When a constantly on-lifestyle leads to burnout, a new form of luxury is central to the scene and slow journeys. Defined by a deeper, more mindful approach to exploring the world, slower trips prefer to last longer in one place, rather than rushing from a to-do list.
“It takes a certain kind of slowness to notice things. The more you rush and stress, the more you miss the magic and don't care much about what you're watching and feeling.” “This is the essence of a slow travel movement that is pushed back into a world that requires constant movement.”
Using Rome as an example, she states: “Instead of blowing away from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel and the Trevi Fountain in a day, we travel slowly and explore lesser known areas and invite them over time, truly spending time in those places. Too serious.”
Skift's 2025 Travel Outlook report shows that slow travel is more than just a trend. It is a gorgeous travel future, officially dubbing 2025 as “a long holiday year.” Their study notes that the average period of public holidays is constantly increasing, with 76.2% of survey respondents preferring travel in a single country.
Turner and her team of travel experts highlight a wealth of evidence that suggests that people are experiencing evolution in how they want to experience the world. “Present, comfort and care are more valuable than they are worth it. Just like you traveled in a way that made you feel like you're not exhausted,” she adds. “In fact, the latest Flight Center survey shows that 80% of global travelers prefer crowds less.
In a world that moves quickly and requires efficiency, slow travel has proven to be the ultimate rebellion. This is a list of destinations where you can regain the presence of your senses and find joy in your journey.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a destination for everyone and you can drink sundowners in one day, skiing, shops and beaches, but you don't need it. This vast metropolitan city is best explored with the intention of fully assessing everything.
“Only eight hours away, Dubai is a well-connected single-trip destination where South African travelers can stay longer to squeeze all the abundance from the Dubai Pass,” Turner says.
South Africans long for a little more than flashy skyscrapers and lively shopping malls, so Bull Dubai offers a glimpse into the spirit of old Dubai.
“This historic district, shoved along Dubai Creek, reveals the humble beginnings of the city as a village of fishing and pearls,” explains Turner. “This is the perfect place to slow down and develop your ideas through its winding alleys, traditional souks and wind tower houses. Most visitors don't even know that Bar Dubai exists!”
South Africa Northern Cape
Astrotourism, a form of travel focused on the night sky, and its heavenly wonders, in line with the slower travel movements.
Turner highlights how the Northern Cape of South Africa leads. “This previously overlooked state is full of quiet roads, stars splashed sky and dark experiences where you can reconnect with space,” she explains.
“In the ultra-luxurious Tswar Kalahari, guests can sleep under heaven on a raised sleep platform. Located under the Koran Annaberg Mountains, this destination stands as South Africa's largest privately protected reserve and home to rare nighttime species like aardvark and pangolin.”
Stellenbosch in South Africa
South Africa is also embracing slow travel moves, as seen in Stellenbosch's Stay and Play Winter Campaign.
“In winter, Stellenbosch is a slower place and offers an alternative to the fast-paced Cape Town lifestyle. As the second oldest town in the country, it can take the time to strip off the layers of local history and immerse yourself in the town's culture, food, wine, art and more.
Kyoto, Japan
“There was never a good time for South Africans to explore Japan with the weakest Japanese yen in decades. It's easier to access than ever,” says Turner, who has identified Kyoto as a destination for leisurely trips.
“There is a modern-day fast-paced aspect to Kyoto, but I would recommend experiencing it as it is intended: thoughtful and intentional,” she adds. “I personally love how beautifully we have preserved culture and history. Think of hidden temples, bamboo fields, and intimate tea ceremony.”
She recommends staying at Ryokan (traditional inn) and sampling a multi-course kaiseki dinner to experience true Japanese hospitality.
As the world moves forward, Turner emphasizes that travel is less about accepting travel, not about reaching destinations.
“Slow travel reflects the growing change of what people consider to be 'luxury'. It reflects more time, more space and authentic connections. By choosing to slowly and deeply immerse yourself and enjoy every moment, travelers not only create more meaningful experiences, but also promote a more sustainable and mindful approach to seeing the world,” she concludes.
Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel agency listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and as of June 23, 2025, it has a market capitalization of $2.666 billion and a current stock price of 12.12. FCTG SA is entirely owned and has been recognized as one of Deloitte's best companies to work in South Africa for over a decade.
