From Bali to Tuscany: 9 Gorgeous Places Outside India for Slow Travel Lovers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.