KB’s 12-Month Slow Travel Journey: A Real-World Example of Thoughtful, Long-Term Travel Planning
This page documents a real, year-long slow travel plan built around living in places, not passing through them. The focus is on daily routines, realistic budgets, walkable neighborhoods, and simple transportation rather than constant sightseeing or packed itineraries. It offers a realistic look at long-term travel planning across multiple countries, seasons, and regions.
Each month reflects where to stay, how to move, and what everyday life can look like when travel is paced intentionally over a long period of time. Weather, seasonality, and cost of living play a major role in shaping each location and length of stay.
This is not a checklist of attractions or a “see everything” itinerary. It’s a practical, real-world example of how long-term travel can be structured thoughtfully, sustainably, and realistically.
Scroll to explore the month-by-month slow travel journey.
JUNE 1–30, 2026 — NEW ZEALAND
Fly into: AKL – Auckland
Primary Base: Auckland
Also consider: Devonport
Average Weather
Mild winter month
Average temperature: 54°F
Coldest nights: 32–37°F
Warmest days: 65–73°F
Precipitation: ~5 inches
Average humidity: 84%
Average sea temperature: 62°F
June 21: Winter solstice (shortest day of the year)
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Auckland Waterfront Walks
Viaduct → Wynyard Quarter → Westhaven Marina. Flat, safe, and active even in winter. Ideal for daily routines.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau)
Walk up for skyline views. A local favorite. Best on clear mornings.
Auckland Domain & Wintergardens
Large parkland plus heated glasshouses—perfect winter refuge and free.
Neighborhood Wandering
Grey Lynn, Ponsonby backstreets, and Devonport village via ferry.
Libraries
Auckland Central Library is warm, free, and ideal for long stays and slow days.
Transportation
AT HOP Card
Essential for buses, trains, and ferries.
Walking First, Transit Second
Central Auckland is very walkable.
Buses Over Trains
Better coverage and frequency.
Ferries
Serve as both transport and experience.
Low-Cost Highlights
Ferry to Devonport
~NZD $6 each way. Harbor views, beach walks, and village atmosphere.
Fish & Chips by the Water
NZD $10–15. One of the best value meals in the city.
Weekend Markets
Groceries, baked goods, and people-watching.
Budget Reality Check
New Zealand is one of the tightest months at a $1,000 budget. This month works best as a slow, urban pause with minimal movement, heavy walking, and limited paid attractions.
Easy Day Trips
Devonport
How: Ferry from downtown
Why: Calm, historic, coastalCost: Under NZD $15 round-trip
Mission Bay / St Heliers
How: Bus
Why: Waterfront walks and local cafés
Cost: Standard city fare
JULY 1–31, 2026 — INDONESIA
Fly into: DPS – Denpasar (Bali)
Primary Base: Ubud
Also consider: Lombok (one move only)
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Ubud
Morning Rice-Field Walks
Campuhan Ridge and residential back lanes.
Temple Wandering
Outer courtyards, offerings, ceremonies—free or donation-based.
Town-Center Cafés
One drink, hours of sitting, journaling, or planning.
Residential Neighborhoods
Explore just outside the tourist core.
Lombok
Beach Walks
Especially along the south coast.
Village Life Observation
Markets, mosques, daily rhythms.
Sunrise & Sunset Routines
Free, repetitive, grounding.
Quiet Days
Lombok excels at low-stimulus, low-cost living.
Transportation
Walking First
Especially in Ubud center.
Grab / Gojek
No need to drive a scooter.
Local Bemos (Minivans)
When practical.
Fast Boats
Only for island transfers—not day trips.
Low-Cost Highlights
Local Meals
USD $1–3 per meal.
Fruit, Smoothies, Snacks
Under $2.
Laundry Service
About $1 per load.
Grab / Gojek Scooter Taxis
Often under $2 per ride.
Optional Massage
$7–10 (occasional treat only).
Budget Reality Check
Indonesia is a recovery month financially. Living well under $1,000 is realistic if tours, retreats, and excessive island hopping are avoided.
Average Weather
Warm, hot, and muggy
Average temperature: 80°F
Coldest nights: 69°F
Warmest days: 87°F
Precipitation: ~2 inches
Sunshine: ~10 hours/day
Average humidity: 78%
Average sea temperature: 81°F
Easy Day Trips
From Ubud
Nearby Villages & Temples
Walk or short scooter ride. Free or donation-based.
Rice Terraces Outside Tegallalang
Same views, fewer crowds, no ticket booths.
