Fed Up Of Rushing? Try 'Land Snorkelling' When You Next Go On Holiday

Land snorkelling is about giving all your surroundings the same attention you'd pay to a coral reef while floating in the water.From JOMO trips to “blue mind theory” vacations, there are seemingly endless trends in the travel zeitgeist these days.Another one with a particularly fun name is “land snorkelling” – a fresh mindset that invites travellers to explore cities and neighbourhoods with the kind of curiosity and awareness they bring to floating through a coral reef. So what exactly is land snorkelling, and how might it guide your next vacation?HuffPost asked a couple of travel experts to break down the benefits, downsides and tips for taking this approach to travel.What is land snorkelling?“Land snorkelling is the idea of exploring a place slowly and intentionally, like you’re ‘snorkelling’ through a neighbourhood or city,” travel blogger Esther Susag told HuffPost.“It’s that meandering, no-itinerary-needed way of discovering hidden gems, whether you’re wandering a quiet neighbourhood, checking out a local market or stumbling across a tucked-away coffee shop.”The idea is to take it slow and appreciate the space around you when you’re traveling or even when you’re in your own hometown. “Instead of racing from one must-see to the next, you’re taking a page from the underwater playbook – drifting, noticing, tuning in,” said Leigh Barnes, president of Americas at Intrepid Travel.“Just like floating through a reef lets you take in the colours and textures up close, land snorkelling is about appreciating the small stuff: the sound of a local conversation, the smell of street food sizzling, the way the light hits a building. It’s presence, not just sightseeing.”What are the benefits? Any downsides?There are many reasons to opt for this slow, immersive approach to travel and everyday life. “What I love about it is how grounded it feels,” Susag said. “You end up discovering hole-in-the-wall bakeries, chatting with locals or stumbling into a park you never would’ve planned for. It brings back that sense of wonder that sometimes gets lost in over-planned trips.”Barnes believes slow travel trends like land snorkelling are better for the planet and for you. “Whether it’s jumping on a scenic train, joining a walking tour with a local guide, or staying in a homestay that gives back to the community – you get more out of your travels when you go deeper, not faster,” he said.“It helps ease burnout, brings you back to the moment, and supports the people and places you visit.”He added that slowing down helps you reconnect with yourself, others and the earth. “The only downside is that it’s not always the most time-efficient way to see a city, especially if you’re on a tight schedule,” Susag noted. “But if you’ve got a few days and want to feel a place rather than just visit it, it’s amazing.”What’s the best way to try out land snorkelling on your next trip?Sold on the idea of land snorkelling, but don’t know where to begin? Just start simple. “When you arrive somewhere new, walk instead of jumping in a car,” Barnes advised. “Ditch the big bucket-list blitz and choose a few experiences that really matter. And give yourself permission to wander – without a plan, without your phone, and without rushing.” He noted that you can even start with a small group tour and let a guide handle the logistics of your day so that you can stay present and curious. “If you want to give land snorkelling a try, pick a neighbourhood, leave your phone in your pocket and just start walking,” Susag said. “Walk with no real goal, chat with locals, follow your curiosity and don’t be afraid to take a few wrong turns.” You don’t have to commit to a full land-snorkelling vacation, either. “Some of the best memories come from the unexpected detours,” Susag said.“Even if you just try it for one or two days of your trip, it could be a fun way to have the best of both worlds and discover places you never would have seen before.”Related...UK Holidaymakers Warned To Not Use Wheeled Suitcases This SummerAIBU For Not Packing My Teens' And Husband's Suitcases For Holiday?I Just Learned The Real Reason Planes Are White (And It's Surprisingly Technical)

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