Itโ€™s the start of the year, and we are all thinking about what we want to do in 2025 and how we are going to make the most of this year. Many of us are looking forward to warmer months ahead and planning the perfect summer bucket list for a little hit of dopamine and something to look forward to. 

In 2025, travel isnโ€™t just about checking destinations off a list. It is about finding peace, purpose, and renewal. 

A summer bucket list should be more than a whirlwind of activities. It should be a path to growth and healing. Thatโ€™s where slow travel comes in. 

Have you heard of slow travel yet? Itโ€™s starting to trend, and Iโ€™m so happy it is. Instead of rushing from place to place, this approach encourages intentional exploration, allowing travelers to truly connect with their surroundings and themselves. By embracing slow travel, this summer can be a time of restoration, reflection, and deep experiences rather than just another busy season.

If this sounds like exactly what you need in your life, youโ€™re not alone. This is a year of personal growth and healing for me too, and Iโ€™ve already embraced the slow travel mindset. I share even more personal insights, travel experiences, and real-life moments of healing in my newsletterโ€”make sure to join my email list for the full story and to join me on this journey.

For women looking to heal emotionally, slow travel can be the perfect way to reset. 2025 is the year of being our best selves, and that means creating space for rest, reflection, and growth. By choosing destinations that encourage a slower pace, travelers can reconnect with themselves and experience the world in a more meaningful way.

Let me share why this growing trend of slow travel needs to be on your summer bucket list, and where you should go to give it a try!

A woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail lounges in a red and gray hammock strung between two trees, overlooking a serene mountain lake. She is surrounded by lush evergreen trees, with rugged peaks rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The scene exudes tranquility and adventure, capturing the beauty of outdoor relaxation in the wilderness.
Photo credit Zach Betten on Unsplash

What Is Slow Travel?

Slow travel is an approach to exploring that focuses on quality over quantity. Instead of checking off a list of must-see attractions, travelers stay longer in one place, connect with the culture, and embrace a relaxed itinerary.

This style of travel is all about mindfulness, which will seep into all aspects of your life. This is what makes it so refreshing! This also likely means fewer flights, longer stays, and an emphasis on local experiences. Visitors might choose a cozy rental over a hotel, shop at farmers markets instead of chain grocery stores, or take scenic train rides instead of hopping on a quick flight.

Who Should Try Slow Travel?

Women seeking emotional healing will find slow travel to be a powerful tool for self-care. Life transitions, burnout, or even just the stress of daily life can take a toll. Traveling intentionally allows space to breathe, reflect, increase mindfulness, and gain perspective.

Mothers can also benefit drastically from slow travel. Moms who spend their days juggling responsibilities often forget how it feels to travel for themselves. A solo trip with a slow travel approach offers the chance to unwind without the pressure of packed schedules or nonstop attractions. 

Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, moms can take their time. Picture this: savoring quiet mornings, actually finishing a cup of coffee, exploring at your own pace, and embracing the freedom to simply be.

Anyone feeling emotionally drained or stuck in a routine will find that slow travel offers a refreshing change of pace. Whether itโ€™s sitting by the water, wandering through a charming town, or taking a solo retreat, this type of travel is all about creating moments of peace and clarity.

Why Slow Travel Belongs on Your Summer Bucket List

Slow travel isnโ€™t just a trend, but a lifestyle shift that offers real mental and emotional healing and growth. Instead of returning from a trip feeling exhausted, travelers come back rested and inspired.

A slow-paced trip means less stress and more time to enjoy the present moment. Itโ€™s an excellent lesson in mindfulness. Thereโ€™s no need to cram in activities or rush through destinations. This applies to our daily lives too.

Slow travel is also one of the most sustainable ways to explore. Reducing flights, choosing locally-owned businesses, and embracing a mindful approach to travel all contribute to a lower environmental impact.