From Lombok
Local Beaches
Short local transport only.
Market Towns
Reachable by local transport.
AUGUST 1–31, 2026 — VIETNAM
Fly into: HAN (Hanoi)
Primary Base: Hoi An
Also consider: Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Hoi An Old Town (Daytime)
Wandering streets, riverfront, temples. No ticket needed unless entering historic homes.
Riverside Evenings
Free lantern viewing and people-watching.
Neighborhood Cycling
Flat terrain, slow pace.
Local Markets
Daily food, people-watching, budget meals.
Transportation
Walking & Cycling
Best within Hoi An.
Grab Motorbikes & Cars
Reliable and inexpensive.
Local Buses
Hoi An ↔ Da Nang.
Domestic Flights
Best value for long distances.
Low-Cost Highlights
Street Meals
USD $1–2 (noodles, rice plates, bánh mì).
Coffee & Juice Stops
$0.75–$1.50.
Bicycle Rental
~$1/day.
Tailoring
Optional—prices vary, budget carefully.
Budget Reality Check
Vietnam is a strong anchor month. With street food, Grab, and limited city hopping, staying under $1,000 is very achievable.
Average Weather
Very hot and muggy with frequent rain showers
Average temperature: 82°F
Coldest nights: 72°F
Warmest days: 94°F
Precipitation: ~7.9 inches
Sunshine: ~5 hours/day
Average humidity: 80%
Average sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
Da Nang
How: Local bus or Grab
Why: Beach walks, city energy
Cost: A few dollars round-trip
An Bang Beach
How: Bike or short Grab ride
Why: Free beach days
SEPTEMBER 1–30, 2026 — THAILAND
Fly into: CNX (Chiang Mai)
Primary Base: Chiang Mai
Also consider: Vientiane (Laos), Koh Lanta, Bangkok
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Chiang Mai
Old City
Temple wandering, shaded streets, quiet corners, and daily routines.
Local Markets
Fresh food, prepared meals, and everyday people-watching.
Neighborhood Cafés
One drink, long stays, slow afternoons.
Vientiane
Riverfront
Mekong River walks and evening local activity.
Temple Grounds
Open courtyards and calm cultural spaces.
Koh Lanta
Beach Walking
Long, uncrowded beaches for daily routines.
Bangkok
Neighborhood Wandering
Street life, canals, and residential areas away from tourist centers.
Public Parks
Green space for rest and walking in the city.
Transportation
Walking
Best within Old City areas and beach towns.
Local Buses & Songthaews
Primary transport in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.
River Ferries
Useful and inexpensive in Bangkok.
Trains & Buses
Reliable for intercity travel.
Low-Cost Highlights
Street Meals
USD $1–3 (noodles, rice dishes, curries).
Fresh Fruit & Snacks
Under $2.
Laundry Services
~$1–2 per load.
River Ferries
Cheap and practical in Bangkok.
Budget Reality Check
Thailand remains very workable on a $1,000 monthly budget when focused on local food, simple accommodations, and limited internal travel. Costs rise quickly with tours and nightlife, but daily life stays affordable when paced slowly.
Average Weather
Very hot and muggy with frequent rain showers.
Average temperature: 82°F
Coldest nights: 72°F
Warmest days: 94°F
Precipitation: ~7.9 inches
Sunshine: ~5 hours/day
Average humidity: 80%
Average sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
From Chiang Mai
Nearby Villages
Reachable by local transport, slower pace.
Outlying Temples
Less crowded, often free.
From Bangkok
Nonthaburi
River-accessible neighborhoods and local markets.
Canal Areas
Everyday life along waterways.
Domestic Flights
Best value for long distances.
OCTOBER 1–31, 2026 — SOUTH KOREA
Fly into: ICN (Seoul)
Primary Base: Seoul
Also consider: Busan
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Neighborhood Walking
Residential streets, cafés, bakeries, and everyday routines.
Public Parks & River Paths
Long walking paths along rivers and green spaces.
Markets
Food stalls, snacks, and local energy without pressure to spend.
Historic Area Wandering
Traditional streets and palace exteriors viewed from outside.
Temple Grounds
Open courtyards and calm cultural spaces.
Busan Coastal Walking
Beaches and waterfront paths open year-round.
Transportation
Subways & Buses
Primary transport within cities.
T-Money Card
Used for all local transit.
Trains
Reliable and affordable for city-to-city travel.
Low-Cost Highlights
Market Food
USD $2–4 (street snacks and simple meals).
