I retired early and have been slow traveling for 2 years. I realized I'd been doing it wrong.

Kelly Benthall, who retired at 53, has been slow traveling the world with her husband for nearly two years. She initially believed that staying longer in each place would naturally foster community connections. However, a pivotal moment occurred in Bali when their neighbor Kadek invited them to a family coming-of-age ceremony. Initially hesitant, Benthall attended and ended up singing karaoke with locals, feeling a genuine sense of belonging. This experience made her realize that slow travel requires active participation, not just passive presence. She contrasts this with earlier stops in Sydney and Christchurch, where she remained a spectator despite extended stays. The article concludes that meaningful connection comes from engaging with local life, not just waiting for it to happen.