Life in the slow lane:
10 Best trips for slow travel

It doesn’t get more relaxing than a traditional Maldivian dhoni cruise on the turquoise waters of the Maldives. Spending the week with a small crew and like-minded travellers, you’ll sail between unspoilt islands, stopping at remote fishing villages and vibrant coral reefs along the way. There’ll be no Wi-Fi once you leave Male, giving you the chance to enjoy a digital detox as you tread soft sandy beaches, indulge in freshly-caught fish and meet local people from this tropical paradise.

Revolving around the vibrant autumn colours of iconic National Parks of North America, this Montreal-to-Boston tour steps off the beaten track to lesser-visited spots, such as a French Canadian ‘sugar shack’, as well as the breathtaking Abbaye Saint Benoit monastery. Much of this 12-day journey will be spent on foot, whether you’re wandering Montreal’s Old Port, exploring the lush hills of Acadia National Park, or following the historic Freedom trail. But don’t forget to simply stop and take in the wilderness of North America - the colours of fall are what makes this trip truly unforgettable.

One of our slowest tours in Asia, this Thai West Coast trip begins with an overnight train journey from Bangkok to Trang, where we’ll be island hopping in the Andaman Sea. There are plenty of free days throughout the itinerary, giving you endless opportunities to slowly explore at your own leisure. Whether you’re looking to relax by the warm, turquoise waters of Krabi, or want to dive beneath the surface in search of coral and caves, this tour of Thailand can match your pace.

This easy-grade Italy cycling tour explores the sunny region of Puglia at a pace that’s perfect for beginners, as well as those simply looking for a more leisurely ride. Throughout this eight-day Italy trip you’ll stop at a rustic bakery to learn about bread making, visit a local masserie (farmhouse) for wine tasting, and simply people watch from the terrace of a bar. There are numerous optional rides along this journey, meaning you can step it up a gear or slow right down.

Showcasing the lush landscapes and iconic wildlife of the KwaZulu-Natal region, this 9-day South Africa walking trip begins with a gentle nature trail walk to the beach. While there’s plenty of hiking throughout this tour, you’ll be surrounded by nature at almost every turn, including indigenous forest, natural pools, and vast mountainscapes. At the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Reserve you may even be lucky enough to spot the iconic Big Five before returning to the chalets for a traditional barbecue.