Slow Travel for Health and Happiness

For many of us, when we think of travel, our minds may go straight to family vacations jam packed with bus tours and overcrowded restaurants that serve dinner with local entertainment designed for the amusement of tourists. You buy a few T-shirts and refrigerator magnets to take back to your friends, then sprint to the airport — only to get home and feel you need another vacation just so you can recover.

But you know what? Travel doesn't have to look like this in 2025.

In fact, for a growing number of digital nomads aged 50 and over, the key to a fulfilling travel lifestyle isn't speeding up, it's slowing down. If you're not familiar with the digital nomad trend, it simply describes people who earn their living working online while living in one or more remote locations in their home country or abroad.

Slow travel takes digital nomadism a step further. It's the practice of staying in one place for extended periods of time. According to a recent slow travel study by Hilton, 20% of travelers are looking to experience more rest and relaxation on their next vacation while still having options to participate in outdoor adventures.

This mindset shift is helping older nomads prioritize their well-being, reduce stress and build deeper community connections while traveling. Unlike the whirlwind family trips we remember, slow travel allows for a more immersive experience that promotes health, mindfulness and a greater sense of purpose.

If you're thinking, "Who has time for extended vacations at this age?" I invite you to consider this: While digital nomads tend to be younger, a growing number of older nomads are taking the world by storm. Current research shows that 14% of American digital nomads are 55 or older.

So I decided to speak with two slow travelers, each over 50 and at different stages of their digital nomad journey. They shared how slow travel has improved their well-being and the lessons they are learning along the way.

Alison Thompson, a financial educator and AI consultant over 50, prioritizes movement and self-care when choosing her travel destinations. She is new to the digital nomad/slow travel lifestyle. I met up with her for a leisurely lunch in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to find out her thoughts on slow travel and how she's adjusting during a six-week trip to the popular beach destination.

"I think slow travel is much more relaxing, peaceful and much less stressful for me," she tells me. "I think when I was younger a faster pace didn't bother me. But now I have found that a slower pace is better for my nervous system and better for my overall health. Slow travel is a much-needed respite from a fast-paced lifestyle. It gives me time to make connections and possibly new friends, which I think adds to my quality of life."

When asked about her daily routine, she says, "I like to be able to walk a lot. So I picked Playa del Carmen because of its high walkability. I love the beach, and I also get regular hot stone massages, which are deeply relaxing."

For Thompson, maintaining relationships is also essential for mental well-being. "I spend down time making calls to friends and family that I may not have spoken with in a long time," she shares. "Less screen time and more 'me time' has made a huge difference."

Beyond personal wellness, slow travel fosters meaningful connections with both locals and fellow travelers. Kathy A. Hampton, 61, a former legal research analyst and current wellness coach and writer, found a deep sense of belonging in Portugal after spending a few months in the country.

"During my third month in the country, I took a trip to Porto and stayed at a charming rustic guest house," she says. "I had a whole floor to myself. Porto felt slower paced. The people were friendly at every turn, and I became friends with the owner of the guest house. My dear Portuguese friend is a deep part of my community of locals and expats, and we continue to nourish our friendship."

Thompson recalls a time when an established connection helped her out of a stressful situation. She had booked an Airbnb for a short stay before moving into a long-term rental. When the long-term accommodation fell through, she was scrambling to find an alternative.

In a moment of stress, she decided to take a break and go for a short walk. "I ran into a security desk worker I had built a rapport with during a previous stay," she says. "I told him my situation, and he started making calls to find me a place. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't taken the time to connect with people."

For Thompson, food allergies have been a challenge. "At first, I thought my dietary restrictions would curtail my travels," she admits. But over time, she's learned to research local food options in advance, travel with essential ingredients and stay in accommodations with kitchens so she can prepare meals if necessary.

Meanwhile, Hampton has been working through language barriers. "Although I've taken Portuguese classes, I haven't been using the language enough to feel confident," she shares. Daily practice helps her build up her skills and feel more integrated into her new surroundings.

"I'm gaining more confidence and know that the longer I'm here, the better it will be," she says. "I realize that anything new will take time. The more healthy living I experience, the more my brain functions for my well-being."

Thompson wishes she had learned new languages earlier. "It would have made my travel experience even richer," she says. But don't think that you have to learn a new language entirely before you arrive in your new country.

While studies show that children's underdeveloped brains make it easier for them to acquire a new language, there are opportunities for adults to learn as well. Rather than focus on memory drills and stale grammar rules, try learning in context. You can pick up a new language via TV shows or listening to music in your target language.

Hampton encourages patience with local bureaucracy and cultural differences. "I would advise people to be respectful and not try to change anyone else's culture. I'm not running for mayor or the city council here. I'm here to stay in my lane and enjoy the peace. I wish I had known about this lifestyle a lot sooner."

For those inspired to try slow travel, here are some practical tips to maintain balance and well-being on the road:

• Choose destinations with built-in wellness benefits. Walkable cities, access to fresh food and community activities will support your well-being.

• Build a routine that includes movement, mindfulness and connection. Whether it's beach walks, Pilates or morning meditation, a daily rhythm is key.

• Engage with locals and visitors. Language classes, cultural events and small daily interactions with local residents can deepen your experience.

• Plan for potential challenges. Be proactive about health needs, dietary restrictions and family obligations.

• Give yourself time to adjust. The beauty of slow travel is in the process. Understand that there is no need to rush.

As more people over 50 embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, slow travel offers an approach that prioritizes well-being, meaningful relationships and the joy of discovery. Whether settling into a new country or simply staying longer in one place, the rewards of slowing down are proving to be life changing.

Halona Black is an executive content strategist, author coach and slow traveler since 2018 who helps women over 50 leverage personal storytelling to build a personal brand. A longtime digital nomad, she writes about travel, wellness and reinvention. Learn more at her LinkedIn page. Read More