Itโs 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 isnโt 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. Thatโs where slow travel comes in.
Have you heard of slow travel yet? Itโs starting to trend, and Iโm 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, youโre not alone. This is a year of personal growth and healing for me too, and Iโve already embraced the slow travel mindset. I share even more personal insights, travel experiences, and real-life moments of healing in my newsletterโmake 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!
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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 itโs 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 isnโt 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. Itโs an excellent lesson in mindfulness. Thereโs 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
Minnesotaโs North Shore
Stretching along the north edge of Lake Superior, Minnesotaโs 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.
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. Itโs a place to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with simple joys.
Pro tip: as youโre 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. Itโs such a quirky thing to be known for.
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 townโs 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 areaโs energy and beauty in a way that feels deeply personal.
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.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charlestonโs historic charm, cobblestone streets, and warm hospitality make it a perfect destination for slow travel. Thereโs no rush hereโjust long walks along the waterfront, afternoons spent in lush gardens, and conversations with locals who enjoy sharing their cityโs stories. The combination of history, culture, and coastal beauty creates a setting where travelers can recharge without feeling overwhelmed.
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.
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.
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.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a gateway to Glacier National Park, but itโs also a destination in its own right. The townโs 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.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucketโs 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.
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 donโt 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, Iโd 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.