I retired early and have been slow traveling for 2 years. I realized I'd been doing it wrong.
A retired couple traveling the world realized that true connection in a new culture comes from active participation rather than just observing as long-term visitors. Their experience at a neighbor's family ceremony in Bali shifted their perspective on what it means to belong while traveling.
Why it matters
It highlights the difference between passive tourism and genuine cultural integration for the growing demographic of early retirees.
Kelly Benthall retired early and has been slow traveling; she realized she'd been doing it wrong. Provided by Kelly Benthall After retiring at 53, Kelly Benthall and her husband, Nigel, have been slow traveling the world. An invite to a coming-of-age celebration from their Balinese neighbor changed her view on slow travel. She thought staying longer would create connection. Instead, belonging came from participation. I retired at 53 and have been slow traveling around the world with my husband for almost 2 years. Last month, while we'd been renting a villa in Bali, everything next door would usually grow quiet by sunset. That's when we got a knock on the door. "There will be a party tomorrow night," Kadek told us with his usual easy smile. "It might go a little late."
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