Convenience Store Meals
USD $3–5.
Coffee Shops
USD $3–4 for extended stays.
Public Bathhouses
Optional—~$5–7.
Budget Reality Check
South Korea is tighter than Southeast Asia, but October is manageable on a $1,000 monthly budget with market food, convenience store meals, public transit, and limited city hopping.
Average Weather
Very mild with clear autumn air
Average temperature: 59°F
Coldest nights: 37°F
Warmest days: 79°F
Precipitation: ~2 inches
Sunshine: ~6.5 hours/day
Average humidity: 60%
Average sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
From Seoul
Incheon Neighborhoods
Reachable by subway, slower pace than central Seoul.
Suwon
Historic areas and city walking via train.
From Busan
Coastal Paths
Free seaside walking routes.
Local Markets
Neighborhood markets outside tourist zones.
Domestic Trains
Best value for intercity travel.
NOVEMBER 1–30, 2026 — CHINA
Fly into: Chengdu (CTU or TFU)
Primary Base: Chengdu
Also consider: Xi’an
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Neighborhood Walking
Residential streets, parks, and everyday city life.
Public Parks & Squares
Morning tai chi, group dancing, and social activity.
People-Watching
Markets, plazas, and communal gathering spaces.
Historic District Wandering
Traditional streets and architecture viewed from the outside.
Temple Grounds
Exterior courtyards and quiet cultural spaces.
Transportation
Subways & Buses
Primary transport within cities.
High-Speed Rail
Efficient and affordable between major cities.
Walking
Best for neighborhood exploration.
Low-Cost Highlights
Street Food
USD $2–4 (dumplings, noodles, buns).
Local Noodle Shops
USD $3–5.
Tea Houses
USD $2–3 for extended stays.
Public Transit
Very inexpensive within cities.
Budget Reality Check
China remains workable on a $1,000 monthly budget with local food, public transit, and limited paid attractions. Costs rise quickly with ticketed sites, so focusing on daily life experiences keeps spending controlled.
Average Weather
Mild, cool, and often overcast
Average temperature: 56°F
Coldest nights: 40°F
Warmest days: 73°F
Precipitation: ~0.6 inches
Sunshine: ~2 hours/day
Average humidity: 78%
Average sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
From Chengdu
Local Parks
Large green spaces and walking paths.
Suburban Neighborhoods
Everyday life beyond the city core.
From Xi’an
City Wall Area (Exterior)
Walking paths and surrounding neighborhoods.
Local Markets
Food stalls and daily routines.
Domestic Trains
Best value for intercity travel.
DECEMBER 1–30, 2026 — NEPAL
Fly into: Pokhara (PKR or PHH)
Primary Base: Pokhara
Also consider: Kathmandu
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Lakeside Walking
Flat walking paths along Phewa Lake and surrounding neighborhoods.
Temple Visits
Open-access temples and religious sites throughout town.
Neighborhood Cafés
Low-cost cafés ideal for long, slow mornings.
Local Markets
Daily shopping, people-watching, and inexpensive meals.
Kathmandu Street Wandering
Historic streets, courtyards, and everyday city life.
Transportation
Walking
Best for daily routines in Pokhara.
Local Taxis
Inexpensive for short distances.
Tourist Buses
Common for travel between cities.
Low-Cost Highlights
Local Meals
USD $2–4 (dal bhat, momos, noodle dishes).
Tea Stops
Under $2 for extended stays.
Laundry Services
Very inexpensive.
Budget Reality Check
Nepal is very compatible with a $1,000 monthly budget when focused on local food, simple accommodations, and daily life experiences rather than guided treks or permit-based activities.
Average Weather
Mild with clear skies and cooler evenings
Average temperature: 62°F
Easy Day Trips
From Pokhara
Lakeside Villages
Short local transport, quiet pace.
Scenic Walking Routes
Short walks without permits.
From Kathmandu
Local Neighborhoods
Historic areas reachable by foot or local transport.
Temple Complex Exteriors
Viewed from outside without entry fees.
Domestic Flights
Best value for long distances.
DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 31 — SRI LANKA
Fly into: CMB (Colombo) or KDW
Primary Base: Kandy
Also consider: Galle
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Beach Walking
Long coastal walks and slow daily routines.
Historic Fort Wandering
Galle Fort streets, ramparts, and ocean views.
Local Markets
Daily food shopping, people-watching, and street snacks.
Neighborhood Wandering
Residential streets and everyday life away from tourist centers.
