There’s a difference between taking a trip and truly going on a journey. One is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed bags, and rushing to see it all. The other? It’s a slow exhale. A deep breath. A collection of quiet, beautiful moments that gently anchor themselves in your memory.
I believe in travel designed with heart. Travel that lets you feel every moment, soak in your surroundings, and come home with stories that mean something.
The Moment That Changed Everything
One of my favorite travel memories doesn’t involve a famous site or bucket-list destination. (thought it really was one of mine) It was a night on a rooftop in Florence. The Duomo glowing under the stars, a warm breeze, the soft clink of Limoncello glasses, and the laughter of strangers who quickly became friends. My husband and I had nowhere to be, nothing pressing to do. We simply were. And it was absolutely perfect.
That night taught me that the best parts of travel are rarely the ones we plan. They’re the pauses, the in-betweens — the slow, soul-filling moments that reminds us what it feels like to be alive.
What Slow Travel Really Means
Slow travel isn’t about doing less. It’s about feeling more. It’s:
- Letting go of the checklist and giving yourself permission to wander.
- Spending an entire afternoon in a tiny village square, sipping coffee and people-watching.
- Getting to know a place — not just seeing it, but truly feeling it.
It’s waking up without an alarm. It’s taking the scenic route. It’s knowing that you don’t have to do everything to experience everything.
How I Plan with Heart
When I help someone plan a journey, I don’t start with a list of landmarks. I start with the feeling they want to carry home.
Do you want peace? Wonder? Deep connection? A sense of freedom? That’s where the magic begins.
I build in space. I choose places that invite you to stay a little longer. I avoid the rush — not because I don’t love adventure, but because I know the most unforgettable moments often come when you slow down and let the place meet you halfway.
A Note from the Heart
If you’re someone who wants to truly be in a place — to pause, to breathe, to notice — then you’re already embracing slow travel in the most beautiful way.
There’s something incredibly grounding about connecting with a destination, not just passing through it. About remembering the taste of the wine, the smell of the sea air, the quiet joy of feeling at home somewhere new.
Because the best travel stories start with: “I’ll never forget how it made me feel.”
This post was written by Kimberly, founder of Countdown to Magic Travel, lover of slow mornings, immersive travel and local cafes that serve amazing coffee.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment