Think of this: You are travelling to a new place, exploring it for the very first time, but your itinerary, packed with several activities, does not let you spend enough time at any of the locations you visited. You are always on the move, rushing to tick off places on your travel list.
Is that the kind of travel ideal for exploring a place like Goa which has so much to offer to first-time visitors?
Well, to each their own. Not everyone has the luxury of time while on their travel. Some prefer a quick tour of the place they are visiting while others enjoy taking their time in uncovering the stories that the places have to tell.
However, if you are looking for meaningful experiences and lasting memories, slow travel is the way forward.
We often hear people say that Goa is where time stands still. It’s a place where time slows down, as opposed to the metropolitan cities that never seem to sleep.
And if you wish to explore Goa beyond its tourist attractions, you need to spare some time out of your fast-paced life and relish every moment you spend here.
Slow travel means learning about your destination, not merely visiting the famous spots or tourist attractions but connecting with the place to take back memories that will linger on for a long time.
Goa is a culturally rich state. There is so much to uncover and explore. The beauty that lies can only be experienced by slowing down and making your travel more leisurely.
Slow travel means learning about your destination, not merely visiting the famous spots or tourist attractions but connecting with the place to take back memories that will linger on for a long time.
The advantage of slowing down your pace of travel will allow you more time, freedom and flexibility to make any last-minute changes to your itinerary and enjoy the journey however you want.
Travelling slowly leaves a lot of room for spending ample time in one place, developing a deeper understanding of your travel destination, its culture, its people, its language, its food and everything that makes the place special.
What makes slow travel fun is that you get more opportunities to chill and chat with locals, know about their lifestyle, maybe even learn their language and look at the place you are visiting from their eyes.
Goans wholeheartedly welcome all those who are genuinely interested in knowing Goa for what it truly is. Local interactions will only elevate your overall experience.
What makes slow travel fun is that you get more opportunities to chill and chat with locals, know about their lifestyle, maybe even learn their language and look at the place you are visiting from their eyes.
May it be paying a visit to the fish markets, engaging with the fisherfolk, and the buyers or the busy markets where you can not only meet new people but also find everything to add treasures to your luggage.
Furthermore, the best way to get to know more about a place and its people is to use public transport. Goa offers a wide variety of transport options like trains, buses, pilot rides and more. These sustainable modes of transport will surely give you many chances to converse with locals.
Goa is more than its beaches. There is nothing wrong with wanting to experience Goa solely for its beautiful shores, but how you spend your time there will make all the difference.
Honestly, spending a calm day at one of Goa’s beaches, gazing at the sky changing shades, listening to the waves kissing the shore, savouring seafood delights, and interacting with the shack owners will create unforgettable memories on your visit. But, first, slow down!
On the other hand, when you have more time to spare, you can explore the hidden gems of Goa beyond its beaches. The real serenity of Goa lies in its villages, it is where Goa breathes. So, head there, stay there for a couple of days, and discover the not-so-known side of this region.
As a traveller, there is so much you can do by pressing the pausing button, and just living in the moment. By having an in-depth understanding of Goa’s people, food, culture and history, you will develop a greater appreciation for the state and everything it offers.
Goa is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered, it's a feeling you can keep in your heart. There is plenty here to explore, but first, do you have a heart to live it fully?