Sunrise & Sunset Viewing
Free coastal viewpoints throughout the day.
Transportation
Trains
Primary transport along the coast.
Local Buses
Cheap and widely used.
Tuk-Tuks
Short distances at low cost.
Walking
Best for daily routines.
Low-Cost Highlights
Coastal Train Rides
A few dollars for scenic oceanfront rail travel between towns.
Rice & Curry Plate Lunches
USD $2–3 for filling, locally prepared meals.
Fort Area Bakeries
Affordable pastries and snacks popular with locals.
Public Beach Access
Free beaches throughout the south coast with no entry fees.
Budget Reality Check
Sri Lanka works well on a $1,000 monthly budget with local food, trains, and simple accommodations. Costs rise with private drivers and tours, but daily life remains very affordable when paced slowly.
Average Weather
End of the rainy season with improving conditions
Average temperature: 75°F
Coldest nights: 66°F
Warmest days: 83°F
Precipitation: ~4 inches
Sunshine: ~7.5 hours/day
Average humidity: N/A
Average sea temperature: N/Ae sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
From Galle
Nearby Beaches
Short train or bus rides along the coast.
Local Towns
Reachable by local transport, slower pace.
From Colombo
Urban Neighborhoods
Markets and residential areas by bus or train.
Coastal Rail Segments
Scenic sections without long travel days.
Domestic Trains
Best value for longer distances.
FEBRUARY 1–28, 2027 — SOUTH AFRICA
Fly into: CPT (Cape Town)
Primary Base: Cape Town
Also consider: Cape Peninsula
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Coastal Walking Paths
Promenades and seaside routes throughout the city.
Neighborhood Wandering
Gardens, Observatory, and residential areas with local energy.
Public Beaches
Wide beaches with free access and space to linger.
Sunrise & Sunset Viewing
Coastal viewpoints and hilltop overlooks.
Urban Parks & Green Spaces
City parks ideal for walking and rest days.
Transportation
Walking
Best within central neighborhoods.
Local Buses & Minibuses
Common for short distances and daily travel.
Regional Trains
Affordable along the coast during daylight hours.
Rideshare Services
Reliable for longer or late-day trips.
Low-Cost Highlights
Public Beaches
Free access to some of the most scenic beaches in the country.
Neighborhood Bakeries & Takeaways
Affordable, filling meals popular with locals.
Public Markets
Low-cost meals, snacks, and social atmosphere.
Scenic Coastal Routes
Free walking access to ocean views without paid attractions.
Budget Reality Check
Cape Town can work on a $1,000 monthly budget when focused on free coastal access, walking-based days, local takeaway meals, and limited paid attractions. Costs rise quickly with tours and private transport, so slow pacing and neighborhood-based routines keep spending controlled.
Average Weather
Warm and dry during the peak of summer
Average temperature: 72°F
Coldest nights: 54°F
Warmest days: 95°F
Precipitation: ~0.3 inches
Sunshine: ~10.5 hours/day
Average humidity: 67%
Average sea temperature: 67°F
Easy Day Trips
Cape Peninsula
Coastal scenery, beaches, and viewpoints reachable by public transport.
Kalk Bay
Harbor walking, local shops, and coastal atmosphere.
Muizenberg
Beach walking and colorful shoreline.
Regional Trains
Best value for short coastal distances.
MARCH 1–31, 2027 — RWANDA
Fly into: KGL (Kigali)
Primary Base: Kigali
Also consider: Musanze
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Neighborhood Walking
Clean streets, hillside views, and everyday city life.
Public Parks & Green Spaces
Open areas for walking, rest, and people-watching.
Local Markets
Fresh produce, prepared foods, and daily routines.
Cultural Centers (Exterior Areas)
Public grounds and gathering spaces around museums and memorials.
Village Walking (Musanze)
Rural scenery, local life, and mountain backdrops.
Transportation
Moto Taxis
Primary short-distance transport.
Local Buses
Reliable and inexpensive between cities.
Walking
Best within neighborhoods and town centers.
Low-Cost Highlights
Moto Taxi Rides
Very inexpensive and widely used for short distances.
Local Cafés
Affordable meals and coffee with long sitting time.
Community Markets
Low-cost prepared foods and staples.
Public Viewing Points
Free hilltop and roadside viewpoints throughout the country.
Budget Reality Check
Rwanda can work within a $1,000 monthly budget when focusing on daily life, walking-based exploration, and local food. Permit-based wildlife experiences are costly, but avoiding them keeps this month financially manageable.
