Would you like to meet other women 40+ and make new friends? Then join our fabulous private Facebook group, The Girlfriend Social Club, today. You'll love it!
I don’t know about you, but I’m not into rushing from place to place with a jam-packed schedule, ticking off a list of Instagram-worthy sights when I travel. In fact, it makes me cringe. I much prefer “slow travel,” a more intentional way to explore the world that has gained popularity over the past few years. It’s especially well-suited to midlife women like me who appreciate quality over quantity and crave more meaningful experiences instead of another to-do list.
Most of my slow travel experiences have been in France, where I’ve come to know cities like Paris and Dijon beneath the surface. That means daily visits to a favorite café where I can sit for hours writing in my journal, language immersion classes and long apéros sipping with friends. These quotidian moments have deepened my appreciation for the culture, people, history and art de vivre.
The good news is that you don't need piles of cash or tons of time to reap the benefits of slow travel — you simply need an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Here are six ideas to inspire your 2026 adventures.
House-Sitting or Pet-Sitting Around the World
House-sitting offers the chance to live like a local without breaking the bank. Plus, if you sign up to also take care of pets, you can get some quality cuddle time and make a new four-legged friend. Imagine caring for someone’s cat in Oregon’s wine-rich Willamette Valley or bonding with a sweet pup while exploring the vibrancy of Vancouver. Search TrustedHousesitters or Workaway for a wide range of opportunities and destinations.
Authentic Culinary Immersion in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Swap hurried sightseeing for a deep dive into Italian cuisine and La Dolce Vita with Esperienza. The nonprofit takes you into the heart of rural Italy, where you’ll learn about traditional methods used to make some of the ingredients that define Italian cuisine, like Parmigiano Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico. You’ll also enjoy farm-to-table meals at quaint agriturismos and take cooking classes with local culinary experts. All of the gustatory pleasure comes with a heaping side of artistic heritage and cultural exploration, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Leisurely River or Canal Cruises
Does the idea of a mega-yacht teeming with screaming children, crowded pools and endless buffet lines make you wince? Me too. That’s why I prefer a river or canal cruise for a leisurely time on the water. The pace is gentler, the boats are smaller and you don’t have to stake out a spot by the pool at 6 a.m. Whether you're gliding past sunflower fields along the Burgundy Canal or down the Danube past fairytale castles, river and canal cruises offer a more intimate, peaceful and delicious way to travel. Check out companies like European Waterways, Uniworld, Viking and AmaWaterways, which cater to a range of budgets and styles.
A Village Stay in the Yorkshire Dales
Not keen on a whirlwind London tour or jostling for a selfie in front of Big Ben? Opt for a quiet stay in one of Yorkshire’s picturesque villages, where sheep outnumber people and the air smells of grass, not fumes. A few years ago, my husband and I spent time in the Yorkshire Dales. Besides getting woefully lost (and yes, a wee bit hangry), we had a wonderful time hiking in rolling meadows past miles of stone walls, chatting with local farmers (aka asking for directions) and sipping pints at the local pub.
Cultural Homestays in Japan
Want more profound insights into Japanese culture? Skip a standard hotel and immerse yourself in everyday life by staying with a local host family. Platforms like Homestay and Worldpackers offer all kinds of immersive experiences in Japan, from volunteering on rural farms to working holidays in vibrant cities like Osaka and Tokyo. It can be a more meaningful and more affordable way to practice your Japanese and gain a firsthand understanding of the country’s customs, etiquette and daily rhythms.
Luxury Train Travel in the Canadian Rockies
Indulge your Wes Anderson fantasies and book a trip on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer. This glass-domed train takes passengers past majestic snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, ancient forests and waterfalls on an awe-inspiring journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Along the way, passengers relax in comfort and enjoy fine dining and snazzy accommodations. Since the train only travels during the day at a relaxed 35 mph, it is ideal for spotting wildlife such as grizzlies, ospreys, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, black bears and elk.
Which of the above trips would YOU love to take? Let us know in the comments below.
