Latest news with #slowtravel
The Independent
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What's the secret to a truly stress-free holiday?
High-end cruising has entered a new era. Today's luxury travellers aren't looking for big flashy experiences. They want slow-paced, intimate travel and authentic cultural immersion. More than anything else, they're looking for ease: that feeling of being genuinely cared for, safe in the knowledge that they're experiencing the best of the best. That means excellent quality food and drink, of course – it's got to be restaurant standard and cater to all tastes – but also onboard enrichment experiences of the highest calibre. The great beauty of cruising has always been that not a second is wasted. Savvy travellers get to explore a rich and rewarding variety of exotic, off-the-beaten track locations, but instead of spending half their holiday stuck in motorway traffic, they're honing their swing in the golf net, or sipping on a cocktail on the upper deck as they travel from destination to destination. When they're onshore they want genuinely immersive experiences that get them under the hood of a destination: think cellar tours of local vineyards or speedboat cruises to hidden beaches. Done right, a high-end all-inclusive cruise is the ideal form of slow travel, offering a perfect balance of adventure and indulgence, proper pampering and a thrilling sense of discovery. The world's most luxurious fleet First among equals when it comes to the new era of luxury cruising is Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which offers more than 170 different itineraries visiting over 550 ports of call worldwide. Each of the six ships in their fleet is opulently appointed with beautifully designed communal areas and a huge array of amenities, but none of them has a capacity of more than 746 guests, ensuring space and freedom for all aboard. The all-suite accommodation means that the private spaces are similarly roomy, each having a private balcony and marble bathroom. And service is always impeccable with a crew-to-guest ratio that's nearly one-to-one, meaning that the team can always go that mile extra for all travellers. Across the ships, the food is uniformly excellent. As well as Regent's signature Compass Rose restaurant, with its daily changing menu of bistro classics like lobster bisque and New Zealand lamb chops, the different ships also feature a range of speciality dining venues. These include Prime 7, a New York-style steakhouse, Pacific Rim with its pan-Asian menu (be sure to try the miso black cod), and fine-dining destination, Chartreuse, where the chefs turn out sophisticated plates of upscale French cooking like Beef Tenderloin Rossini and Seared Foie Gras. With a number of long cruises on their roster, Regent has made sure that each of its ships is akin to an ultra-luxury, boutique floating hotel with an incredible variety of things to do during the day and top-level entertainment at night. There are courts for paddle tennis and bocce, and the onboard spa offers a range of exclusive bespoke treatments. The ships host talks by experts in their field and cooking lessons are also available on some of the ships at the culinary arts kitchens where visiting chefs guide guests in how to make wow-factor dishes that relate to the ports of call. In the evening, the Constellation Theatre hosts lavishly staged productions from a team of Broadway choreographers and artists. Destinations that match the onboard luxury Of course, none of this onboard luxury would mean much if the destinations weren't up to scratch, but Regent's superbly curated itineraries are up there with the very best. Its week-long trips include culture-packed European tours like Glories of Iberia which sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, and thrilling frontier explorations such as the Great Alaskan Adventur e from Whittier to Vancouver. Longer trips include four-week Legendary Journeys from Athens to Montreal, and fully immersive explorations of the Arctic. Long or short, these itineraries are all underpinned by a commitment to taking guests right to the heart of a destination with the kind of bespoke onshore activities and expert-led insights that mean on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage, adventure is guaranteed.
Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Living as a digital nomad in Surat Thani: A hidden gem for remote workers
Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. When digital nomads consider destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the islands of Koh Phangan or Koh Samui are usually the first to come to mind. However, located in southern Thailand, away from the crowds and mayhem, is Surat Thani—a hidden gem for remote workers who desire a mix of productivity, affordability, and genuine local culture. While commonly regarded as a stopping point for tourists traveling to the Gulf islands, Surat Thani has far more to offer than meets the eye. Friendly locals, an affordable cost of living, dependable infrastructure, and close proximity to breathtaking natural wonders make Surat Thani increasingly a best-kept secret for digital nomads. For those who are starting out from the capital, the Bangkok to Surat Thani train journey not only serves convenience but also as a scenic route—offering a seamless transition from urban city life to a laid-back, nature-dense environment. Why Surat Thani Is a Draw for Remote Workers True Thai Lifestyle Unlike tourist-populated towns, Surat Thani offers a truer Thai experience. The city is not flooded with expats, so encounters with locals are more authentic, prices are not jacked up, and cultural immersion is much richer. Whether walking through the lively Talad Mai Market, sampling just-made roti on the street, or speaking Thai with your barista, the everyday moments here feel pleasantly authentic. Affordability Without Sacrificing Comfort Relative to Thailand's more established nomad hotspots, Surat Thani provides a much lower cost of living. Cozy apartments are available for rent for pennies compared to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Dining out from local eateries costs between 40-70 THB, and coworking centers or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi are readily available and inexpensive. With this affordable setup, remote workers are free to stay longer or spend more as they explore Thailand. Natural Escapes in Every Direction Despite being a working base, Surat Thani is surrounded by breathtaking nature. On weekends or work breaks, you're a short drive away from the Ratchaprapha Dam in Khao Sok National Park—a place often compared to Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. Nearby waterfalls, caves, and jungle hikes offer tranquil retreats from your screen. To mention but a few, the city is the prime mainland gateway to islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, all of which are accessible by ferry within hours. Digital Infrastructure & Work-Friendly Places Accommodation with Work Facilities There are a few monthly renting possibilities with good Wi-Fi, air con, and peaceful environments. Hostels and serviced apartments have long-stay deals, and increasingly, Airbnb listings are designed for digital nomads who want comfort and functionality. Coworking & Work Cafés While Surat Thani doesn't yet have a coworking scene as vibrant as Chiang Mai's, it makes up for it with cozy, laptop-friendly cafés that offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ample plug sockets. Notable spots include: Chillin' Café – A modern café with comfortable seating and quality coffee. Gong Dee Café – A cozy, work-friendly environment close to the city center. Café de Balcony – Perfect for early risers, with a serene atmosphere ideal for concentrated work. Digital nomads also enjoy decent mobile internet speeds with AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove—meaning hot-spotting over mobile networks is a good backup option when necessary. Community and Connection Surat Thani does not have huge meet-up groups or expat communities, but that is its beauty. There are smaller, more intimate groups of travelers and remote workers—especially in Facebook groups, coworking cafés, and weekend island trips. If you're missing the socialization, a quick trip to Koh Phangan or Samui for a couple of days is simple and well worth it. You get both worlds: peaceful, concentrated time in Surat Thani, followed by contact and networking time on the nearby islands. Visa and Legal Issues for Digital Nomads As with other places in Thailand, most digital nomads in Surat Thani are on a tourist visa or visa exemption. For extended periods, however, you can consider the following: Thai Education Visa (ED visa) – Eligible if you study Thai. Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – This is for more affluent remote workers who qualify by income and work requirements. Digital Nomad Visa (forthcoming) – Thailand is exploring digital nomad-specific visas, so keep an eye out through the Thai embassy or immigration website. Always check that you're working lawfully and report your presence, if necessary, at immigration centers, particularly if you're changing residence quite often. Final Thoughts: Experience Surat Thani's Unobtrusive Magic Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. For those frazzled by overstimulated cities or out-of-budget beach towns, Surat Thani provides a grounded alternative that sacrifices nothing in beauty or functionality. No matter whether you're staying for a month or settling in for longer, this southern Thai city might be just the new beginning your remote life requires—a place where you can wake to birdsong, sip coffee along the river, and log in to work with a smile.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Where tourists go to slow down: Tokyo tops list, KL ranks eighth in Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia's capital city has joined Asia's top ten slow travel destinations, based on Agoda data that also reveals where Malaysians prefer to linger overseas. It ranked eighth in Agoda's list, which highlights cities where travellers book longer stays to enjoy a more relaxed pace. In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi came in first and second respectively for slow travel, followed by Johor Bahru in third. Perhentian Islands, which topped the local list last year, has dropped out of the top three. 'As life moves faster, more travelers are embracing the idea of slowing down to truly experience a place rather than just pass through it,' said Fabian Teja, country director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda. 'Malaysia's diverse destinations, with its rich heritage and cultural offerings, make the perfect backdrop for unhurried exploration.' Malaysians heading abroad for a slower holiday spend the most time in Tokyo, the company revealed. Other international destinations preferred by slow travellers include Rayong, Kalegowa, Seoul, Taipei and Chennai. These places offer experiences that reward a longer stay, from beachside retreats to cultural walks and food adventures. In Kuala Lumpur, travellers take time exploring vibrant districts like Little India and Chinatown, enjoying the mix of old and new. The city's food scene and architecture make it a natural fit for travellers who want to go slow and savour each moment.
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Travel + Leisure
25-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Traveled on 2 of Europe's Most Luxurious Trains—Here's What They Were Like
Big news for vintage train enthusiasts: The Orient Express brand is back with a luxe new train inspired by 1960s style. As a Rome-based journalist, I was lucky enough to be one of the first passengers aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express for its inaugural 'Taste of Tuscan Vineyards' journey from Rome to Montalcino. The experience was fabulous from start to finish, but how does it compare to the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express? Both trains offer luxury journeys that encourage passengers to partake in the joys of slow travel. They both feature gorgeous design, gourmet meals, and entertainment on board, but there are a few key differences between them that are important to consider if you're trying to decide which one to book. First of all, it's important to note that the trains are run by two different brands, though the French conglomerate LVMH has a stake in both of them. The Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) is run by Belmond, which operates luxury trains and five-star hotels around the world. La Dolce Vita Orient Express (LDVOE) is part of the new Orient Express brand run by French hospitality group Accor. Guest cabin on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. With glossy lacquered wood, intricate marquetry, sumptuous fabrics, and lamps by Lalique and Baccarat, the VSOE exudes Jazz Age glamour. It has three restaurant cars, a bar car, a boutique, and 54 cabins that can accommodate up to 108 passengers. Perhaps to distinguish it from the VSOE, the LDVOE was inspired by 1960s Italian design, with details inspired by legendary mid-century architect Gio Ponti. It has 12 carriages that contain a restaurant, a bar, and 31 cabins that can accommodate up to 62 passengers. When I rode the VSOE, I was assigned to a Historic Cabin, which has a banquette that converts into a bed, whereas on the LDVOE I stayed in a suite with a big, comfortable bed, a separate sofa, and a table and chairs. However, I also took a peek at a Deluxe Cabin on board the train to see how they compare. The biggest difference is that on the VSOE, the Historic Cabins don't have a shower, whereas on the LDVOE, even the entry-level cabins have a full bathroom with a shower and high-end bath products. Suites on the VSOE have luxurious bathrooms, and while guests in entry-level cabins have a washbasin, they have to use shared bathrooms located at the end of each sleeper carriage when they want to shower. This is important to keep in mind if you're considering booking a multi-day journey. A lounge cabin on the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Meals on both trains are multi-course gourmet affairs by lauded chefs. French chef Jean Imbert has been designing the menus onboard the VSOE since 2022. German chef Heinz Beck, who's behind Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant, created the menus on board the LDVOE. When I took the VSOE from Venice to Paris, I had a decadent three-course lunch in one of the train's restaurants, was served afternoon tea in my cabin, and somehow still managed to eat a tasting menu dinner on board that evening. On LDVOE, the drinking and dining started at the chic lounge at Rome's Ostiense Station, then continued with a five-course lunch in the restaurant that left me satisfied but not stuffed. Dinner was a private event at a historic winery in Tuscany. After dinner, both trains offer live entertainment in the bar car. Passengers aboard the VSOE tend to dress to the nines, with many embracing vintage 1920s style and indulging in martinis or Champagne. The LDVOE was still elegant but a bit more casual. Instead of Champagne, they were serving Franciacorta (one of Italy's best sparkling wines). I loved how Rome-based American singer Tess Amodeo Vickary, who was serenading the LDVOE's passengers during my trip, handed out tambourines and really tried to involve everyone in her performance. Other trains or itineraries might have other performers on board. Scenes from an excursion in Venice, Italy. The VSOE has itineraries throughout Europe ranging from one to five nights, while the LDVOE offers one-, two-, or three-night journeys on eight routes throughout Italy. While the VSOE stops in cities like Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna, and Istanbul, the experience is really more about being on board the train. Only the longer journeys include excursions. For the LDVOE, the excursions are an important part of the experience. They're not mandatory, and they do come with an extra cost, but every itinerary gives guests the option to choose from at least one or two excursions or use that time to explore on their own. I really enjoyed the excursion to Argiano Winery, where we were given a tour of the owner's private art collection and the barrel room before enjoying an aperitivo and sitting down for a four-course dinner paired with the winery's Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. On other journeys, excursions range from walking tours of off-the-beaten-path locations to Jeep excursions on the slopes of Mount Etna and exclusive dinners in private Venetian palaces. Journeys aboard the VSOE start at $4,692 for one night in a Historic Cabin on the classic Venice to Paris journey. That rate includes afternoon tea served in the cabin, dinner, midnight brunch, breakfast served in the cabin, and all soft drinks, as well as a shared transfer from your hotel/residence to Venezia Santa Lucia Station. The rates for the LDVOE start at $3,910 for a one-night trip in a Deluxe Cabin and includes meals, a curated selection of wine, soft drinks, and cocktails, and transfers to and from the Orient Express Lounge at Rome's Ostiense Station.
