Why ‘Walking Tourism’ Is Your Easy Entryway Into Slow Travel

Not to be overlooked, walking tourism is a recognized way to explore and experience a destination while reaping mental, physical, environmental, and cultural enrichment benefits. 

You might be thinking, “Walking tourism – what does that even mean? Is it just walking around your destination on foot?”

While those are valid questions, you may be surprised to learn that the United Nations spotlighted walking tourism in an executive summary for a designated 2019 report on the practice. The source described walking tourism as an activity that “allows tourists to better engage with local people, nature, and culture.” Moreover, the summary further claimed that walking tourism can “bring about social and economic benefits to residents and communities if properly developed and managed.” 

Worth noting is that travelers with disabilities aren’t automatically excluded. Walking tourism still happens for certain ability levels in many cases, and it’s worth checking whether there are tours you can join that accommodate your accessibility needs. The beauty of the practice is that it can generally be as customizable as you need it to be. 

If you’re a traveler with a disability, here are a few suggestions that might be helpful:

• Consider requesting a sign language interpreter for a walking tour.
• If you’re worried about yourself, your child, or a loved one becoming overstimulated on your route, consider avoiding crowds and participating in a large walking tour group. Also, familiarize yourself with the stops before your stroll, or pre-plan the route for peace of mind and comfort. Be sure to include quiet hideaways where you can stop if you or your travel buddy feels overwhelmed.
• Watch out for cobblestoned routes, which can be troublesome and even impassable for those using mobility aids or motorized devices/equipment.

What Is ‘Walking Tourism’ And How Does It Fall Into Slow Travel?

Yes, walking tourism consists of literally walking around your destination. That said, the bigger picture of the concept emphasizes that leisurely foot exploration helps tourists interact more authentically and intentionally with their destination and its residents. Through the slow travel mindset often paired with walking tourism, tourists may find local businesses, restaurants, scenic overlooks, activities, and new people they might otherwise not have encountered or even noticed. Simply put, walking tourism presents countless ways to embrace slow travel and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the practice also naturally aligns with sustainable travel, as it reduces tourists’ contributions to local transportation pollution in their destinations. Examples of walking tourism include sightseeing on foot, taking walking tours, or going on scenic hikes. 

Are Walking Tours Worth It?

There are many different types of walking tours and ways to do them. An adventurer can embark on a solo journey, with a small group of family or friends, or in a coordinated group of strangers. Walking tours you may find in your destination include those focused on tasting local foods, seeing street art murals, learning about historical sites, or admiring local architecture and statues. You may also find tours that offer a well-rounded overview of the city and local culture, featuring elements that make the destination special. 

Many travelers consider walking tours “worth it” experiences because they are often low-stakes but high-reward. Though the costs of individual walking tours can vary widely, global wanderers typically find them valuable for their cultural enrichment and educational value. 

Many love the social component of being in a walking tour group and use the opportunity to get additional local recommendations and meet new people. By contrast, those who go on self-guided, solo walking tours favor the time to themselves, when they can take things at their own pace, fully immersing themselves in their destination without distraction. 

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