How technology can help your slow travels

One of my favourite parts of Substack is the community aspect. It reminds me of when I first started blogging, back in 2008, when everyone commented on each other’s blog posts, recommended the blogs that they enjoyed reading, and were generally just very supportive of each other. In keeping with the supportive aspect of Substack, a conversation with fellow writer

Sanchita writes one of my favourite newsletters, The Other HAFH, where she writes weekly articles that “delve into the relationship between travel, hospitality, and design, with a variety of subjects to explore and a multitude of opinions to offer”. Her newsletter is an editorial supplement to her website, HAFH, where readers can discover “shoppable edits, design-focused hotels in or near cities, and interviews with the people behind the places”.

Without further ado, I will hand over to Sanchita …

In the Spring of 2019, I found myself at a silent retreat in Munich, Germany. The reasons drawing me to this retreat weren’t all too clear, but a deep-seated need for a ‘reset’ was undeniable. Before committing, the idea of a silent retreat seemed vastly esoteric, and I approached it with a mix of curiosity and nerves. Four whole days in complete silence, not uttering a word to anyone, was bizarre. And the silence extended to my technological devices. We were actively encouraged to disconnect from them.

I remember I hadn’t told many people I was doing this, and throughout those four days, I was haunted by the fact that my sudden silence might be misconstrued as disinterest or rudeness by those attempting to reach me via emails, calls, or texts. 

This is how reliant I am on technology. And it’s evident in my constant phone checking, a terrible habit that I rationalise as a work necessity. But it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this, as many of us seem to be caught in a love-hate relationship with technology. And despite any enthusiasm for its advancement, a part of me yearns for simpler times. 

Enter slow travel. 

When I consider my own definition of slow travel, it entails relaxation, escape, and maybe even a bit of self-reflection. It’s a brief and meaningful respite from routine life, and it includes some kind of detox—most likely a digital one. 

But while we might crave a digital detox, it can be hard to fully disconnect in practice. So, it’s worth exploring a different perspective. Because while slow travel may be about seeking tranquillity and authenticity, it’s also about novelty and discovery. In this context, our smartphones, in particular, can be a valuable tool, and there are healthy ways to leverage it.

Here’s how I go about it:

Navigation apps

Imagine you’re in a foreign city, trying to navigate its labyrinth-like streets. Your smartphonebecomes the perfect compass to hidden gems and local favourites. I love Google Maps for this very reason, and I hate to say it, but editorial city guides aren’t always as helpful as something as simple and easy to use as Google Maps. Plus, it feels more spontaneous, rather than having a prescribed plan for the day. 

Wherever you are, the app provides specialised local guides, leading to secret markets or offbeat paths you might otherwise overlook. It’s there as an assistance to the journey without necessarily dictating it.

Translation apps

You know what they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. But seeking authentic experiences can sometimes lead to language barriers—the bane of any world traveller. Thankfully, translation apps are abundant, which can help break down walls and foster better connections. 10/10 times, a local will appreciate any attempt to speak their native language.

My preferred app for this? Microsoft Translator.

Booking sites

Platforms like Airbnb or Workaway introduce travellers to accommodations and experiences that resonate with the ethos of slow travel. They open doors to homestays in rustic villages, farm-stays in the countryside, or a cultural exchange programme that offers a slice of local life.

With these websites, you can find your ideal home away from home—a place where you’re not just a tourist but a part of the community, even if briefly.

Social media

Social media is probably the first thing people wish to detox from. But it can actually be a goldmine for slow travellers. They offer a platform to share stories and garner tips.

My favourite is Reddit. People’s opinions run rampant, and for me, it’s a great site to discover where the locals are really going. Suggestions feels more genuine, and you’re not blurred by the paid PR stays and ads that influencers and hotels might display.

Photo journals

Our phone cameras encourage us to be storytellers, forcing us to capture images that resonate with our experiences, thoughtfully—and this is highly subjective. 

Leveraging technology for this purpose transforms our devices from passive gadgets to active participants in our travel. And these photo journals can be shared, not in the spirit of social media one-upmanship, but as real, truthful narratives of our experiences. They can inspire others, serving as a guide to fellow travellers.

Notes app

Speaking of reflection, one of my favourite ways to journal, which I’ve spoken about before, is to jot down one or two bullet points of something positive you might’ve observed or experienced in the day.

In my previous newsletter, I’ve used examples like a conversation I had with a stranger or an act of kindness I witnessed. After a trip abroad, when you read back through these notes, it’s hard not to feel warm-hearted. 

Of course, this digital companionship is not without its pitfalls. The world offers a richness that no screen can properly encapsulate. And there’s joy in getting lost, or stumbling upon something unplanned and unexpected. But our phones are there, if we need them, and there’s no shame in relying on them. 

Integrating technology into slow travel is all about balance. It’s about harnessing the power of digital tools while ensuring they don’t overshadow the tactile, in-the-moment experiences.

We certainly can’t deny the digital age. Our travels are just as much about the physical destinations as they are about how we navigate the digital landscape that accompanies us—it’s an analogue, digital dichotomy. And whether guided by a screen or instinct, it all leads us to discovery, irrespective of the method used to get there.