Traveling opens up a world of emotions for me, a mix of excitement, curiosity, bliss, and deep thoughts.

During my quiet moments of slow travel, I find certain quotes resonate with me. These quotes capture the essence of travel, adventure, and life lessons I learned on the road.

Over the last ten years of traveling, I’ve collected my favorite slow travel quotes. These quotes serve as a reminder of all the emotions and realizations that come with exploring the world.

Below are some of my favorite slow travel quotes. They’re perfect for anyone looking to capture the spirit of their adventures. You can share them on Instagram, or Pinterest, or just keep them close to your heart as you wander.

Most Inspirational Slow Travel Quotes

Slow Travel quote over a serene tropical beach scene in Freedom Beach Phuket, reading 'The beauty of slow travel lies not in how far you go, but in how deeply you immerse.' Website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom.
Freedom Beach in Phuket, Thailand

1. “The beauty of slow travel lies not in how far you go, but in how deeply you immerse.”

This quote perfectly captures the essence of slow travel. In a world where far-off travel is normal, slow travel invites us to change focus.

It’s not about how far we can travel, but about the depth of our experiences. Slow travel encourages us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, connect with the people, and truly understand the places we visit.

It’s a reminder that the best journeys need time, care, and a willingness to explore deeply.

2. “Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor

A person stands with raised arms amidst a lush green rice field under a dynamic sky, with the quote 'Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.' by Eddie Cantor

Many of us also have a desire to tick off countries from our travel lists. But this slow travel quote reminds us why we travel in the first place – to enjoy life.

3. “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

A sunset scenery in Jaffna with palm trees in a yellow sky with an inspiring quote:  good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." by Lao Tzu

Over time, I also realized that while planning is important, being flexible and enjoying the journey itself has led to countless laughters and memories I still cherish today.

4. “The journey is the destination.” – Ram Dass

Me on a picturesque Swiss mountain path illustrating the concept that 'The journey is the destination.' by Ram Dass

Ram Dass is one of the spiritual gurus who inspired me to view travel as a spiritual journey.

Although it’s not specifically a slow travel quote, it’s a great reminder that the journey is more important than the destination.

5. “Slow travel isn’t just about seeing the world, but about letting the world see you, unguarded and open.”

Aerial view of a tropical coastline with dense palm trees and the inspiring quote 'Slow travel isn't just about seeing the world, but about letting the world see you, unguarded and open.'
Freedom Beach in Phuket, Thailand

Slow travel allows you to be yourself and enjoy the moment. I love that I can just chill, stroll around, talk to local vendors, or simply enjoy a sunset.

There’s no pressure to always look perfect for that Instagram shot.

6. “In slowing down, we find ourselves.”

Me overlooking a vast green landscape in Sri Lanka symbolizing self-discovery, accompanied by a slow travel quote 'In slowing down, we find ourselves.'
Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

Slowing down allows me to connect with myself. I get to be reminded of what matters most to me, and whether my current goals and actions align with that.

It is during my travels that I realized that I needed to quit my job. It no longer sparked joy me and was leading me towards a life I didn’t want.

7. “Slow travel teaches us that every path leads not just to a new destination, but to a new perspective.”

A red boat in a lake in Lucerne Switzerland with slow travel quote: Slow travel teaches us that every path leads not just to a new destination, but to a new perspective.
Lake Lucerne in Lucerne, Switzerland

Traveling taught me so much, especially about various cultures. It made me rethink my world views and offered me fresh perspectives on many things.

8. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Louis Charles Fougeret de Monbron

9. “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” – Rumi

Slow travel quote from Rumi, 'Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray,' set against a pale pink background with happinessontheway.com at the bottom.

I’ve turned to Rumi‘s poems countless times for life guidance. This quote, in particular, inspired me to pursue what I love most – traveling!

10. “The slower you travel, the more you learn.” – Slow Travel Quote from Deborah Fallows

Slow travel quote featuring the saying 'The slower you travel, the more you learn.' by Deborah Fallows on a clean blush background, with the website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom.

During slow travels, I’ve been able to deeply understand the places I visit, the people, and their lifestyles.

Plus, I’ve witnessed incredible natural wonders. Like recently we were in sitting on a park in Prague and we notice birds watched birds sliding on the river’s surface, then flying to do it all over again, just like children playing.

We would’ve completely missed this moment if we were tied to a strict schedule.

11. “The beauty of travel is found in the pause.”

A serene scene capturing slow travel, featuring me in a pastel blue dress sitting on a wooden pathway amidst lush green rice fields with mountains in the distance. The overlaying quote 'The beauty of travel is found in the pause' complements the peaceful landscape, perfect for a slow travel quote.
Vang Vieng, Laos
An intimate moment atop a mountain at dusk with me and my partner seated close to each other, holding a Laotian flag, overlooking a valley, encapsulating the essence of Rumi's slow travel quote 'Travel brings power and love back into your life.
Nam Xay Viewpoint in Laos

12. “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” – Rumi

Another slow travel quote from Rumi. Travel brings us strength and love because it makes us live in the moment, fills us with wonder, and helps us reconnect with nature.

13. “Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Mahatma Gandhi”

A simple bamboo hut house in Cambodia over a river and with coconut trees as a background with an inspiring quote Live simply, so that others may simply live.” by Mahatma Gandhi
A traditional bamboo house in Cambodia

Slow travel really makes us think twice about consumerism and the importance of sustainable tourism.

I love how the slow travel movement addresses the downsides of mass tourism, like harming the environment and causing places to become too crowded.

14. “The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens

Aerial view of a shoreline with vibrant turquoise waters and foamy waves meeting the sandy beach, overlaid with the quote 'The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.' by Wallace Stevens, and the website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom.

I love how traveling puts me in a state of awe – whether I’m gazing out of a bus window at the local streets, wandering through a forest or simply sitting in a park. I feel alive, connected and fully in the moment.

15. “Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place.” – Rumi

The warm glow of sunrise illuminating rugged mountain peaks, accompanied by Rumi's quote 'Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place.'
Starry night sky above the snow-capped Matterhorn mountain, paired with the profound quote 'The greatest discovery is that you are nothing. That is the greatest love.' by Ramana Maharshi

16. “The greatest discovery is that you are nothing. That is the greatest love.” – Ramana Maharshi

17. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

Dusk view of the Paris skyline featuring the Eiffel Tower, with the quote 'Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.' by Gustave Flaubert, displayed prominently in the foreground and website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom.
Panoramic Views of Paris, France

Travel has this amazing way of showing us just how small our place is in the vastness of the world. Suddenly our whims are just so tiny in this huge, incredible world.

18. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

A view of Bay Bridge in San Francisco at sunset with a quote: Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. – John Lennon
Bay Bridge in San Francisco, USA

19. “Travel slow, for the world whispers its secrets to those who take time to listen.” – An Inspiring Slow Travel Quote

Sunrise behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris, seen through the silhouette of a bridge railing, with the inspiring slow travel quote 'Travel slow, for the world whispers its secrets to those who take time to listen.'
View of the Eiffel Tower from Pont Bir Hakeim in Paris, France

This slow travel quote reminds us that the slower you go, the more you’re able to hear—the stories of the places, the rhythm of nature, and the wisdom of locals.

It’s amazing what staying a bit longer in a place and genuinely connecting with the locals can reveal.

While I love sharing my discoveries here on this blog, the key is really just to slow down and chat with the locals; they’ll lead you to the places they cherish the most.

20. “Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.” – Paulo Coelho

Me poised between rugged rock formations in Pai Canyon under a clear blue sky, accompanied by Paulo Coelho's quote 'Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.
Pai Canyon in Thailand

It took me years to finally admit that the reason I don’t travel more is fear, not money. It took me a decade to even do it full time.

Yes, travel has costs, but it can also be affordable, especially slow travel. By carefully planning transportation, choosing to walk more, staying out of touristy places, and cooking your own meals, you can practically travel to many destinations on a budget.

21. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Me with a backpack facing a majestic mountain peak amidst a lush forest, with the J.R.R. Tolkien quote 'Not all those who wander are lost.'
Lakegala in Meemure, Sri Lanka
Me in a white tank top looking out over a rugged coastline with lush greenery and blue sea, with the Rumi quote 'Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.' and the website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom.
Karang Boma Cliff in Bali, Indonesia

22. “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.” – Rumi

23. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

A view of coconut trees on a Valley in Salento, Colombia with a slow travel quote: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
Valle del Cocora in Salento, Colombia

This is one of the most powerful slow travel quotes. Nature teaches us the beauty of taking things slowly, both in life and in travel.

24. “Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop

A view of scenic road in Switzerland with a quote: Adventure is worthwhile. – Aesop
A Scenic Road in Switzerland

This simple yet profound slow travel quote from Aesop, the Greek storyteller, continues to inspire me, especially when travel doesn’t go as planned.

Whether it’s a missed flight, falling ill, or facing unpleasant weather, these challenges are all part of the beauty and spontaneity of travel.

25. “In slow travel, patience is your passport, and curiosity is your compass.” – A Slow Travel Quote

A street with old colorful buildings in Cartagena, Colombia with a slow travel quote: In the realm of slow travel, patience is your passport, and curiosity, your compass.
Cartagena, Colombia

26. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

27. “Wherever you are, be all there.” – Jim Elliott

A view of a tree and a fog with a mountain in Chicaque Natural Park with a quote: Wherever you are, be all there. – Jim Elliott
Chicaque Natural Park in Colombia

This saying is a reminder to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, regardless of where you are.

