You might assume that Slow Travel is all about how you get there. While it definitely can be about the choice of transport – a wonderful train journey for example – Slow Travel is so much more than that. Amongst other things, it’s about what you do when you get there.
Slow Travel is not about checking the smart phone every two minutes, hunting down the nearest global supermarket chain, exploiting the locals or pocketing the beach pebbles.
It is about engaging with the area, trying regional specialities, and taking nothing more than photographs. It can also be about creating memorable experiences and even doing something life-affirming or self-improving.
I knew a chap who spent his holidays walking kids to school in Gaza. I’m not suggesting that should be your cup of tea, but it was inspiring.
A good place to start is the learning holiday. Don’t fear, we’re not about to sign you up for a two-week crash course in astro-physics, though frankly that sounds blinking brilliant. We’re thinking fun stuff, like outdoor activities and the kind of sports you didn’t do at school.
Kite surfing in Western Australia is one choice on our wishlist. For three days you get to join an IKO accredited kitesurf school at the tantalisingly named Safety Bay, 40 minutes from Perth. The beaches are apparently beautiful and the conditions perfect for learning.
It will be somewhat of an adrenaline fest as you learn to fly, launch and land a kite, body drag and get up on the board in the water. Class sizes are kept small at no more than four people and you’ll have a minimum of 11 hours’tuition.
Kite surfing is the fastest growing watersport in the world apparently and you don’t have to have any kit to get started. Kit is free during lessons and available to hire for practice in your own time.
Depending on where you live in the world, a three-day trip to Oz might not be do-able of course. There are kite surfing holidays in Europe too, though, so there’s little excuse for sitting on the beach with the work laptop.
Learn to kite surf in Australia