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Telegraph
Why I swapped a two-hour flight to Sardinia for a two-day journey by train and ferry
The sea glittered as we cruised into Naples; Ischia to port, Capri to starboard and the camel-humped profile of Mount Vesuvius ahead. We sat on deck in the spring sunshine and considered our good fortune. We weren't on an expensive cruise but an overnight ferry from Sardinia. When DH Lawrence made a similar journey with his wife in 1921 there were cattle on deck and the crowing of cockerels woke them in their cramped four-berth quarters. By contrast, our quiet twin cabin, high above sea level, had an en-suite shower and a large window. The cost of the 15-hour crossing, including accommodation, Wi-Fi, four-course evening meal with wine and continental breakfast, was just £160 for two. Being early April, a time of year that many Italians still call 'winter', there were fewer than 200 passengers on board the ship – Grimaldi Lines' Europa Palace – with capacity for nearly 2,000. I was travelling back from Sardinia to the UK after a week's holiday with friends. For over two decades now I've chosen not to fly; preferring slower travel. It had taken me 22 hours by train and ferry to reach Sardinia, which I had spread out over two days. Although sleeper trains are having a renaissance across Europe, I prefer to travel by day then check into a hotel for a good night's rest and the chance of some sightseeing before continuing the journey. On day one, a Saturday, I travelled on the Eurostar to Paris, leaving at lunchtime, before taking a first-class seat on the top deck of a high-speed TGV for three hours to Marseille, and arriving at my hotel, the Mercure Centre Vieux Port, just after 9pm. On Sunday morning, I walked to the vibrant old port, not to catch a ferry – that wasn't until the evening – but to sightsee. A glorious food market was setting up and tour boats were heading out to the nearby Frioul archipelago. I hiked to the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, for views over the city, to the islands and Château d'If. Later, I swam in the bracing sea and enjoyed a cold beer at a buzzy outdoor cafe in the fishing neighbourhood of Vallon des Auffes. Then it was an hour's afternoon train (£15) along the craggy limestone coast to the port of Toulon, where I took an overnight ferry – £80, including cabin, Wi-Fi and breakfast – to Sardinia. First stop was Ajaccio in Corsica, where dawn rays gilded snow-capped mountains. The only other English voices I heard on board came from a couple from Harrogate who were taking their camper-van to Sardinia for a three-week island tour. Sixteen hours after departing Toulon, we arrived in the northwestern Sardinian port of Porto Torres at midday, and I headed to my guesthouse, Affittacamere da Priscilla. Rosa was my host, with whom I practised Italian. She told me how to find the best nearby beach, Balai, and I was soon flopped on white sand lapped by a gin-clear sea. The next morning it was just a ten-minute walk to the train station for a three-hour ride (£17) through the verdant heart of Sardinia to Cagliari, where I met up with my friends. Six of us enjoyed a week of spring sun and eating and drinking by the beach. Away from our sea-view villa, we wandered around the hilly capital, Cagliari; up marble steps to the bastion that DH Lawrence somehow found 'dreary' and to the city's archaeological museum with its fascinating Bronze and Iron Age sculptures and figurines. We ambled through narrow streets, and at the cathedral – which Lawrence describes as 'baroque and sausagey' – I climbed 80 steps to the top of the bell tower for views across rooftops to briny, flamingo-dotted lakes and the sea. Occasionally there was the scent of orange blossom. We dined al fresco at a restaurant – Impasto – in a square shaded by ficus trees. For the long journey back to the UK, my friend Sue joined me. We joked about the number of animals we might take. There is the option of up to ten pets per passenger on Grimaldi Lines. Dog owners exercise pooches on the top deck, where staff in high-vis vests mop up puddles of urine. There's also a small swimming pool (for humans, presumably) but, being early in the season, it was empty. Less than an hour after the ferry docked in Naples, we were sitting on the restaurant terrace of Hotel San