The Best Slow Travel Destinations for Your Summer Bucket List

A rugged cliff with earthy brown and gray rock formations juts out over a vast blue body of water. The top of the cliff is lined with green and autumn-colored trees, contrasting against the deep blue sea. In the distance, a faint rainbow emerges from the clouds, adding a touch of color to the moody sky. The scene captures a sense of vastness and natural beauty.
Photo credit Andrew Ling on Unsplash

Minnesotaโ€™s North Shore

Stretching along the north edge of Lake Superior, Minnesotaโ€™s North Shore is a place where time slows down. Travelers can spend their days hiking to waterfalls, sitting on rocky shorelines, or watching the waves roll in from a cabin window. The summer months bring wildflowers, warm breezes, and endless opportunities to explore without the pressure of a tight schedule. This is the kind of destination where mornings start with coffee by the water and afternoons are spent wandering through small lakeside towns or with a campfire on a rocky beach.

A group of goats lounges on the grassy roof of a wooden building, standing out against a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds. Below, several people walk around the area, some engaged in conversation, while a white SUV is partially visible in the foreground. The scene has a whimsical charm, with the goats calmly perched on the rooftop as visitors move about below.
Goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is a quiet summer retreat known for its scenic coastline, cherry orchards, and welcoming small towns. Life moves slowly here. Visitors can spend an afternoon kayaking along the shore, biking through peaceful countryside, or taking in a lakeside sunset. Local markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and historic lighthouses add to the charm. Itโ€™s a place to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with simple joys.

Pro tip: as youโ€™re working your way through the small towns of Door County, you will pass by a restaurant in Sister Bay that keeps goats on their roof. Itโ€™s such a quirky thing to be known for.

A sweeping view of rugged mountain terrain with steep, rocky slopes and a lush green valley nestled below. The sunlight casts a warm glow over the barren hillsides, highlighting their textured surfaces, while distant mountain ranges fade into a hazy blue horizon. Small patches of greenery and a winding stream add contrast to the otherwise arid landscape, creating a serene and expansive scene.
Photo credit Isa Macouzet on Unsplash

Taos, New Mexico

For those looking for spiritual renewal, Taos offers a mix of artistic culture, beautiful desert landscapes, and a deeply rooted sense of history. The townโ€™s adobe buildings and mountain backdrop create a peaceful setting for slow travel. 

Visitors can explore local artisan markets, take a meditation class, or soak in natural hot springs. The slower pace allows time to appreciate the areaโ€™s energy and beauty in a way that feels deeply personal.

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A small white lighthouse with a red roof sits on a rocky shoreline, surrounded by golden grass and evergreen trees. In the background, a towering snow-capped mountain rises above layers of hazy blue ridges, creating a dramatic contrast against the deep blue water in the foreground. The scene is calm and picturesque, capturing the beauty of a remote coastal landscape for a summer bucket list.
Photo credit Ryan Stone on Unsplash

San Juan Islands, Washington

Island life is naturally slow-paced, and the San Juan Islands are no exception. These islands, just off the coast of Washington, offer ferry rides, coastal hikes, and a connection to nature that feels restorative. 

Whale watching is a highlight, but so is simply walking through quiet harbors, enjoying fresh local food, and breathing in the salty sea air. With limited roads and a relaxed atmosphere, this is a place where stress melts away.

A vibrant street scene featuring Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina, with pastel-colored historic houses lining the road. In the foreground, a horse-drawn carriage labeled "Old South Carriage" moves down the street, carrying passengers under a covered canopy. Leafy trees frame the scene, while pedestrians walk along the sidewalk and cars are parked along the curb, adding to the charm of this historic district, perfect for slow travel.
Photo credit Leo Heisenberg on Unsplash

Charleston, South Carolina

Charlestonโ€™s historic charm, cobblestone streets, and warm hospitality make it a perfect destination for slow travel. Thereโ€™s no rush hereโ€”just long walks along the waterfront, afternoons spent in lush gardens, and conversations with locals who enjoy sharing their cityโ€™s stories. The combination of history, culture, and coastal beauty creates a setting where travelers can recharge without feeling overwhelmed.

