The slow movement overall is spreading like wildfire. Television shows, major motion pictures, and of course many travel agencies are jumping on the slow travel bandwagon like passengers from a sinking ship leaping for lifeboats.



Because Slow is hot. Period.

So how can you determine a solid slow plan or destination for your slow travel? A quick Google search brings up some decent results. But overall it leaves you lacking, because many of the top listings are simply doorways to quickie ticket sites like Travelocity or Cheap Tickets. Which, in my opinion, are definitely NOT slow travel oriented.

For those that are new to the concept, it can be amazingly difficult to discern a really excellent slow travel destination from a cheesy imitation simply because these companies hire some of the top marketing firms in the business.

These guys are good at their jobs. So they use crafty wording and lots of fluff to convince you that you've made a sound slow travel plan, when in fact all you have done is set yourself up for a rush trip filled with deadlines, coupons, and headaches.

But there is a fairly simple answer to this problem. One that doesn't take much effort or much thought. It only takes initiative.

Ask someone. Get in touch with someone in the know about slow travel in general. If possible, someone that has even dealt with the company or destination that you are considering. Have someone help you with your itinerary. The old saying is true. Two heads are better than one. If you can find someone that has some experience and knows what slow travel is about, you can easily learn how to avoid the pitfalls.

One place you can look for assistance is www.slowtravelblog.com or www.slowtravel.org . They are both excellent resources and both completely approved and run by The World Institute of Slowness. TWIOS is considered the major authority on slow websites overall and is an excellent place to start. Even the founder, Geir Berthelsen is often available to assist you in your choices and will surely help you with your travel plans or destinations if he can.

www.slowtravel.org is probably your best bet when starting out if you would rather not ask someone for help. All of the sites there are hand selected and manually approved by The World Institute of Slowness. The verification process is extensive, so it is a safe bet that destinations listed there are slow worthy.

You can also try talking to some of the TWIOS members at our forum, which is located at www.slowtravelforum.com. Getting some direct insight by posting on the boards may bring you the advice you are looking for.

However, everything always comes down to personal taste and your views on Slow overall. What is 'Slow' to some, may not be 'Slow' to others. So do your own research as well. By doing your homework and looking before you leap, you are most likely going to make the right decisions. Even if you don't, it is always a learning process and it will make you better for the next time.

Which is what life is all about. Learning how to live it. To enjoy it.