Francesco al Monte with morning coffee and a Vesuvius view. We nosed around the former monastery, where there were strange cave-like tunnels and a meeting room set as if for the Last Supper. There was still a full afternoon to explore the city, so we walked down through the Spanish quarter, its narrow lanes overhung with washing. We stepped into doorways as cars squeezed past and ate at a little pizzeria as Vespas and pedestrians brushed by. In the old town, we hoped to see the veiled Christ sculpture at Cappella Sansevero but it was fully booked. The orange trees and painted tiles of the Santa Chiara cloister provided consolation. The daringly modern facade of the 15th-century church of Gesù Nuovo astounded me. The next morning, before breakfast, I took a funicular up to Morghen, near the hulking presence of St Elmo's castle. I walked back to the hotel, down wide paved steps, a view of Vesuvius framed by graffiti-daubed buildings, a street cleaner sweeping away beer bottles from night-time revellers. Then we took a taxi to Naples Central station for our plush Frecciarossa train to Milan, which reached speeds of 185mph. In first class a steward trundled down the aisle with an espresso machine dispensing caffeine shots to a mostly business-suited clientele heading to Rome. There were views of snow-topped Apennine mountains, the chalky blue Tiber and rolling countryside with cypresses and hilltop villages. We passed under Florence without stopping and before long we arrived at Milan Central. Over 400 miles had whizzed past in four hours and 40 minutes; the train was just one minute late. In DH Lawrence's day, the Italian railway was 'infinitely more miserable' than the British. The opposite seems true today. Our connection to Lugano was waiting. At Chiasso, Swiss border guards walked through the train. Six hours after leaving Naples, we arrived in Lugano, in the Italian-speaking south of Switzerland, Ticino. Continental Park Hotel was a handy five-minute walk from the station with views of lakes and mountains. The next day we had a leisurely breakfast and a stroll in Tassino Park, neighbouring the hotel and full of blossoms. Mountains were wreathed in mist and morning sun sparkled on the lake. At midday we left on a train to Basel. The route took us along the shores of Lake Lucerne, where yachts sailed with a backdrop of Alpine peaks. In buttercup-spattered meadows, cows wearing bells grazed. Soon, I imagine, they will be herded up to high summertime pastures. The route didn't have the drama of the Bernina and Glacier Expresses, with their viaducts, altitude and inclines, but it was gently beautiful, as well as being faster and more straightforward. At Basel, we changed for a train to Frankfurt. It left 25 minutes late. So much for Swiss punctuality. I went to the buffet car. It was predictably expensive – CHF28 (about £26) for a (large) glass of wine with some antipasti – so I opted for a small bottle of beer (£5). We reached Frankfurt six hours after leaving Lugano. Here we took a local train to a small town, Hofheim, to visit old friends. Two days later we continued our journey: a comfortable three-hour train ride from Frankfurt to Brussels followed by the Eurostar to London. Sardinia itself was glorious, but it was the travel there and back that was the adventure. You don't often say that about flying. How to do it The total cost for my journey from Banbury to Sardinia and back was approximately £500, including ferries, first-class trains and some meals. This relatively bargain price was mostly thanks to a 'four-day-in-a-month' flexi-pass from InterRail. I paid just £202 for a first-class pass (compared to £170 for second), meaning comfortable wider seats for train travel of up to 24 hours a day if I wished. Eurostar first class includes preferential check-in and a meal service with wine. Travel to and from your UK home station is included with an InterRail global pass. Seat reservations are mandatory on some trains – generally the faster ones – and add to the cost (Eurostar first-class reservations cost about £35 each way). On days where I was only making inexpensive train trips (Marseille to Toulon and Porto Torres to Cagliari), I paid for these separately to avoid using a pass day. Reservations for InterRail pass holders on Eurostar can sell out several days or weeks in advance during peak season.
