Travel is different this year. As tourism is slowly opening back up, many of us are stepping back and considering how we want to travel going forwards. Now is the perfect time to adopt a slower pace of travel, and to change the way that we see the world. We love staying in beautifully curated boutique hotels but are open to alternative ways of seeing the world. 

We recently stumbled upon Behomm, feeling inspired by this alternative form of accommodation. Owners Eva and Agus have created a new concept of travel exclusively for creatives and design lovers, allowing those with similar values and design aesthetics to share their homes. The community-based platform allows members to stay in each other’s houses for free, offering up a new way to see the world without spending money on expensive accommodation. 

ABOVE: Gotland, Sweden, home available for Behomm members- photo by Malin Gäfvert

Membership is invitation only, ensuring that the pool of available houses is of the upmost quality and guaranteeing the safety of those opening up their homes. Members pay a trial fee of 140 € for the first year, increasing to 280 €, opening up the possibility of unlimited home exchanges within the community. Homes are available all around the world, from Byron Bay to London, with houses of all shapes and sizes available in urban, coastal and countryside locations. All of the homes are impeccably designed, allowing you to swap with someone with similar interests and stay in a place that inspires you. 

Behomm’s philosophy is that beauty is not tied to luxury – you don’t need to pay large amounts to stay in beautiful accommodation. The community aspect of the site helps you to plan your trip, with prolonged communication with the people you are house swapping with, allowing both parties to share tips and advice for exploring their local neighbourhoods. Rather than staying in tourist areas, you are perfectly positioned for a slower pace of travel, living life as you would do as a local. 

There are many other options for slowing down your travels and experiencing an alternative to traditional tourism, most of which are particularly attractive during the current climate. We’re currently feeling inspired by the owners of Australian clothing brand, Yoli and Otis, who are touring Portugal in a rented campervan. Whether you fling a mattress into the back of a van or go all-out and hire an RV, a road trip is the perfect way to explore while abiding to social distancing rules. We love the thought of a European summer seen from the windows of a van, spending the night watching the sun set over remote beaches and cooking your meals over a campfire.

This could be the perfect summer to step off grid and immerse yourself in a yoga or meditation retreat, such as She She Retreats, nestled in the mountains of Mallorca. This relaxing experience includes a soothing mix of yoga, wellness, nature and healthy eating in a rural location, staying in an ancient monastery with panoramic views of the ocean. There’s no better way to slow down than to completely disconnect and enjoy your time away from the pressures of technology and modern life. A programme of yoga, meditation, hiking and swimming could be just what you need to recharge.

Another alternative to traditional travel that could be tempting to those seeking a longer trip is house sitting. There are many house-sitting websites that work in different ways – some involve a fee while others offer the opportunity for you to make money while travelling. Homeowners who are often away on long business trips or at vacation homes recruit house-sitters to look after their homes, care for their pets and carry out daily responsibilities while they are away. You will be free to ease into your own routine and explore the local area, while carrying out small tasks such as watering plants and walking dogs. 

However you choose to travel this summer, allow yourself to slow down. Slowness is even more important than usual as we adapt to a new travelling landscape, where social distancing and carefulness are our first thoughts. We can continue to see the world, albeit at a slower pace and with more considerations than before. This is the time to embrace a new way of travelling, seeking out alternatives to traditional holidays, and finding the form of travel that works best for us.