From Bali to Tuscany: 9 Gorgeous Places Outside India for Slow Travel Lovers
If you are planning your next mindful escape, here are nine stunning destinations outside India where you can embrace slow living, stay longer, and travel like a local.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Why go slow: Ubud’s rice terraces, yoga retreats, and organic cafés invite you to unwind and reconnect. Slow travel idea: Take a Balinese cooking class, explore on foot or by bicycle, and spend mornings meditating amid jungle sounds.
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Tuscany, Italy Why go slow: Tuscany’s countryside defines dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing. Slow travel idea: Rent a farmhouse, taste wines in Chianti, and take unhurried day trips to Siena and Florence.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand Why go slow: With its ancient temples and laid-back culture, Chiang Mai is perfect for long stays and creative retreats. Slow travel idea: Enroll in a pottery or Thai massage class, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries, and explore local night markets.
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Luang Prabang, Laos Why go slow: This UNESCO town feels frozen in time with its French colonial charm and riverside monasteries. Slow travel idea: Watch the morning alms-giving ceremony, sip Laotian coffee by the Mekong, and stay in heritage guesthouses.
Hoi An, Vietnam Why go slow: Lantern-lit streets and riverside cafés make Hoi An one of Asia’s most tranquil destinations. Slow travel idea: Get tailor-made clothes, cycle to An Bang Beach, and learn to cook pho with local chefs.
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Queenstown, New Zealand Why go slow: Beyond its adrenaline tag, Queenstown offers serene lake walks, wineries, and cozy lodges. Slow travel idea: Spend days hiking, reading by Lake Wakatipu, and exploring vineyards at your own pace.
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Santorini, Greece Why go slow: Famous for sunsets, Santorini’s magic lies in its quiet mornings and hidden villages. Slow travel idea: Stay in a cliffside cave house, enjoy long seaside lunches, and stroll through Pyrgos instead of Oia.
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Provence, France Why go slow: Lavender fields, farmers’ markets, and stone cottages make Provence perfect for long, lazy holidays. Slow travel idea: Rent a countryside villa, shop for cheese and wine at local markets, and paint or picnic amid the lavender bloom.
Bhutan Why go slow: With its Gross National Happiness philosophy, Bhutan naturally embodies mindful living. Slow travel idea: Trek through Paro Valley, meditate in monasteries, and converse with locals over butter tea.
Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.
