Browsing Tag

slow travel

The siren call of Italy is undeniable. But for seasoned travelers, the constant tide of tourists flowing through Florence and the never-ending lines at the Vatican begin to wear thin. Italy is not just a museum of antiquities; it is a living, breathing nation of 20 regions, each holding secrets the guidebooks skip entirely.

This is your passport to the real Italia. We are trading the crowds of the Piazza San Marco for quiet conversations in a village piazza, the tourist traps for authentic, slow-cooked regional flavor. These seven Underrated Italian destinations are where the magic truly happens, where you stop consuming Italy and start living it.

Matera, Basilicata: The City of Stone

Matera is unlike any other place on earth. Located in the remote southern region of Basilicata, this ancient city is carved directly into the limestone cliffs of a deep canyon. The Sassi di Matera, ancient cave dwellings, represent one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Key Attractions: Spend days wandering the labyrinthine Sassi district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the subterranean rock-hewn churches (chiese rupestri), and explore the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a preserved cave home offering a sobering look at historical life.
Cultural Insight: Matera was once described as the “shame of Italy” due to its poverty. Now, its transformation into a cultural capital is a triumph of preservation. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, but its unique geography still shields it from the mass tourism found in the North.
Travel Tips: The nearest major airport is Bari (BRI). From there, take the local railway (FAL) to Matera. The best time to visit is the low season (April–May and September–October) to avoid the intense summer heat reflecting off the pale stone.

Expert Insight: Matera is often described as a “living museum, with its winding streets, narrow alleys, and centuries-old buildings, creating a sense that time has stood still.”

Procida, Campania: The Pastel Secret of Naples Bay

While Capri and Ischia hog the spotlight in the Bay of Naples, Procida remains the quiet, authentic fishermen’s island. It is a stunning, tiny landmass characterized by its signature pastel colored houses stacked dramatically around the harbor, Marina Grande, and Corricella.

Key Attractions: Explore Marina Corricella, the stunning harbor often featured in films, and walk up to Terra Murata, the highest point, for views of the walled medieval citadel and the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. Beaches like Chiaia and Pozzo Vecchio (the setting of Il Postino) are tranquil.
Cultural Insight: Procida was named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022, a title that celebrates its simplicity and seafaring heritage. Unlike its neighbors, Procida relies on fishing and local life, keeping the prices and the atmosphere authentically Italian.
Travel Tips: Take a fast ferry (hydrofoil) from Naples (Beverello port). The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot or by electric bicycle. Tip: Arrive early and watch the local fishermen mend their nets for a genuine experience.

Local Quote: Procida’s beauty lies in its simplicity; colorful houses line the narrow streets, and the smell of the sea is never far away. Procida is the most underrated island in Italy.“

Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia: Italy’s Cosmopolitan Corner

Located away in the northeastern corner near Slovenia, Trieste feels like a Central European city that decided to vacation on the Adriatic Sea. Its unique blend of Italian, Slavic, and Austro-Hungarian influences gives it an elegant, intellectual atmosphere distinct from typical Italian destinations.

Key Attractions: Stroll through Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest squares opening directly onto the sea. Visit the dramatic Miramare Castle, built for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. Then, duck into one of the city’s grand, historic coffee houses, such as Caffè San Marco, which rival Vienna’s best.
Cultural Insight: Trieste was the former maritime gateway of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. This history explains the grand Viennese architecture and the city’s strong literary past, having been home to writers like James Joyce and Italo Svevo.
Travel Tips: Trieste has an airport (TRS) and excellent rail connections to Venice (two hours away). It is a hub for slow travel, exploring the surrounding Carso plateau and its vineyards.
Food Tip: The regional cuisine, Cucina Triestina, features flavors from the Balkans and Austria, including jota (bean and sauerkraut soup) and goulash.

Bergamo, Lombardy: The Walled Hilltop Paradise

Just a short, easy train ride from Milan, Bergamo is inexplicably overlooked by travelers rushing to Lake Como or the Alps. It is split into two distinct parts: the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town) and the enchanting Città Alta (Upper Town), encircled by majestic Venetian walls (a UNESCO site).

Key Attractions: Take the funicular up to the Città Alta. Walk the entire circuit of the Venetian Walls, visit the beautiful Piazza Vecchia, and climb the Civic Tower (Campanone) for views across the plain and the Alps.
Historical Context: Bergamo’s medieval upper city has been stunningly preserved. The Venetian Walls were built in the 16th century to defend the city and now offer a peaceful 6-kilometer pedestrian loop. The city’s history is steeped in centuries of Venetian rule.
Travel Tips: Bergamo is served by Milan’s Orio al Serio Airport (BGY). Take the bus directly from the airport or the train from Milan to the Città Bassa, then the funicular up. Recommended: Spend a full day and stay until dusk; the atmosphere as the old city lights up is magical.

According to travelers, Bergamo’s Città Alta is a hilltop historic paradise, encircled in fog and Venetian walls. The old city is like a step back in time.”

Ascoli Piceno, Marche: Travertine Elegance

Tucked in the heart of the Marche region, Ascoli Piceno is a breathtaking, small city that blends medieval history with Renaissance elegance. It is famous for its elegant architecture constructed almost entirely from pale, polished travertine marble, which glows pink at sunset.

Key Attractions: The centerpiece is the Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, often described as an outdoor drawing room. Wander the narrow streets (vicoli), visit the Romanesque churches, and see the ancient Ponte di Cecco bridge.
Cultural Insight: Ascoli feels immensely “lived in.” It’s a true hidden gem for history and architecture lovers that maintains a vibrant local life. Its relative isolation in the central Marche region has protected it from becoming a mass tourist stop.
Culinary Must-Try: The town is famous for its unique culinary delight: Olive all’ascolana, pitted, seasoned olives stuffed with meat and deep-fried. Find them at a local friggitoria.
Travel Tips: Ascoli Piceno is best reached by car or train from Ancona or Pescara. Its inland location makes it ideal for combining with a trip to the nearby Sibilline Mountains National Park.

Modena, Emilia-Romagna: The Engine of Flavor

While Bologna and Parma dominate the gastronomic map of Emilia-Romagna, Modena stands quietly between them, the undisputed capital of the region’s twin crowns: high-speed luxury and ancient, dark flavor.

Key Attractions:
- Food: Visit the Mercato Albinelli for a sensory feast. Tour an acetaia (vinegar producer) to see how true Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is aged.
- Cars: The city is the birthplace of Ferrari and Maserati. The Enzo Ferrari Museum is a pilgrimage for automotive enthusiasts.
Expert Quote: “Modena can hold her own in the kitchen,” despite being sandwiched between two famous gastronomic centres. The city is a masterpiece of concentrated, high-quality production.
Travel Tips: Modena is centrally located on Italy’s efficient train line, making it easy to access from Bologna, Florence, or Milan. Must do: Book a slow, multi-course meal at an authentic trattoria to truly savor the difference between commercial and authentic balsamic vinegar.

Camogli, Liguria: The Quiet Rival to Cinque Terre

Along the colorful Ligurian coast, everyone flocks to the Cinque Terre, but just north, a quieter, more genuinely charming fishing village waits. Camogli (meaning “House of Wives”) is characterized by tall, brightly painted houses that seem to tumble into the sea, protecting the small harbor.

Key Attractions: Relax on the pebble beach, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, built directly on a sea rock, and take a boat trip to the stunning, isolated Abbey of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by sea or a difficult hike.
Cultural Insight: Camogli was historically a major maritime power. Its houses were painted in bright, specific colors and geometric patterns so fishermen could spot their homes from far out at sea. The local pace is slow; the main activity is the daily passeggiata along the waterfront.
Travel Tips: Camogli is easily reached by train from Genoa. Pro Tip: Time your visit for the annual Festa della Sagra del Pesce (Festival of Fish) in May, where a giant 4-meter frying pan is used to cook tons of fresh fish for the public.

The Art of Slow Travel

The greatest joy in Italy is often found in the spontaneous discovery of the conversation with a local nonna, the regional dish you’ve never heard of, the quiet piazza where you sip an aperitivo and watch life unfold. This is the art of slow travel, prioritizing depth over breadth, which is perfectly suited to these underrated destinations.

As travel writer E.M. Forster once wrote: “Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvelous than the land”. By venturing Beyond Rome, you open yourself up to the most marvelous experiences Italy has to offer.

Have you discovered an Italian hidden gem we missed? Share your favorite underrated Italy destinations in the comments below! We love hearing your secrets.

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You may also find this video about the unique cultural blend in Italian cities helpful: 7 Most Underrated Italian Cities To Visit.

