Travelling isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about soaking up a rhythm, blending into a landscape and savouring every moment. It’s about soaking up a rhythm, blending into a landscape, and savoring every moment. In a world where everything seems to be moving ever faster, adopting a slow tourism approach is becoming a more respectful, immersive and sustainable way of exploring. It means slowing down, favoring gentle, local means of transport, and reducing the ecological impact of our travels.
Not everything has to be done by car. Each destination offers unique alternatives, which both reduce our carbon footprint and enable us to enjoy authentic experiences. These modes of transport tell a story – the story of the people, the landscapes and the often centuries-old traditions. How about a tuk-tuk in Watamu, a train in Thailand, a dahabia on the Nile, a pirogue in Senegal, or a bicycle in the Camargue? These choices are not just practical: they transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure, a meeting of cultures and nature.
Discover how these five means of transport invite you to slow down and appreciate the richness of your destinations.
Tuk-tuk in Watamu, Kenya: the vibrant soul of the coast
Nestled on Kenya’s southeast coast, some 100 kilometers north of Mombasa, Watamu is a small, peaceful town renowned for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and friendly atmosphere. Although modest in size, it attracts travelers for its marine park, mangroves and coral reefs, making this destination a true tropical paradise.
In this city where everything seems to breathe the sweetness of life, tuk-tuks embody the local rhythm. These noisy but charming three-wheeled vehicles are omnipresent. Their characteristic hum animates the streets, linking colorful markets, golden beaches and shady neighborhood alleyways. Just wave and a tuk-tuk will pull up and invite you aboard.
Riding a tuk-tuk in Watamu is much more than just a ride: it’s a total immersion in local life. The driver, often smiling and chatty, becomes an impromptu guide, sharing local anecdotes and practical advice, while the streets whiz by in a whirlwind of excitement. Between the laughter of children, stalls overflowing with tropical fruit and the scent of grilled fish, every journey is a window onto the city’s warm and welcoming daily life. Whether you’re joining a bustling market, exploring idyllic beaches or simply admiring the vibrant beauty of the surroundings, a trip by tuk-tuk is a memorable experience, to the intoxicating rhythm of Watamu.
Good to Know
Tuk-tuks in Watamu are not only typical, they’re also very affordable: you can expect to pay between €1 and €3 per trip for most journeys around town. Convenient and ubiquitous, they can be stopped at the wave of a hand. A little tip: ask for your favorite driver’s phone number so you can contact him or her easily on your next outing. It’s a time-saver and a way of ensuring your travels are worry-free!
The train in Thailand: an immersive journey to the heart of local life
Taking the train in Thailand is much more than a means of transport: it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the moment. Through the windows, a kaleidoscope of landscapes unfolds: rice paddies glistening in the sun, golden temples rising from the hills, and mountains shrouded in mist. Whether it’s an overnight train to Chiang Mai or a shorter journey through the countryside, the journey plunges you into a timeless bubble.
On board, the experience is as rich as the scenery. At every stop, street vendors come aboard, their arms laden with local specialties: steaming soups, spicy kebabs, fresh fruit, traditional sweets… A chance to sample authentic Thai cuisine, while exchanging smiles with passengers. Lulled by the tranquil rhythm of the train, you’ll soak up the Thai way of life, and enjoy a slow, soothing, deeply authentic experience. Every moment becomes a discovery, a real immersion in the daily life of the locals.
Good to Know
Trains in Thailand vary in comfort, from single carriages to higher classes with more comfortable seats and meals on board. Night trains are a popular way to cross the country, offering couchettes and moderate comfort for an overnight journey. Tickets are affordable and can be booked online or at the station, but it’s advisable to book in advance, especially for night trains. Be prepared for occasional delays and bring water and snacks for the journey.
The dahabia in Egypt: a cruise along the Nile, far from the hustle and bustle
Cruises on the Nile often conjure up images of big, noisy, modern boats sailing under a cloud of black smoke to transport hordes of tourists from one historic site to another as quickly as possible. Yet the true essence of the Nile is revealed in a different way, away from the hustle and bustle.
Aboard a dahabia, a traditional sailing boat, the discreet luxury of a bygone era is reborn. Once prized by Egypt’s elite and travelers in search of exclusivity, these elegant boats offer an intimate and authentic experience. Sailing on the Nile aboard one of these boats means exchanging the roar of the engines for the gentle rustle of the wind in the sails and the soothing murmur of the waves. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big cruises, you glide along peacefully, in harmony with the majestic landscapes along the banks.
In this enchanting setting, time seems to stand still. You can contemplate the palm trees, ancient villages and historical treasures of timeless Egypt at your own pace, without haste or crowds. Sailing on a dahabia is more than a journey: it’s an immersion in the authentic soul of the Nile, where every moment becomes a celebration of history and serenity. A cruise to savor to the full, far from clichés, to rediscover the majesty and captivating beauty of Egyptian civilization.
Canoeing in Senegal: sailing to the rhythm of tradition
In the Sine Saloum, in Casamance or on the Senegal River, the pirogue is more than just a means of transport: it embodies the soul of local communities. These traditional boats, often painted with colorful motifs, glide silently across the waters, winding their way through the mangroves and mysterious islands of the delta. Every detail, from the strokes of the oars to the bright decorations, tells a story of the deep bond between people and their environment.
On board, you’ll be lulled by the gentle lapping of the water and the song of the birds, while the oarsmen, sometimes accompanied by haunting songs, set the rhythm of the voyage. Here, every crossing is an invitation to contemplation and discovery: that of an authentic Senegal, where tradition and nature come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring villages nestled on the water’s edge or simply admiring the wild beauty of the landscape, a pirogue trip in the Sine Saloum is much more than a journey, it’s an immersion in a peaceful life deeply rooted in its roots.
Cycling in the Camargue: close to nature
In the south of France, the Camargue is revealed in all its splendor at the peaceful pace of cycling. As you pedal through its vast wilderness, you’ll marvel at the pink flamingos that populate the salt marshes, the white horses galloping free, and the black bulls emblematic of the region. The iodized air, laden with the scent of samphire and the sea, accompanies every step of your exploration.
The perfectly adapted cycle paths wind their way through unspoilt countryside, leading to picturesque villages where Camargue culture is proudly expressed. Take a break at a manade to discover local traditions, or savor a regional specialty on a sunny terrace. Accessible to all, this nature trail invites you to slow down and fully appreciate the raw, authentic beauty of the Camargue, where every pedal stroke becomes an ode to freedom.
Travelling differently: an invitation to slow down
With these authentic means of transport, travel becomes much more than a simple journey. It’s an invitation to slow down and soak up the landscapes, cultures and encounters along the way.
Choosing to travel differently means opting for a more respectful and humane approach, where each journey is transformed into an experience rich in discovery. So let yourself be carried along by the local rhythm and rediscover the world with slowness and wonder.
