r/slowtravel

Is this possible? Is someone out there doing this? I want to know more about the realities of people traveling while having a family

For those of you doing this, was it a decision you made, or was it something that just happened?

I'm 27, and I've been living as a nomad for a year and a half with my girlfriend. Recently, she mentioned that she changed her mind and would like to start a family in the future. That caught me off guard because she had told me at the beginning that she didn’t want to have kids

I'm not sure if that's something irreconcilable. I think I might change my mind in the future too, but I'm not done traveling. I still want to travel and see the world, I even was planning to do some slow traveling by car on different countries in South America.

So I am wondering: is it possible to start a family and still travel as a nomad?

Hey everyone,

​I’ve been slow-traveling for a while now—staying in a city for a few months, working, and immersing myself in the local rhythm.

​I’m not someone who enjoys surface-level connections or casual flings. My natural mindset is very much about living fully in the present (carpe diem) and experiencing people and relationships at their deepest level. When I’m in a place, I invest myself completely and enjoy every day as much as possible.

​The catch is that this depth naturally fast-tracks mutual emotional attachments. Within just a few months, strong friendships and romantic bonds form. When it’s time to move to the next country, the departure—and the days that follow—become emotionally heavy. It feels like pulling back on a deep attachment every few months.

​I love the freedom of this lifestyle, but balancing a craving for authentic human connection with constant mobility is becoming emotionally draining.

​For those of you who also naturally seek depth rather than casual flings:

​Managing the fallout: How do you deal with the emotional toll of leaving people you’ve deeply connected with?

​Boundaries vs. Nature: Do you force yourself to hold back emotionally from day one, or do you stay open and accept the heartbreak as part of the price?

​Long-Distance: Do you try to maintain these deep ties from afar (hoping to return), or do you strictly let go once you leave?

​Would love to hear how you navigate this without burning out.

Looking to get away for 5 to 7 days on a solo trip somewhere where I can enjoy the arts history lots of walking good cafés and get swept away into a different area of the country or world. I live in the Seattle area so looking for a direct flight if possible. any suggestions?

I have travelled to more than 60 countries, and unfortunately, I have never experienced anything quite like Albania.

This is purely based on my personal experience, but I found the interactions with people here to be noticeably less friendly than in other countries I have visited. On several occasions, people were quite rude or aggressive. I lost count of how many times people cut in line at supermarkets or became frustrated and started shouting because I couldn’t understand Albanian.

For example, a truck hit my car while it was parked. Instead of apologising, the driver became very aggressive and started yelling at me, claiming that my perfectly parked car was in his way. I had to call the police, who eventually resolved the situation. The driver continued to behave aggressively and even threatened me until the police arrived.

There were also two occasions at petrol stations where staff became upset and started shouting because I didn’t understand Albanian. I experienced similar situations with a barber who didn’t accept cards, at the beach when my child was running too close to someone’s chairs, and even when simply asking people for directions.

The traffic has probably been the most difficult part of the experience. Driving often feels extremely aggressive, with constant honking and people driving far above the speed limit. If the limit is 40 km/h, it can feel like everyone else is driving at 100+. I found it particularly stressful when simply trying to follow the posted speed limits.

Of course, I realise that a few negative experiences don’t represent an entire country or its people, and I’m sure many visitors have very different experiences. But after visiting more than 60 countries, Albania is unfortunately the only country I have visited that I genuinely regret visiting.

Maybe I didn’t word the title well. But essentially where would you spend a prolonged a period of time traveling? Maybe it’s to experience cultures, to learn a new language, taking a photo class. If time and money aren’t issues, where would you spend time at, and doing what?

My longest time away was 3 weeks solely in the Guangxi province in China. I spent a long week in Yangshuo and surrounding villages after a quick two days in Guilin. Then I started exploring the minority villages, getting to know their silversmith work, weaving, and the FOOD. It was an amazing time.

If you could instantly travel to any country in the world right now, where would you go and why? 🌍✈️

I’m from Nepal 🇳🇵 and I’d love to hear answers from people around the world. 😄

​

Next year I have the project of living semi-nomadic : moving to different cities and staying in the same place for few months at a time, and using Airbnb or furnished appartments while working.

I would be moving from 1 place to the other alone, by car.

So the goal would be to keep the moving in/out as quick and painless as possible, while having enough stuff to make daily life comfy.

Other than keeping a small capsule wardrobe, what would you advise, to avoid making it feel like you're living out of a suitcase all year ?

And for those who travel often for work (so similar setting), or use short term renting places often (like digital nomads often do), what do you find missing to make it feel HOME ?

I like to cook, and don't eat processed food, so I'm thinking of bringing:

\\- a cooking kit (2 good knives: pairing/chef, cooking scissors, spatula, wooden spoon, whisk, veggie peeler, chopsticks, lightweight plastic cutting board, can opener),

\\- maybe a few dishes ( a square Pyrex 2L that can go on the oven or be storage container with the lid, a graduated mixing bowl, 2 lunchbox size tupperware that fit in the 2L one),

\\- some comfort stuff : 1 big mug with tea infuser, 1 big bowl for asian soups, 1-2 dishtowels, some spices/condiments.

