The booming trend of "searching for peace" tourism

VTV.vn - More and more tourists are starting to choose a different pace of travel - leisurely, with deeper experiences and a longer-term attachment to each land.

(Photo: Balance Through)

This trend, also known as “Slow Travel” – is not just an emerging concept, but is gradually becoming a popular trend around the world .

The essence of slow travel is not about endlessly extending the trip, but changing the approach. Instead of trying to cram as many destinations as possible into a few short days, people choose to stay longer in a locality, enjoying every moment, learning about the culture and people there.

According to the "2025 Hilton Trends Report", 74% of travelers want to get advice from local people when traveling, and more than 70% of families prioritize giving their children real cultural experiences instead of just sightseeing. This shows a growing demand for meaningful journeys rather than trips just to accumulate images.

One of the reasons for the slow rise of tourism is the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The long period of travel restrictions has made many people realize the value of "staying put" and want to prolong their presence in a place when they have the opportunity. In addition, the increasingly popular trend of remote working has helped many people combine work with travel, forming a new lifestyle called "bleisure" - both work and leisure.

The liberal visa policies in many countries further facilitate this lifestyle. Instead of just stopping for a few days, people can stay for weeks or even months, living as temporary residents to absorb the local rhythms.

(Photo: Sloww)

Aside from the personal element, there’s another reason why slow travel is gaining popularity: sustainability. In recent years, travelers around the world have become increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and their communities. Traveling too much not only costs energy, but also leaves a large carbon footprint, putting pressure on popular destinations. Staying longer in one place, using less polluting means of transport, eating and shopping at local stores all help reduce negative impacts while also providing direct economic benefits to local communities.

According to Euromonitor, 2025 marks a significant shift in the slow travel trend, with the mass market officially embracing it. People are traveling less, but each trip is of higher quality and more in-depth. Forecasts show that the Asia-Pacific region will be one of the fastest growing regions for this type of travel, with an annual growth rate of up to 13.2% in the period up to 2033. In China, high-income travelers have also begun to abandon packed itineraries for leisurely itineraries, allowing them to immerse themselves more in cultural and natural spaces.

On the world tourism map, many destinations are becoming symbols of "slow travel", such as: Patagonia in South America, with its majestic landscapes and pristine nature, is an ideal place to spend many days hiking, admiring mountains and glaciers without having to rush. Kyoto in Japan, with its ancient temples, Zen gardens and tea ceremony, requires visitors to really slow down to feel the sophistication in every detail. Tuscany in Italy is a land where every moment is worth living: sunset on the vineyards, a simple dinner with wine and pasta is enough to wrap up happiness. In Asia, Chiang Mai in Thailand stands out with its gentle pace of life, reasonable prices and unique Lanna culture, attracting those who want to stay long-term to find the feeling of "slow living".

(Photo: Guidebooks)

However, slow travel also poses many challenges. For many people accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle, "doing nothing" for the first few days can become a challenge. Long-term accommodation costs can sometimes increase the budget if not calculated properly. In addition, not all destinations are convenient for this lifestyle; in some rural or island areas, tourists need to prepare mentally to live with basic amenities and less modern services. But it is this simplicity that creates a different value, making the experience more memorable.

To fully enjoy slow travel, many experts suggest that tourists should change the way they plan. Instead of cramming 5-6 places in a week, try staying in a city or region for 7-10 days, exploring from the center to the suburbs. Traveling by train, bus or even bicycle or walking not only saves money but also gives you the opportunity to observe daily life. Choosing homestays, chatting with the host or local people will open the door to experiences that are difficult to get on regular tours. In addition, going in the low season or exploring the surrounding areas with fewer tourists is also a way to feel more quiet and authentic.

Slow travel is not just a temporary trend, but reflects an increasingly clear need of modern people: the desire to connect more deeply with the world, while finding inner balance. As the pace of life becomes increasingly rushed, slowing down on the travel journey is the way for each person to nurture tranquility and peace. A trip can no longer be measured by the number of check-in points, but by the moments we truly live: the sunrise by the homestay window, the sound of birds calling in the distant forest, or a simple meal with the locals. And it is in that slowness that travel returns to its core value: not just to see, but to feel, to change and to truly live.

Source: https://vtv.vn/no-ro-xu-huong-du-lich-tim-ve-su-binh-yen-10025092514343999.htm