The term “slouk travel” refers to a slow, immersive travel approach focused on local anchoring rather than accumulating destinations. In 2024, this philosophy aligns with an underlying trend: French-speaking travelers are increasingly turning to nearby Mediterranean destinations, where the time spent on-site takes precedence over the distance traveled.
Set-jetting and slouk travel: when filming locations dictate the itinerary
The trend of set-jetting has reshaped the map of popular destinations. Searches for Hawaii and Sicily surged after the airing of the series The White Lotus, with a reported increase of 300% according to the Valréas Tourism Office.
This phenomenon fits perfectly into a slouk logic. The traveler does not check off a country on a list: they seek a place rich in narrative, an atmosphere they want to physically reconnect with. Sicily, viewed through the lens of The White Lotus, is not experienced like a classic tour. One settles in a neighborhood of Taormina, eats in the same trattorias, walks the same alleys.
General destination lists almost systematically ignore this dimension. We observe that competing lists pile up entire countries (Iceland, Japan, Peru) without ever addressing the emotional relationship to the place. Slouk, on the other hand, starts from a specific anchoring point, often a village, a neighborhood, a coastline, rather than a flag on a map.
Planning this type of stay involves cross-referencing filming calendars, off-peak periods, and the availability of local accommodations. Those interested in this approach will find immersion-oriented itineraries on the page slouk travel on World 24, which lists several thematic routes.
Nearby Mediterranean destinations: the real shift of French travelers
Long-haul bookings have significantly decreased for winter 2024-2025 compared to Christmas 2023. Mexico, Guadeloupe, and Mauritius have lost ground. In contrast, France, Spain, and Tunisia dominate the podium.
This shift is not a seasonal whim. Tunisia and Morocco are seeing respective booking increases of 42% and 45% in the first quarter of 2025 according to TourMag. Marrakech and Djerba concentrate the bulk of this dynamic.
Marrakech for an urban slouk
Marrakech lends itself to slow travel by its very structure. The riads in the Kasbah or Mouassine neighborhoods allow one to settle in for an entire week without ever feeling stuck. The quality-price ratio of local dining enables daily immersion in the souks without breaking the budget.
We recommend avoiding Jemaa el-Fna square as an anchoring point and favoring the mellah or artisan neighborhoods where the pace remains that of the locals.
Djerba for a beach slouk
Djerba offers a different setting: flat, windy, marked by a pottery and textile tradition that short stays do not allow one to grasp. The village of Guellala, the synagogues of Hara Sghira, and the rehabilitated fondouks create a dense cultural network on an island that can be explored by bike.
Formalities 2024-2025: regulatory constraints to consider before departure
A slouk trip involves longer stays than average. The question of formalities then becomes structural, not ancillary.
- The ETIAS system, postponed several times, will eventually change the entry conditions into the Schengen area for nationals of third countries. Non-EU travelers will need to anticipate prior online authorization, even for short stays.
- The European Parliament has strengthened the rights of air passengers, with stricter rules on delays, baggage, and pricing transparency. For a slouk traveler booking separate flights and accommodations, this increased protection compensates for the absence of tour operator guarantees.
- Some popular destinations like the United States maintain specific requirements (ESTA, passport validity of at least six months). A prolonged stay in the USA often requires a B-2 visa, with a consular interview process that extends preparation by several weeks.
Long-haul slouk travel: the few destinations that truly lend themselves
Slouk is not limited to the Mediterranean, but not all distant destinations are suitable. The discriminating criterion remains the possibility of living at a local pace without heavy tourist infrastructure.
Vietnam, particularly its northern rice terrace regions like Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi, offers an ideal setting. Homestays with locals, ethnic weekly markets, and the absence of resorts allow for authentic anchoring over two to three weeks.
Costa Rica, often cited in general lists, poses an inverse problem: its Pacific coast is saturated with standardized ecotourism. In contrast, the Limón province on the Caribbean side remains under the radar. Afro-Caribbean culture, distinct cuisine, and a radically different pace from the rest of the country.
What distinguishes a slouk itinerary from a simple slow trip
The difference lies in the intention. A slow trip reduces the number of stops. A slouk trip builds each day around a local non-touristy activity: cooking classes with locals, participation in a market, artisanal learning. Slouk transforms the traveler into a temporary resident, not a slowed-down spectator.
The destinations that work best are those where the cost of living allows for long stays, where the language barrier is surmountable with modest effort, and where homestays exist outside international platforms. Tunisia, Morocco, Vietnam, and certain regions of Costa Rica check these boxes. Nordic or Japanese destinations, despite their appeal, impose a daily budget that mechanically shortens the duration of the stay and, by extension, the depth of immersion.