\\- and then I'm unsure about bringing 1 pot (pasta size), 1 small pan, 1 medium size wok (I do use it a lot, but I know it's not super minimal lol). A small manual food processor (to make guacamole, humus... in no time), a small scale ? Should I get a collapsible colander ? Do Airbnb have them 🤔

\--> Do you think this is overkill for a simple kitchen set-up ?

Ideally I would pack the kitchen gear in a storage plastic bin, clothes in a vacuum storage bag, and then a few miscellanous ..

Like maybe a small toolkit (hammer, screwdriver, pliers, tape mesure).

I am also thinking of bringing a couple of over the door storage organizers. Some magnet hooks to put on the fridge, few magnets to hang photos/notes on the fridge.

Bluetooth speaker..

What else ? Or what should I cross off my list ?

Do you find that you need to adopt a more mindful practice when on vacation and traveling. I sometimes grab the phone more while on vacation and I’m trying to gain more focus while on vacation. I read an essay today by someone who went to a quiet retreat or silent retreat and that seemed to be so inspiring the effect of being thrown into pure mindfulness can be on someone. I see slow travel as something that can be helped by moments of mindfulness

Hey everyone. I'm from Japan and I've been thinking about whether long-term travelers would ever be interested in staying in the countryside for a month or two, instead of rushing through Tokyo and Kyoto.

I'm looking into the area around Nakatsugawa and Ena in Gifu. It's about an hour from Nagoya, with places like Tsukechi Gorge that have really clear rivers and forest trails, plus traditional streets and local food like Japanese chestnuts.

If a fully furnished private house was available for a 1-3 month stay where you could work remotely and live at a slow pace, do you think that's something you'd ever consider?

Also, for those who travel long-term or work remotely, what would be the main challenges for you? Things like no rental car, grocery shopping, or internet speed?

I'd love to hear your honest thoughts, even if you think it's a terrible idea. Thanks!

Spouse and I have spent some time in Mexico and love it! We are snow birds and want to spend three months in the Yucatan and a few other well-known smaller cities.

We will be bringing our small dog. We have nobody to leave her with for three months.

Our options include:

1. Rent a car which will be expensive.
2. Public transportation but that can be tricky with a small dog.
3. Drive our own car from the USA.
4. Buy a beater (still researching legalities) car to drive while in Mexico and sell or give it away upon departure.

We’ve been to Mexico several times never for that long nor with a car. We’ve are also plan to only drive major roads and drive during the day.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

Traveling has a way of holding up a mirror to home — sometimes in ways you don’t expect. A conversation with a local, a system that just works differently, a small cultural habit that made you rethink something you always took for granted.

Curious what moments did this for you. Could be something that made you appreciate home more, or something that made you a little more critical of it.

I’m considering staying off social media during an upcoming vacation—not only avoiding posting, but also avoiding the habit of scrolling whenever I have unstructured time.
Ironically, vacations can contain quite a bit of downtime: sitting in an airport, resting in a hotel, waiting for dinner, spending a quiet afternoon on a ship, or simply feeling momentarily bored. My automatic response is often to pick up my phone and start scrolling. But then part of the vacation begins to feel exactly like being at home.
I’m not trying to reject technology. I’ll still take photographs, use maps, listen to things and read books on my Kindle. I’m more interested in distinguishing technology that supports the trip from social media that pulls my attention away from it.
For anyone who has tried this, did staying away from social media make you more present, rested or observant? What did you naturally begin doing with those empty moments instead—reading, walking, journaling, talking, people-watching or simply allowing yourself to be bored?
Did it make the trip feel longer or more memorable? And did you set a firm rule, such as no social media at all, or simply limit it to a short period each day?

I’ll be done with school soon and my whole mantra is live your life. Once I’m done, I plan on traveling every chance I get with my husband, his and my family together and building a family (if life permits). I enjoying chasing experiences like shark cage diving, seeing northern lights, etc. what is your most HOLY COW moment? I want my breath to be taken away. I love life and the beauty of it, even its flaws.

I know many places are glamorized which is why I want first person advice. I see Switzerland and Finland in my near future. But I also places like third world countries in my future where things aren’t sugar and spice. I like to see the highest highs of life and the lowest lows. I like seeing and learning to understand different perspectives.

Where should I go/do??? I’m ready to start planning my never ending journey. If life allows of course…

If you had to choose between the two, which would you pick?

A. Travel now, even if it means having little or no savings.
You believe experiences are worth it, and you can always earn the money back later.

B. Save first, travel later.
You'd rather build a solid financial cushion and travel when you can afford to do it comfortably.

Personally, I’m curious where people draw the line.

👉 Would you rather have more memories from travelling, or more money sitting in your savings account?

And if you've changed your mind over the years, what made you change it?

What would you choose: A or B?

Can anyone recommend Greek islands or just anywhere in Greece that aren't touristy (or have very little tourism)? I'm looking for somewhere with quiet beaches, no crowds, and a relaxed vibe. I'd love a place where I can go hiking, cycle around and just enjoy nature.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.