Slow travel for book lovers and the places that suit it best

The deepest connections often come with time, and these destinations are ideal for those who prefer to savour each moment with a good book. 

Travel can lead to many of our fondest memories, but sometimes scrambling to tick as many sights as possible can leave us feeling like we need another holiday at the end. That could explain why, according to an October Euronews report, more people are set to embrace slow travel in 2027, but what does that actually mean? 

What is slow travel?  

Slow travel does exactly what it says on the tin. It revolves around appreciating each moment rather than rushing to and from several different sights. Think lighter-paced itineraries, more days free to spend how you see fit, and time to delve deeper into each destination. It’s no surprise, then, that so many more people are opting for slow travel in 2027 and beyond. Here’s why.  

What are the benefits of slow travel?  

As well as offering an overall more relaxing experience, these types of holidays are worthwhile in more ways than you might expect. By forgoing a rigid itinerary, those who choose slow travel tend to form deeper connections with the places they visit and often come home feeling more refreshed. 

It also frees up your time for you to pursue your own interests, and if you’d prefer to cosy up with a good book, you'll have ample time to look up and admire the views too. So, whether you’d prefer to view the scenery at a slower pace or enjoy your next favourite novel among some truly spectacular backdrops, here are five destinations that are well suited to slow travel.  

Which destinations suit slow travel best?   

The Highlands, Scotland 

Few places in the UK possess as much natural beauty as the Scottish Highlands, and this extraordinary region is a popular option for those who are happy to let the journey take centre stage. Dotted with lochs and framed by mountains, these heather-clad landscapes reward those who take the time to properly appreciate their unspoilt beauty, and travelling by train is a convenient way to do just that.  

The Highlands have captured the imaginations of countless authors and playwrights, with works from Macbeth to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped set amongst their rambling hills, and they often inspire readers too. Rather than racing between viewpoints, kick back on a vintage steam train as you trace the River Spey or turn the page on a new travel story as you glide past fjord-like Loch Carron. Whether you’re after panoramic views or a restful day, Scotland’s railways are perfect for a memorable travel experience without the hassle.   

Our recommended tour – Scottish Highland Railways 

Tuscany, Italy 

Tuscany embodies la dolce vita, with its bucolic vineyards and Renaissance towns offering a delightful backdrop to a few laid-back days’ exploration. It’s a region that can be experienced without needing to travel far between excursions, with many of its enchanting hilltop towns and historic cities within an hour’s drive of each other. 

If you can’t get enough of your favourite books, the region’s vineyards and family-run trattorias are a welcome spot to lose yourself in your latest travel read. The Tuscan capital, Florence, lent itself to E. M. Forster’s A Room with a View, and you’ll find plenty of spots across Tuscany that live up to the book’s title. To fully appreciate the region’s exquisite landscapes, though, there aren’t many things that accompany each vineyard view better than a glass of fine locally produced wine.  

Our recommended tour – Tuscany, Umbria & the Isle of Elba – Premier 

Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus 

If you often find yourself reaching for a non-fiction book on your travels, you’ll know that Lawrence Durrell ranks among the best to put pen to paper. His 1957 memoir, Bitter Lemons, recounts the British author’s move to the town of Bellapais in Northern Cyprus, and it’s the perfect travel inspiration for a Mediterranean escape of your own. Better yet, the delightful region Durrell writes about is famously laid-back and is perhaps one of Europe’s finest for slow travel.  

Away from the bustle of the continent’s cosmopolitan capitals, the coastal towns and ancient ruins that line Cyprus’ shores are much quieter but still have just as much character. Nicosia, the divided Cypriot capital, tends to be the busiest of the island’s cities, but even then, it remains much calmer than other major European hotspots. Elsewhere, charming , with its colourful harbour and historic castle, offers a much more picturesque experience and is a great choice for those who’d prefer to soak up the island’s atmosphere at their own pace.  

Our recommended tour – Secrets of Northern Cyprus – Extended Stay 

North Island, New Zealand 

Fantasy fans will feel at home on New Zealand’s North Island, and while Tolkien himself wasn’t directly influenced by its marvellous landscapes, you can see Middle-earth brought to life at the Hobbiton film set. Built for Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, this village spans more than 10 acres and recreates the magic of the Shire, with its hobbit holes, movie landmarks and farmland.  

Beyond Hobbiton, the North Island is still a fantastic match for a slow-travel itinerary, and its natural beauty alone makes it worth a spot at the top of your travel wish-list. Add the island’s magnificent cultural highlights and a handful of easy-going coastal towns, and there are few places better suited to life in the slow lane. The best part about this remarkable island is how it makes each journey just as memorable as the excursions, and you can soak up all its unspoilt vistas from the comfort of your coach.  

Our recommended tour – New Zealand Odyssey – North to South Islands 

Patagonia, Argentina 

Patagonia is a region that’s fascinated writers for generations, most famously Bruce Chatwin’s travel-writing classic, In Patagonia, and with a stay in lakeside El Calafate, it’s not hard to see why. Positioned only a short drive from Los Glaciares National Park, this charming Argentine town offers the ideal introduction to the region’s frozen wonders.  

Each highlight across this picturesque region feels relaxed, from majestic Perito Moreno Glacier to the vast alpine peaks of Torres del Paine National Park across the Chilean border. Wherever you stop, the surrounding landscapes make a breathtaking backdrop for a quiet evening’s reading.  

Our recommended tour – The Natural Wonders of Brazil, Argentina & Patagonia 

Savour your own travel story with Newmarket Holidays 

Whether you like living life at a leisurely pace or are feeling inspired by your favourite book, these tours are a great choice. For more information on our featured itineraries or to turn the page on your next adventure, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’d prefer a livelier pace, we have a wide range of escorted tours, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page