What Slow and Intentional Travel Looks Like for Us: A Family Guide

Our Evolving Travel Story

Travel has always been a part of our lives. Before children, we roamed freely—across Africa, soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, wandering the streets of Paris, Amsterdam, or Prague. Travel was frequent, spontaneous, and exciting. When our children arrived, we didn’t want to stop. We packed up strollers and snacks and continued our journeys, exploring France, the Canary Islands, and much of Ireland and the UK. Over the years, we’ve done all kinds of travel – but what slow and intentional travel looks like for our family has changed dramatically as our needs have evolved.

However, what we didn’t realise in those early years was that the type of travel we had once enjoyed didn’t always work for our growing family. As the kids got older, we began to observe subtle yet significant changes in how travel impacted each of us—especially our neurodivergent child.

Over time, we discovered that slow and intentional travel wasn’t just a trendy concept. It was exactly what our family needed.

Recognizing the Needs of a Neurodivergent Child

As our child grew, we began to notice that while they were excited by the idea of travel, the actual process often caused distress. Crowded airports, tight itineraries, unpredictable transitions, and constant stimulation made holidays feel more like endurance tests than adventures.

Our eldest is autistic and also lives with dyspraxia and anxiety, so our travel style has evolved to reflect what works best for him — and for all of us.

It had to become more thoughtful—designed not around bucket lists or Instagram moments, but around everyone’s emotional and sensory needs.

This awareness was the starting point for everything that followed.

The Turning Point: When Everything Changed

In 2014, we took what would become a defining trip: a camping holiday in the South of France, nestled between Nice and Saint-Tropez. The sun-drenched days, the simplicity of outdoor living, the slower rhythm—it all felt right.

That trip coincided with my first career break, which allowed us to extend our time away without the pressure of quickly returning to the grind. Sitting under the stars at night, watching the children play freely during the day, I realised: we don’t want to go back to the way we used to travel.

Embracing the Joy of Outdoor Travel

That French trip sparked something. As soon as we returned, we invested in a proper tent and spent the rest of the summer camping around Ireland. We experienced everything from coastal tranquility to chaotic weather—including a hurricane that forced us to flee a site early!

But despite the challenges, something had shifted. We found joy in having our own space, cooking over portable stoves, and waking up with the birds. Nature became our therapy.

Why Ferry Travel Became Our Default

Flying, for us, became more of a burden than a blessing. Airports were overwhelming. Security checks, gate changes, and baggage rules created more anxiety than excitement.

The ferry changed everything.

From Dublin or Rosslare, we could drive onto the ferry, drop our bags in our cabin, and start relaxing immediately. Our dog could travel with us, and we avoided the trauma of crowded terminals. It wasn’t just a mode of transport—it became part of the holiday.

Ferry travel gave us back a sense of calm, continuity, and control.

The Camper Van Era

As our love for slow travel deepened, we bought a camper van. It felt like a tiny home on wheels, giving us flexibility, comfort, and convenience. We could explore the rural corners of France with everything we needed right beside us—meals, beds, books, games.

But as the children turned into teenagers, space became tighter. The van started to feel a bit too snug. That’s when we began exploring cottage stays and self-catering chalets.

Transitioning to Cottages and Self-Catering Stays

Renting a holiday cottage gave us the best of all worlds: comfort, independence, and peace. We could cook our meals, choose scenic rural settings, and create our own rhythm.

Our holidays became about moments over milestones: morning coffees on a terrace, evening card games, mid-afternoon swims, and long, aimless walks. It wasn’t about sightseeing every landmark—it was about being together.

How We Plan Our Slow Trips

Now, our trips are built around flexibility and comfort. We plan for downtime, not daily agendas. Usually, our mornings involve gentle activity—maybe a local market or walk—while afternoons are reserved for relaxing, reading, or simply doing nothing.

We might visit one or two cultural sites during the trip, but only if the mood feels right. We’ve learned that less is not just more—it’s better.

Travel Hacks That Support Our Neurodivergent Teen

Here’s what helps our child feel grounded while traveling:

• Loose routines: predictable mornings, flexible afternoons
• Minimal stimulation: quiet accommodation, no packed schedules
• Comfort items: pillows, snacks, books, devices
• Downtime: every day includes time alone or restful activities
• Gentle transitions: staying multiple days in one place before moving on

This isn’t just good for them—it’s good for all of us.

The Role of Our Dog in Travel

Our dog has become an essential travel companion. Not only is he a source of comfort and emotional regulation, but many of our choices now revolve around pet-friendly stays and travel options.

Walking him becomes a daily grounding ritual. And having him with us simply makes it feel more like home—no matter where we are.

Daily Routines That Ground Us on Holiday

A typical day might look like this:

• Morning: fresh croissants, coffee on the deck, slow start
• Midday: light walk, local explore
• Afternoon: rest, reading, swimming, games
• Evening: homemade dinner, music, Uno or cards, watching the stars

These gentle routines make our holidays feel restful and full—without needing to be busy.

This Year’s Adventure: A Summer in the Loire

This summer, we’re embracing our slow travel philosophy more than ever by staying in one location for nearly the entire trip. We’ve chosen the Loire Valley, an area steeped in history, natural beauty, and calm—qualities that resonate deeply with our travel values.