Sustainable Travel, Travel Guides, Travel Tips,

How to Explore a City Without Uber or Taxis

by travzdla3 months ago

Let’s be honest. Taxis and rideshare apps are easy. They get you from a hotel to a landmark without a second thought. But what do they truly give you? A quick ride, a fixed fare, and the same view out a closed window.

What if you could make your next trip a genuine adventure? What if you could see the city the way the locals do, one street at a time? This is your no Uber travel guide to trading convenience for discovery. It’s about putting your feet on the pavement, using a local’s transportation, and experiencing a city on its own terms. Ready to find the hidden gems? Let’s go.

Why Ditching the Ride Makes Sense

The most authentic travel experiences happen when you let go of your reliance on a phone and a car. By choosing to explore on foot, you save more than just money on gas and fares. You save the planet and get a front-row seat to the real city. You’ll find the hidden cafes, hear conversations in another language, and get a true feel for a neighborhood.

Studies even show that exploring a city on foot improves your mood and mental well-being. It’s a chance to put down the phone, look up, and be present. You get a taste of local life, from the city’s bus routes to its secret stairways.

A Glimpse from the Top: The Strategic Bus Tour

Sometimes, you just need a lay of the land. Before you commit to walking the whole city, a bus tour can be a smart, strategic starting point.

Most major cities have hop-on hop-off buses, like Big Bus Tours or City Sightseeing, that travel a fixed route of the main landmarks. You can ride the full loop once to get your bearings, learn some history from the audio guide, and make a mental map of places you want to come back to. These tours are best for orientation, not for a deep dive. Use your ticket to see the major sights from the top deck, then hop off and use a different method to truly explore a specific neighborhood that caught your eye.

Be Your Own Tour Guide: The Art of the Walking Tour

A traditional walking tour is about the joy of discovery. It’s an immersive experience a bus can’t provide. You get to feel the cobblestones under your feet and get up close to the historical markers. A self-guided tour is one of my favorite walkable city travel tips.

Go Solo: Download an app like izi.TRAVEL or VoiceMap to get a free audio guide you can follow at your own pace. These guides are often created by local experts and reveal the city’s best secrets.

My Best Discovery: The Chicago Pedway

The Chicago Pedway is Chicago’s downtown pedestrian walkway system, and it lies in the heart of the city. This system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges links more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District, covering roughly five miles. The Pedway connects public buildings, private buildings, and transit facilities serving the CTA, Metra, Amtrak, and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).

The best part of traveling on foot is when a happy accident leads you to a discovery you never planned. My friend and I were in Chicago on a chilly day, with that famous wind whipping down the city streets. We were freezing and about to give up on our walk when we saw a small, unassuming sign for the Pedway.

We ducked inside to get away, and in doing so, we found a whole secret city! It was a maze of tunnels below the city’s streets, with bakeries, coffee shops, and little stores we never would have seen from above. We ended up walking for an hour, completely lost and loving it, until we popped out in the lower level of Macy’s. That unexpected discovery was one of the highlights of our whole trip.

So, the next time you travel, why not leave the rideshare app on the back burner? Embrace the rhythm of the city, find a new path, and discover what’s just around the corner.

Comment below and tell me about the best discovery you ever made on foot! Share this no Uber travel guide with a friend, and follow along for more walkable city travel tips to make your next trip unforgettable.

Sustainable Travel, Travel Guides, Travel Hacks, Travel Philosophy, Travel Tips,

The Art of Slow Travel: Why Rushing Less Makes Trips More Meaningful

by travzdla3 months ago

Remember that feeling? The one where you’re racing through airport terminals, frantically trying to catch a flight, only to land in a new city with a packed itinerary that leaves you breathless. You’re ticking boxes, snapping photos, and moving on to the next “must-see” landmark. You’ve seen the world, but have you truly experienced it?

This is the reality of “fast travel.” But there is a better way to travel..

Enter the world of slow travel. This philosophy is a quiet rebellion against the frantic pace of modern life. It’s a mindset that encourages you to trade hurried itineraries for the luxury of time. It’s about more than just a trip; it’s about meaningful travel tips that transform a journey into a deeper connection with a place and its people. This is your ultimate slow travel guide to living like a local, embracing cultural immersion, and finding joy in the unhurried moments.