A sunlit gorge with towering rock walls frames a winding river, with golden autumn leaves scattered across the damp stone pathway. Beams of sunlight stream through the narrow opening above, illuminating the misty air and enhancing the warm, earthy tones of the scene. The tranquil waterway reflects the surrounding cliffs, creating a peaceful, almost ethereal atmosphere.
Watkins Glen State Park in New York. Photo credit Catia Dombaxe on Unsplash.

Finger Lakes, New York

Rolling vineyards, peaceful lakes, and charming small towns make the Finger Lakes region an ideal summer retreat. This area is so beautiful. Visitors can sip local wine, paddle across still lakes, or explore hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to linger over meals, take scenic drives, and let go of everyday stress.

A woman sits on a reddish-brown rock, gazing up at towering sandstone formations in a desert landscape. She is dressed in black leggings, hiking boots, and a dark fleece jacket, with her long hair pulled back. The rugged terrain is dotted with small bushes, and patches of snow are visible among the rocks, contrasting with the warm tones of the scenery under a clear blue sky.
Bell Rock in Sedona

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a place of spiritual renewal. Known for its red rock formations and energy vortexes, this Arizona town attracts those looking for peace and transformation. Travelers can spend their days hiking through red rock landscapes, visiting art galleries, or joining a yoga retreat. The slower pace allows time to take in the beauty of the land and the stillness of the moment.

An aerial view of a winding coastal highway hugging the rugged cliffs of a mountainous shoreline. The blue ocean stretches out to the horizon, with waves gently lapping against the rocky coast. The hazy sunlight casts a soft glow over the rolling green hills, creating a serene and picturesque scene, placing it high on a summer bucket list.
Photo credit Thomas Ciszewski on Unsplash

Big Sur, California

The rugged coastline of Big Sur creates a feeling of complete escape. This is a place where travelers come to unwind, reflect, and breathe deeply. The Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly, cliffs rise dramatically, and the winding roads encourage a pace that is anything but rushed. Whether staying in a cozy cabin or taking a scenic drive, Big Sur offers a chance to disconnect and reset.

A breathtaking mountain landscape with a bright blue sky, rugged peaks, and lush green valleys. Small patches of snow are visible on the mountains, and a few scattered evergreen trees dot the foreground. In the distance, a hidden alpine lake shimmers between the ridges, adding depth to the scene.
Photo credit Lily Miller on Unsplash

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is a gateway to Glacier National Park, but itโ€™s also a destination in its own right. The townโ€™s relaxed atmosphere, outdoor adventure opportunities, and stunning mountain scenery make it an ideal place for slow travel. Visitors can spend quiet mornings by the lake, explore local coffee shops, or take a scenic hike without feeling the need to rush.

A serene coastal landscape featuring golden beach grass in the foreground, with a sandy shoreline stretching into the distance. The ocean waves gently roll onto the shore, and the blue sky is dotted with soft, wispy clouds. The scene captures a peaceful, windswept beach on a sunny day.
Photo credit Jack Cohen on Unsplash

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucketโ€™s bike-friendly streets, quiet beaches, and charming historic district make it a perfect spot for an unhurried summer escape. The island feels like a step back in time, where the best days are spent wandering, reading by the water, and taking in the ocean air. Without the distractions of a busy itinerary, visitors can simply enjoy the moment.

A woman with light skin and blonde hair tied in a messy bun leans on a dark surface, holding a white mug with a silver tea charm draped over it. She is wearing a ribbed beige tank top, and her exposed arm showcases floral tattoos. Her eyes are closed, and she has a peaceful, content expression. The background features a softly lit indoor space with neutral tones.

This is Your Sign to Slow Travel

This is your sign to put slow travel on your summer bucket list. Life moves fast, but your travels donโ€™t have to. Choosing a slower pace means more connection, more meaning, and more moments just for you. If this kind of travel speaks to you, Iโ€™d love to share more of my personal journey and inspiration. Join my newsletter for real-life slow travel experiences and a little extra encouragement to make 2025 the year of meaningful adventures.

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