Traveling around the state, country, or world can be exciting, and for seniors, it’s often never more accessible than after retirement. Seeing all the places you’ve always dreamed about visiting can help you cross life goals off your list and bond with your spouse, partner, or family, and it can also help you regain independence as you make an effort to do something for yourself. Some types of travel can be stressful, however, especially if you’re attempting to squeeze several sights and activities into a limited number of days. That’s where “slow travel” comes into play.

Originating in Rome in the 1980s as a way to protest fast-food culture, the slow movement is all about taking your time to enjoy one thing rather than rushing to pack lots of things into a short amount of time. This allows you to relax and appreciate your time there, making yourself at home as you explore a given area. Instead of scheduling trips to museums and guided tours, rent a chalet or cabin and stick to one relatively small area that you can check out on foot. Australia is a wonderful place to start, as it has a ton of things for just about every traveler. From exotic beaches to historic cities, there are lots of places you can take your time to explore.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to make the most of a trip.

Secure Your Home

It will be really difficult for you to enjoy yourself on the trip if you’re worried about the security of your home, so take steps to make sure everything will be safe. Lock up all the doors and windows, talk to your neighbors so they’ll know when you’re leaving and what day you’ll return, and consider installing a simple surveillance system that you can access from a smartphone. Securing your home will give you peace of mind so you can focus on having fun on your trip.

Think About Funding

One of the biggest benefits of slow travel is that you can save money since you won’t have to pack in a lot of activities. Look for a small chalet, cabin, or rental home online and try to find one that has a fully stocked kitchen area so you can make your own meals rather than eating out. If you want to get the full Australian experience, budget for a few meals at a nice restaurant.

Don’t Rush It

You may be tempted to schedule several activities during your time in Australia, but slow travel is all about savoring your time there and making the most out of each day rather than rushing through it. Keep in mind that you can always plan for a second trip next year, especially if you’re budget-conscious on this one. In many areas of Australia, you won’t need a car; you might rent a bike or simply walk and explore the town you’re in, and this can help you take your time.

Learn Something New

Rather than focusing on sightseeing during your trip, you might take the time to learn something new. Get familiar with the local lingo, take a surfing class, or look up the local history of the town you’re staying in. This can help you make the most of your time there and will allow you to slow down, relax, and practice a little mindfulness.

Traveling can be very stressful if you don’t have a good plan in place, so prepare by doing some research online before making any decisions. Think about the best ways to travel for your comfort level and budget, and remember to take care of yourself along the way by staying hydrated and eating well-balanced meals.