Average Weather
Warm with regular rain showers
Average temperature: 72°F
Coldest nights: 57°F
Warmest days: 87°F
Precipitation: ~4.5 inches
Sunshine: ~5 hours/day
Average humidity: 77%
Average sea temperature: N/A
Easy Day Trips
From Kigali
Nearby Hills & Neighborhoods
Short local transport with scenic views.
Local Markets
Different districts offer distinct market experiences.
From Musanze
Village Roads & Trails
Walkable routes without permits.
Volcano Viewpoints
Scenic areas visible from public roads.
Regional Buses
Best value for longer distances.
APRIL 1-30, 2027 — MOROCCO
Fly into: ESU (Essaouira)
Primary Base: Essaouira
Also consider: Marrakech
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Medina Wandering
Car-free streets, daily life, and artisan activity inside the old city.
Coastal Walking
Long walks along the beach and harbor with constant ocean views.
Port Observation
Fishing boats, nets, and morning catch activity at the harbor.
Neighborhood Cafés
Mint tea, slow mornings, and people-watching.
Marrakech Medina (Exterior)
Street life, souks, and public squares explored without paid sites.
Transportation
Walking
Best within medinas and coastal areas.
Local Buses
Primary transport between towns and neighborhoods.
Shared Taxis
Used for short regional routes.
Trains
Reliable for major city connections.
Low-Cost Highlights
Medina Bakeries
Fresh bread and pastries used by locals daily.
Public Squares
Free evening activity, music, and food stalls.
City Ramparts
Historic walls and viewpoints with no entry fee.
Local Bus Travel
Very inexpensive between cities and neighborhoods.
Budget Reality Check
Morocco works well on a $1,000 monthly budget when focused on medina life, walking-based days, local bakeries, and public transport. Costs increase with guided tours and riads, but everyday living remains affordable with slow pacing.
Average Weather
Mild with frequent fog and mist, occasional warm desert winds
Average temperature: 62°F
Coldest nights: N/A
Warmest days: N/A
Precipitation: ~1.2 inches
Sunshine: ~9 hours/day
Average humidity: N/A
Average sea temperature: 64°F
Easy Day Trips
From Essaouira
Coastal Villages
Small towns and beaches reachable by local transport.
Argan Tree Areas
Roadside viewing of goats and groves without tours.
From Marrakech
Palm Grove Areas
Walkable outskirts with local activity.
Outlying Neighborhoods
Residential areas beyond the medina.
Regional Buses
Best value for intercity travel.
MAY 1-31, 2027 — PORTUGAL
Fly into: LIS (Lisbon)
Primary Base: Lisbon
Also consider: Porto
Free & Daily Life Experiences
Neighborhood Walking
Hillside streets, tiled buildings, and local daily routines.
Miradouros (Viewpoints)
City overlooks throughout Lisbon and Porto with free access.
Riverfront Walking
Tagus and Douro river paths for long, flat walks.
Local Bakeries & Cafés
Morning routines, pastries, and espresso culture.
Public Squares
People-watching, music, and neighborhood life.
Transportation
Walking
Best for daily exploration in historic areas.
Trams & Metro
Affordable and widely used in cities.
Regional Trains
Reliable for coastal and intercity travel.
Buses
Supplemental coverage for neighborhoods and outskirts.
Low-Cost Highlights
Miradouros
Some of the best city views in Europe at no cost.
Pastelarias
Affordable pastries and light meals used by locals daily.
Municipal Markets
Low-cost meals and fresh food stalls.
Public Beaches
Free access along the coast near Lisbon and Porto.
Budget Reality Check
Portugal is very workable on a $1,000 monthly budget when focused on walking-based days, bakeries, public transit, and coastal access. Costs increase with car rentals and tours, but everyday life remains affordable with slow pacing.
Average Weather
Warm with long daylight hours and low rainfall
Average temperature: 65°F
Coldest nights: 51°F
Warmest days: 87°F
Precipitation: ~2.5 inches
Sunshine: ~9.5 hours/day
Average humidity: 67%
Average sea temperature: 63°F
Easy Day Trips
From Lisbon
Belém
Riverside walking, monuments viewed from outside, and green space.
Cascais
Coastal town and beach walking via local train.
From Porto
Gaia Riverfront
Flat walking paths and city views across the river.
Matosinhos
Beach walking and seaside neighborhoods by metro.
Regional Trains
Best value for short coastal distances.