What Is Deep Travel? The Key to Meaningful Travel

In the world of travel and tourism, there are endless ways to describe how we explore: luxury vs. budget, fast vs. slow, and everything in between. Some travelers focus on specific types of tourism—like sustainable tourism, food tourism, or even sport tourism.

Me? I’m all about Deep Travel and Responsible Tourism. Let me tell you about them – and why they are at the heart of how I travel and everything I share.👇

Your Quick Intro to Deep Travel and Responsible Tourism

Deep Travel

Two of the most common pace-based travels are Fast Travel and Slow Travel – each fulfilling travelers in different ways.

Fast Travel is when a tourist tries to see it all on a short period of time. It’s the most common style, especially for those with limited paid time off or who don’t have the opportunity to travel a destination extensively.

Others might engage in Fast Travel is because they want to sight-see the world and check everything off their bucket list. They’re usually are there for a good time, not a long one.

Slow Travel, on the other hand, is usually embraced by digital nomads and long-term travelers. This is when people stay an extended period of time in a destination, before moving to the next. “Slow Travelers” are often mindful of their impact of their travels and connect with the place on a much deeper level.

So, is Deep Travel just another name for Slow Travel? Not quite.

Deep Travel shares many values with Slow Travel—but it’s not about how long you stay. It’s about how present you are. If you want meaningful experiences and genuine connection but don’t have unlimited time or resources, Deep Travel is for you.

In a personal, quick definition: if Fast Travel and Slow Travel had a baby, it would be Deep Travel.

It’s about gaining new perspectives, expanding your mindset, and forming a deeper connection with the place you are visiting. In my opinion, this is what real travel is. And in the words of Marcel Proust, words. I strongly agree with:

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes

Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism means taking care of the places we visit. It’s about being a respectful guest, supporting local economies, and minimizing our impact.

This type of tourism often overlaps with Sustainable, Ethical, and Regenerative Tourism—all of which aim to make a positive difference in the communities and ecosystems we enter.

As a Third Culture Kid who’s grown up traveling, attended international school, and called three countries home, being a responsible traveler has always been second nature. Moving between cultures taught me how to adapt, observe, and always respect the places and people around me. In other words, I’ve learned to be the best guest I could!

At its core, Responsible Tourism means respecting locals, their space, their customs—and doing what you can to leave things better than you found them.

How do you Travel Deeper, or Responsibly?

There are lots of ways to experience Deep Travel and engage in Responsible Tourism—many of which overlap with being a responsible tourist. Here are a few of my favorite approaches:

1. Seek Out Hidden Gems and Take the “Road Less Taken”

Don’t make the “must-sees” the sole purpose or priority of your trip.

I am a strong believer that one of the best ways to experience the true essence of a destination is when you let yourself get lost and wander aimlessly. The other best way, is to talk to locals and ask them for their recommendations.

The issue with following a bucket list or “Instagrammable” posts is that you will subconsciously prioritize reaching a place rather than the journey and focusing on what surrounds you.

2. Talk with the locals

One of the best ways to build a deeper connection with a place is by getting to know the locals, whether it be a quick exchange or a longer one.

I’ve personally come to learn that stranger does not always mean danger, and that the best part of traveling is connection – especially with the locals. When you let yourself open up to strangers (but do so safely) you give yourself the chance to

3. Be, and stay, openminded

Get out of your comfort zone to the best abilities! Attend events, try new foods, and say yes to everything.

4. Learn the language

Attempting to learn the mother tongue of the place you are visiting automatically helps you immerse into deeper levels – even if it’s just a few sentences and words.

Locals will always recognize and appreciate an outsider trying to learn their language and will become more open to forming a connection. Unless you’re in Paris – stereotypically, this is the worst place to attempt talking French.😂

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