We’ve booked a charming cottage on the grounds of a chateau, just a short walk from the majestic Château de Chambord. The idea of waking up every day in such a tranquil setting, surrounded by vineyards and medieval architecture, feels just right.

We’ll fill our days with light explorations—bike rides through the countryside, quiet afternoons by the river, a visit or two to nearby chateaux—and lots of unplanned moments. We might return to the WWII sites in Normandy at the end of the trip, giving us a chance to reflect and connect again with history in a meaningful way.

Why We Keep Returning to France

France feels like a second home. We know the language (enough to get by), we understand the rhythms, and we feel welcomed everywhere we go. The regions we return to—Brittany, the Jura, Burgundy, and now the Loire—offer a comforting blend of novelty and familiarity.

France allows us to travel slowly and richly. We don’t feel pressured to do it all. Instead, we savor the small things: a perfect market peach, the sound of church bells at noon, the way a glass of wine tastes better in the golden hour.

Travel Lessons That Changed Our Lives

Looking back, here are some of the core lessons slow travel has taught us:

• Presence over plans: Being together and fully present matters more than a packed itinerary.
• Familiarity reduces stress: Returning to known places helps our neurodivergent child (and the rest of us) feel secure.
• Rest is a valid use of time: Holidays aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re for recharging.
• Freedom comes from flexibility: Choosing how, where, and when to travel makes it all feel more joyful.

What Slow and Intentional Travel Looks Like for Our Family in Practice

Intentional travel, for us, is about aligning our choices with our values. It’s about prioritizing connection over consumption, calm over chaos, meaning over movement.

We choose places and rhythms that help our family feel safe, happy, and connected. We don’t chase trends or checklists—we create experiences that reflect who we are and what we need.

Intentional travel isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s slow, quiet, and deeply personal. And that’s exactly why it works.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Our Family?

As our teens grow, so do their dreams. They’ve started asking about Japan, Iceland, maybe even a cruise. We’re open to these possibilities—when the time feels right.

What we know for sure is that whatever new destinations we explore, we’ll continue to carry the same approach: slow, intentional, adaptable. It’s not about avoiding adventure—it’s about creating it on our terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you plan a slow travel trip with kids?
Start by choosing a single destination or region. Book accommodation with kitchen space and outdoor access. Limit daily plans, and allow plenty of unstructured time.

2. What kind of accommodation works best for neurodivergent children?
Quiet, self-contained spaces like cottages or chalets. Look for places with private bedrooms, minimal noise, and access to nature or outdoor space.

3. How do you manage sensory challenges during travel?
Avoid busy airports, plan travel during off-peak times, bring noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and favorite snacks or comfort items.

4. Why don’t you fly anymore?
We do fly, occasionally, but air travel is often overstimulating and unpredictable. Ferry travel offers a more peaceful, spacious alternative that starts the holiday on a relaxed note.

5. How do you balance relaxation with cultural activities?
We don’t force cultural outings. We follow our energy levels—sometimes it’s a museum, other times it’s reading by a lake. Flexibility is key.

6. What makes France your go-to destination?
It offers a great mix of accessibility, culture, cuisine, and calm. It’s familiar yet diverse, making it ideal for our slow travel approach.

Further Reading: Exploring Slow and Intentional Living

For those interested in delving deeper into the principles and practices of slow and intentional living, here are three thought-provoking articles from respected publications:

1. How Charlie Discovered That Time Wealth Can Be the Key to a Slower, Happier Life
   By Dr. Amanda Wallis and Gaynor Parkin, The Guardian
   This article narrates Charlie’s journey from a hectic lifestyle to embracing ‘time wealth’—the idea of valuing time over material success. It offers practical insights into how slowing down can lead to a more fulfilling life.
2. Why ‘Doing Nothing, Intentionally’ Is Good for Us: The Rise of the Slow Living Movement
   By Christine Ro, BBC Culture
   Christine Ro explores the benefits of intentional idleness and the growing appeal of the slow living movement. The piece examines how deliberate pauses can enhance well-being in our fast-paced world.
3. Ecovillages: A Model Life?
   By Laura Sevier, The Ecologist
   Laura Sevier investigates ecovillages as embodiments of intentional living. The article discusses how these communities prioritize sustainability, shared values, and a closer connection to nature.

For more insights on embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle, you might enjoy reading What is Intentional Living – The Beginner’s Guide to Slow Living, which delves into aligning daily choices with personal values. Additionally, How to Live Well in a Fast-Paced World – Beginner’s Guide to Intentional Living offers practical tips for maintaining balance amidst life’s hustle. Lastly, How to Slow Down in Spring: 10 Simple Ways to Embrace the Season provides seasonal suggestions to help you savor the present moment.

Conclusion: Travel That Feels Like Coming Home

What slow and intentional travel looks like for our family has evolved over the years—but the heart of it remains the same: we travel to connect, to rest, and to grow together.

We’ve let go of the idea that holidays need to be jam-packed with activities. Instead, we’ve found joy in doing less and being more present. Whether it’s a cottage in France, a ferry across the sea, or a walk through a pine forest—we’ve learned that the how of travel matters just as much as the where.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by traditional travel, perhaps it’s time to try slowing down. You might just find that the most meaningful journeys aren’t the ones that take you the farthest—but the ones that bring you closest to each other.

Chat soon,

Ciara