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The road less travelled: luxurious slow travel routes for summer
By Tessa Crowley | 22 August 2024 | Travel
In our fast-paced world, slowing down and switching off has never been more attractive. Here we share three incredible luxury slow travel experiences, for meaningful moments and cultural connection.
As summer waxes on, slow travel continues to trend. While climate consciousness and a need for relaxation inevitably play a part, there’s a certain romanticism in taking the slow road.
Here, discover the rail revival and lost art of cultural connection, as we share some of our favourite luxurious journeys to indulge in worldwide. 
The Ghan Expedition, Australia
Traversing Australia’s interior for the past 95 years, The Ghan has seen its fair share of outback adventure. The legendary train stems from the first Afghan cameleers arrival in Australia in the 1930s. They blazed a permanent trail and, today, this legacy sees the train carve a path across the country, from Darwin to Adelaide and back again. The 2,979km journey takes in some of the most remote and captivating parts of this seemingly endless continent, uncovering regional food and wine, remote landscapes, and forging a connection to the land along the way.
Mongolia, with Black Tomato
As enigmatic as it is enchanting, landlocked Mongolia offers unconstrained wilderness. On Black Tomato’s incredible cultural itinerary, guests head deep into the wilderness for the rare chance to meet – and learn from – the last reindeer herders in Mongolia; the Dukha. Having lived in the jagged peaks and snowy forests of Taiga for centuries, the Dukha know this land like no other, constantly moving their tented camps in pursuit of rich grazing grounds. Catch a glimpse of their wonderfully authentic world through traditional ceremonies, campfire cooking, and reindeer herding.
Malaysia, with Scott Dunn
Scott Dunn’s Limitless Malaysia itinerary offers scenic slow travel on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Guests experience a night in Singapore before departing on an enchanting rail journey across Malaysia, seeing bustling cityscapes, rural villages and paddy fields from luxurious carriages. “We’re seeing an increased appetite for what has been coined ‘slowcations’ this year” Simon Lynch, Global Product Director at Scott Dunn, shared. “With so many people naming de-stressing as their main reason for booking a holiday; and relaxation as their main priority when they’re away, it’s no surprise”. Daily excursions connect you to the local heritage and beauty spots, while several nights spent nestled in the rainforest at The Datai, one of the country’s most luxurious beach resorts, offers a well-timed moment for reflection and relaxation.