TRAVEL
Why I Travel Deeply, Not Widely
How France Taught Me Slow Travel is in the Art of Finding Joy in the Everyday
The Challenged Writing Prompt July 16: How many countries have you been to? Which country is your favorite and why?
There are two types of travellers: country collectors and those who aren’t.
More and more people are setting out to visit every country in the world, but some are having second thoughts.
Twenty countries.
That’s my tally.
I belong to the “those who aren’t camp” — and it’s on purpose.
Every traveller has their goals. Mine are to travel deeply. To return to favourite destinations. To stay longer in places and develop a deep cultural understanding and connection.
I am a slow traveller at heart. A travelling anthropologist if you will. I love to get to know a destination through its history, its culture and its people.
I’ve dedicated my travel blog, Dream Plan Experience, aimed at making a trip to Europe easy. Revisiting the same countries again and again to get that local perspective, one that is rooted in authentic experiences and immersing oneself in the culture. With that, I return to the same five countries — France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Among them all, one country stands out — France — and let me tell you why.
Its long history, from the French nobility and their grand medieval castles to the reshaping of society by the bourgeoisie of the French Revolution, fascinates me.
The beauty of France’s diverse landscape is unparalleled, with the lavender fields of Provence, the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, and the rugged cliffs of Normandy. Each city and village offers a unique charm — with Paris being the pinnacle.
Above all, what truly makes France my favourite country is the quintessential “art de vivre” — the French art of living well.
Here, prioritizing simple pleasures is not a luxury, but a necessity.
From savouring a perfectly crusty baguette, embracing the art of flânerie — strolling aimlessly but purposefully, absorbing the beauty of everyday life.
Less is more. The French have mastered the art of appreciating quality over quantity.
French cuisine is celebrated around the world. Using a few, carefully sourced ingredients elevates the ritual of shopping at local markets into an experience itself. Even their minimalist style, with its focus on neutral tones, contributes to their effortless elegance and air of confidence.
Culture is deeply ingrained in the French way of life. Reading physical books, particularly poetry or thought-provoking narratives, is a daily ritual. As is visiting museums, art galleries, and theatres.
In France, life isn’t a race, it’s a savouring.
And, that is the essence of slow travel — living with intention and purpose, a philosophy they call “joie de vivre.” They relish the small details, taking their time to appreciate beauty. Whether it’s lounging in parks, lingering in cafes, or simply strolling, they’ve perfected the art of doing nothing.
This ability to find joy in stillness is perhaps the most valuable French lesson of all.
The more I explore France, the deeper my understanding becomes, and the more I appreciate the “je ne sais quoi” that makes it so utterly charming.
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Author of the e-book “Experience Paris: Finding the Joy in Slow Travel”.
