Early retiree discovers the importance of participation in slow travel in Bali

Kelly Benthall, an early retiree, shares her experiences with slow travel, highlighting a shift in perspective during her two years of global travel with her husband, Nigel. While renting a villa in Sanur, Bali, she initially approached slow travel by staying in locations for extended periods, expecting connections to form naturally. However, a turning point occurred when she and Nigel were invited to a coming-of-age celebration by their Balinese neighbor, Kadek. Participating in the local festivities, including karaoke and sharing a meal, helped Benthall realize that active involvement in the community, rather than just extended stays, fosters a sense of belonging. She reflects on previous slow travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand, where she felt more like a spectator, and notes that volunteering in Christchurch offered a similar, albeit smaller, sense of connection. This realization has changed how she and Nigel plan future trips, now prioritizing opportunities for community engagement and participation over simply finding comfortable accommodations.