5 Meaningful Travel Tips for the Slow Traveler

For a first-timer, embracing the slow travel mindset can feel daunting. But it’s not about being idle; it’s about being intentional. Here’s how you can get started.

1. Stay Longer in One Place.

Forget the “three cities in five days” trip. Choose one or two destinations and spend a week or more in each. This allows you to unpack, settle in, and truly get to know your surroundings. It’s the difference between admiring a painting in a gallery and living inside it.

Tip: Consider a destination that exemplifies the slow pace, like Luang Prabang, Laos, or West Cork, Ireland. These places are built for leisurely exploration.

2. Ditch the Itinerary.

Fast travel is a checklist. Slow travel is a blank page. Instead of a minute-by-minute schedule, pick one or two must-do activities per week. The rest of your time is for spontaneous discovery. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a local street market or find a hidden café where the owner knows your name. That’s where the real magic happens.

3. Rethink Your Transportation.

Instead of flying between cities, take a train. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure. In a new town, walk, cycle, or use local buses. You’ll see things you’d never see from a taxi window, and you’ll instantly connect with the rhythm of daily life. This also aligns with sustainable travel practices by reducing your carbon footprint.

4. Connect with the Community.

A true slow traveler seeks to connect. Instead of staying in a chain hotel, book an Airbnb or a locally owned guesthouse. Shop at farmers’ markets. Learn a few phrases of the local language. Eat where the locals eat. Consider using apps like Couchsurfing o Meetup or airbnb to find local events and make new friends.

5. Embrace Downtime.

Slow travel isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about being okay with doing less. Spend an afternoon reading in a park or people watching from a café. This travel mindfulness allows your mind and body to relax, ensuring you return home feeling rejuvenated, not exhausted.

The Top 5 Benefits of Slow Travel

Why choose the slower path? The benefits of slow travel go far beyond just saving money. They change how you view the world and yourself.

1. Deeper Cultural Immersion

When you slow down, you become a participant, not just an observer. You have the time to learn how to make a regional dish, attend a local festival, or simply have a long, meaningful conversation with a shopkeeper. As a study by Vaya Adventures found, slow travelers are more likely to forge genuine connections with locals, which often become the most memorable parts of their journey.

2. Enhanced Mental Well-being & Reduced Stress

The constant pressure to “see it all” can lead to burnout. In fact, a recent survey found that 28% of travelers are now prioritizing mental health and well-being. By letting go of the need to rush, slow travel reduces travel-associated stress and allows you to truly reset. It’s a natural form of digital detox.

3. It’s More Sustainable

Why slow travel beats fast travel is simple: it’s better for the planet. By choosing trains over planes and walking instead of driving, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. You also support local economies by staying in locally owned establishments and buying directly from small businesses, which is a key part of ethical tourism.

4. You Save Money

This might seem counterintuitive, but slow travel is often more budget-friendly. Long-term rentals are typically cheaper per night than short-term ones. Cooking at home with ingredients from a local market is far more affordable than eating out every meal. You also eliminate the cost of constant flights and long-distance transportation.

5. A Path to Personal Growth

Slow travel is a journey of self-discovery. By stepping away from the daily grind and embracing a foreign culture, you are forced to adapt, learn, and grow. You have the time to journal, reflect on your life, and see the world from a different perspective. It builds resilience and fosters a deeper appreciation for the world’s diverse ways of life.

Tools for the Mindful Traveler

Embracing this new way of travel is a journey, and having the right tools can make all the difference.

For Staying Organized: Don’t let your mind race. Use a project management app like Notion to keep all your travel notes, bookings, and ideas in one place.
For Staying Connected: For longer trips, an eSIM service like GigSky offers reliable internet across multiple countries, so you’re not scrambling for local SIM cards.
For Learning: A language learning app like Duolingo can help you learn a few phrases to connect with locals.
For Packing Light: A digital luggage scale and compression packing cubes can be game changers, making it easier to move around.

Your Journey Awaits

Travel is not about what you see; it’s about what you feel. The stories you’ll tell won’t be about the ten landmarks you saw in a day, but about the conversations you had over coffee, the unexpected friendships you made, and the quiet moments that truly changed you.

This is your invitation to slow down. Embrace the art of living in the moment. Your next adventure doesn’t need to be a race. It can be a deep, rewarding journey.

Are you ready to embrace the art of slow travel? Tell us in the comments