Slower tour travel a growing trend
“Slow travel” is getting more popular, according to surveys from the US Tour Operators Association.
The trend is a stepchild of slow food.
“People want to slow down and have a relaxing vacation, but they still want an experience. Our guests are seeing that train travel offers a way to do both,” said Tertius Serfontein, Director of Reservations for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations (RMV). He adds:
“Guests want scenery that will inspire them. They want to be off the beaten track, where only a train can take them, and they want a chance to get off and explore it for themselves.”
Rocky Mountaineer is among tour operators combining elements of slow travel with soft adventure. Its train goes through glacier-fed lakes, towering canyons, lush ranchlands and the Canadian Rockies in Western Canada.
RMV is a luxury train company that offers vacation packages complete with adventure and relaxation. Reservation agents and train staff are seeing an increase in guests looking for a vacation where the journey is the destination, with a little off-the-beaten path excitement thrown into the mix, according to Mr Serfontein.
He defines slow travel as an “easier, simpler and slower way of travel” and includes rail and cruise travel, as well as villa stays.
RMV offers a variety of packages that allow travelers to enjoy the spectacular scenery à la window seat, or to pair it with a wilderness adventure. The key is that the rail packages can be customized, allowing travelers the freedom to choose their own level of adventure – slow or fast, says Mr Serfontein.
Options include the eight-day Rockies, Whales and Bears tour with its Pacific Coast scenery and a chance to visit a natural hot spring and search for black bears and whales.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026