature spots close to your host city.
Choose trains and buses over flights.
If you do travel, opt for trains and buses instead of short-haul airline flights, which impose a larger environmental impact.
Support local businesses.
Engage with your host city’s economy by shopping at neighborhood markets, eating at family-owned restaurants and, if possible, choosing eco-friendly accommodations.
Get involved in the community.
Some of the most rewarding experiences come from engaging with locals. Volunteering, joining a club or taking a class in your host city can lead to deeper friendships and cultural exchange.
Slow Tourism:
A Personal Take
When I was abroad, I initially felt pressure to travel every weekend — after all, when would I have this opportunity again? But I found that my most cherished memories came from slowing down.
Whether it was chatting with a musician at my favorite jazz club, discovering a local bookstore tucked into an alley or attending a neighborhood event, the moments that stuck with me were the ones where I truly connected with a place and its people.
By embracing slow tourism, you’ll leave a lighter footprint, spend your money more wisely and create deeper connections.
Instead of rushing to collect passport stamps, take the time to make your host city feel like home. The best part of studying abroad isn’t just where you go: It’s how much stays with you.
Lola Moreno-Flores is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentors Program webpage.
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