When it comes to traveling responsibly, slow travel often tops the list of suggestions. What is slow travel? Think opposite that checklist mentality so many take in venturing out to explore the world. It’s stopping to spend more than just a couple of days in each destination. It’s slowing down to really learn and appreciate each place you visit. It’s finding your own favorite spots removed from the tourist circuit. If you’re looking for a true cultural experience, this is the way to do it.

I know, I know. Not everyone has the liberty of taking months off to go see the world. Not everyone can plop down in a place they find homey and just decide to stay a while. For most, it takes planning. It also takes a degree of open-mindedness, and a somewhat open schedule. But all of these things are pretty easily attainable when you allow yourself the freedom. They can all be procured with a little bit of initiative, and a little bit of faith.

By moving slow, not only do you save on transportation costs (in time and money) and the stresses of constant relocation, you help to cut down your transport-related carbon footprint as well. Think trains, planes, and cars – they don’t just run on air. And if you’re really into making the smallest possible footprint, it will save you tons on all those carbon offsets you’re purchasing to balance out your travel emissions.

On a more introspective note, traveling slow also gives you some time to catch up with yourself. Traveling inevitably gets hectic, whether it’s for a week a month or a year. Placing yourself in a new environment, full of constant stimulation and a heightened sense of awareness in your perpetually new surroundings; this is a taxing thing.

I’ve been here in Pai for nearly two weeks now. It’s been nice to have time to relax and to fully dive into the scene. I’ve gotten to know the people that live here, the shop owners and chefs in some of the restaurants, where the good musicians play (and also the bad ones) and what nights are best to go where. I’ve even been invited into people’s homes for some pretty cool events I never would have known about if I hadn’t allowed myself the time to really delve in.

And best of all, I haven’t had to experience the town under the pressure of needing to see it all at once. My typical day consists of heading to a coffee shop (Om Garden is my favorite, it took me a few days of checking out different shops to find it), reading, writing, meeting people, maybe seeing a waterfall or going on a hike if I’m feeling up to it, and pretty much just relaxing and allowing each day to run its course.

When you give yourself the liberty of sitting back to observe, you start to see things you normally wouldn’t under the pressures of a tight travel schedule. You stumble down different alleyways just because you haven’t walked them before. You poke your head into hidden gems you otherwise wouldn’t have found, places like The Link that end up making all of your wanders worthwhile. You open yourself up to people that turn into friends, and experiences that soon become fond memories.

Anyways, this is just my humble plea for a different approach to travel. I think in many ways, it also speaks to a different approach to life. But I suppose that’s a conversation for another post in time.

And, for your wandering pleasure, I have put together a list of all my favorite places in Pai. Establishments that have good vibes, friendly faces, and most importantly, contribute in some way to the local community. I’m going to be putting together similar city guides as I go, comprised of places I’ve visited that embody some element of sustainable travel. Whether it be locally-owned, culturally-oriented, green-minded or spiritually aware, you can trust that my suggestions are at least a little elevated from the exploitative tourism companies that are so pervasive along the beaten path.

But enough of the sustainability rhetoric. Most importantly, (and because we all love good food) I’ve even thrown in my favorite meals at some of the restaurants listed, in case you’re ever in need of good a suggestion for what to get.

I like to think I’m just here to make your mindful travels easier. So get up, get out, and explore the world with fervent conscientiousness!

Check out the Jester’s guide to Pai here.