Whether you’re exploring a new city, enjoying a quiet moment at home, or facing an unexpected challenge on the road, this slow travel quote invites you to give your full attention and presence to the experience at hand.

28. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama

Me with outstretched arms in a white dress standing between ancient stone ruins under a clear sky, with the Dalai Lama quote 'Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.'
Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

This simple idea is an invitation (or excuse) to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new.

It has led me to discover incredible places, meet amazing people, and learn things I would have otherwise missed.

29. “Collect moments, not just destinations.”

Louvre at night with an inspiring slow travel quote: Collect moments, not just destinations.
Louvre at night in Paris
Scenic view of Paris at night with a slow travel quote: Less about miles, more about moments.
Scenic Paris at night

30. “Less about miles, more about moments.”

31. “The true journey is measured not in miles but in moments of awe and wonder.”

Scenic landscape of a valley with misty mountains under a dusk sky, paired with the quote 'The true journey is measured not in miles but in moments of awe and wonder.'

For me, it’s about those instances that take my breath away, not how far I’ve gone.

It could be a stunning sunset in a new place, a friendly smile from someone I just met, or the first bite of a local dish. These moments are what really make my trips memorable.

32. “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

A bicycle on a bridge in Amsterdam overlooking old and colorful houses on a canal with a slow travel quote: Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller by Ibn Battuta
Amsterdam, Netherlands

33. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

34. “A slow traveler builds bridges of understanding where others barely leave footprints.” – A Slow Travel Quote

Buildings in London on a blue sky with a low travel quote: A slow traveler builds bridges of understanding where others barely leave footprints.
London, United Kingdom

35. “Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Beatty

Minimalistic design with the quote 'Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.' by Jaime Lyn Beatty
Simple yet profound quote on spirituality 'We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.' by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

36. “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

37. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

A panoramic view of the old buildings in Belgium with a quote: Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all by Helen Keller.
Brussels, Belgium

38.”I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

A hiking trail to the Griffith Observatory overlooking the buildings of Los Angeles with a quote: 'I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.' by Robert Louis Stevenson
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California, USA

39. “To travel slowly is to savor each color, taste, and sound, weaving them into the tapestry of your soul.”

View from a train window showing lush greenery and a dirt path beside the railway track, with a quote 'To travel slowly is to savor each color, taste, and sound, weaving them into the tapestry of your soul.'
Train in Sri Lanka

40. “Breathe deeply, travel slowly.”

41. “Home is not just the place where you happen to be born, it’s the place where you become yourself.” – Pico Iyer

The skyline of Hong Kong with a boat and an inspiring quote, "Home is not just the place where you happen to be born, it’s the place where you become yourself" by – Pico Iyer

I have been traveling for over ten years and often people ask me if I feel homesick.

Although I do miss my home, I also feel at home in a place after staying there for a month and making connections. I feel like I have a home in many locations.

42. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Me walking on a dirt road through a forested mountainous area with the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote 'Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.'

43. “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass

Me meditating in a serene grassy field with distant hills, paired with the quote 'The quieter you become, the more you can hear.' by Ram Dass

44. “A thousand half-loves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home.” – Rumi

Scenic view of a tropical village with traditional huts surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background, with the Rumi quote 'A thousand half-loves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home.' and the website credit happinessontheway.com at the bottom."

45. “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

Vibrant street signs at night in an urban setting with the quote 'To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.' by Freya Stark

46. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

Me sitting and bonding with a dog on a rocky trail surrounded by dense greenery, with the quote 'A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.' by Tim Cahill
Hiking in Meemure, Sri Lanka’s most remote village

I have met many friends on my travels around the world, and they have brought me more joy than any thrilling adventure I have experienced on the road.

47. “We’re all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass

My parents kayaking in a tranquil blue lake surrounded by lush greenery under a clear sky, with the profound Ram Dass quote 'We're all just walking each other home.'

48. “Explore the world with an open mind, a sturdy carry-on, and clothes that don’t wrinkle.” – Madeleine Albright

A woman looking outside from an airport window, holding a coffee mug and a luggage with a quote: Explore the world with an open mind, a sturdy carry-on, and clothes that don't wrinkle by Madeleine Albright.

I’ve included this slow travel quote on this list because these aspects make slow travel much easier, and a backpack also qualifies as a carry-on!

49. Through the lens of slow travel, we capture not just images, but the essence of places and people. – A Slow Travel Quote

Lush green landscape with distant mountains and a river in the foreground, accompanied by the quote 'Through the lens of slow travel, we capture not just images, but the essence of places and people.'

50. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake

Busy city traffic with a variety of colorful cars on a multi-lane road, under a billboard and urban buildings, overlayed with the insightful slow travel quote 'With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.' by Sandra Lake
Bangkok, Thailand

I’ve learned far more about a culture and way of life during my travels than I’ll ever do from studying it. It’s by far one of the best educations I’ve ever had.

51. “The best way to get to know the place you are traveling is through its food.” – Michael Palin

A gourmet plate of quinoa, grilled vegetables, and sliced radishes on a rustic wooden table, embodying the culinary exploration of slow travel with Michael Palin's quote 'The best way to get to know the place you are traveling is through its food.

My partner and I love trying out the local cuisines whenever we travel. We take this a step further by enrolling in cooking classes.

This way, we not only get to learn about the culture and its people better, but we also get to take a piece of the place back home with us through its food.

52. “Every hundred feet the world changes.” – Roberto Bolaño

ramatic view of Rainbow Mountain range with the quote 'Every hundred feet the world changes.' by Roberto Bolaño
Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru

53. “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

54. “To be everywhere is to be nowhere.” – Seneca

A secluded beach cove in Uluwatu Beach and clear blue waters, paired with the quote 'To be everywhere is to be nowhere. – Seneca
Uluwatu Beach in Bali, Indonesia

55. “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Karang Boma cliff over a calm ocean with the quote 'A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Karang Boma Cliff in Bali, Indonesia

56. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

An exhilarating point-of-view shot of me bungee jumping in action, diving into the sky with clouds surrounding, embodying the slow travel quote 'Life begins at the end of your comfort zone' by Neale Donald Walsch.
Bungee Jumping in the World’s Highest Tower in Macau

57. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

A thatched hut amidst lush green Bali Rice Terraces with the quote 'Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. – Mark Twain

You will realize a lot of prejudices you have while traveling. This profound quote about slow travel reminds us of this humbling experience.

58. “The best education I have ever received was through travel.” – Lisa Ling

A solitary figure rows a wooden boat on the calm waters of Laos at dusk, with the quote 'The best education I have ever received was through travel. – Lisa Ling
Laos

59. “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

A slow boat in Laos as the sun sets, with the quote 'You don’t have to be rich to travel well. – Eugene Fodor
Slow Boat in Laos

60. “Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.” – Rumi

Inspirational Rumi quote 'Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth.' presented in a bold, contemporary style against a plain background
A motivational Chinese proverb 'Don’t listen to what they say. Go see.' displayed in a clean, modern font on a light pink background

61. “Don’t listen to what they say. Go see.” – Chinese Proverb

62. “Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God.” – Kurt Vonnegut

A red bus in Sri Lanka kicks up dust on a rural road through dense greenery, accompanied by the quote 'Bizarre travel plans are dancing lessons from God. – Kurt Vonnegut
Local buses in Sri Lanka

63. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

64. “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” – Matsuo Basho

65. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot

A blurred image of a moving Sri Lanka train filled with passengers, overlayed with the quote 'The journey not the arrival matters. – T.S. Eliot
The Kandy to Ella Train in Sri Lanka

66. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France

A tranquil beach scene in Palawan, Philippines with a solitary boat on crystal clear waters, paired with a slow travel quote 'Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. – Anatole France
El Nido, Palawan

67. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

The Eiffel Tower stands tall against the Parisian cityscape, with the quote 'The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust
A view of Paris from a rooftop

68. “Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear.” – Freya Stark

69. “Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.” – Ram Dass

A serene river at sunset witha slow travel quote 'Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise. – Ram Dass
Slow Boat in Laos

70. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

71. “The next message you need is always right where you are.” – Ram Dass

A motion-blurred view from a train window with a slow travel quote 'The next message you need is always right where you are. – Ram Dass
Kandy to Ella Train in Sri Lanka

72. “Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.” – Ross Morley

74. “Let the world unfold at your pace.” – A Slow Travel Quote

Slow Travel Quote: 'Let the world unfold at your pace.' presented in a minimalist style on a pastel backdrop

Have you ever had a plan and it didn’t go as you expected, only to realize years later that it turned out better than what you had originally planned?

The same goes for travel – sometimes it’s best to let things unfold and enjoy the journey.

Save this quote about slow travel or even set it as your wallpaper to remind yourself to let things happen naturally.

75. “Where slow travel leads, wonder follows.” – A Slow Travel Quote

The silhouette of a stupa against a pastel sky with slow travel quote 'Where slow travel leads, wonder follows.'
A stupa in Sri Lanka

I hope you enjoyed my best slow travel quotes. Whether you’re looking for captions for your Instagram or TikTok, writing to a friend who loves to travel, filling up your Pinterest board, or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, I hope these quotes have sparked some excitement in you.

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