Thanksgiving has just ended here in the U.S. and the freneticness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday have descended. This shopping frenzy makes Thanksgiving even more my favorite holiday, as I think it is for many people.

Giving thanks is a simple, rewarding act. Slow travel is, in many ways, a simple and rewarding act as well. While planning a Europe vacation, making the arrangements for everything at home while you are away, and the actual travel to your destination are not necessarily simple, people who then stay in one place are rewarded for choosing a simpler form of travel. In the spirit of the season then, I thought it would be nice to share some of the thanks giving of people who have invested themselves in traveling in the slow lane. Most of our trips are art based, so our travelers are working in some form of art – thus comments about “work.”

Slow Travel allows you to reflect:

I think Orvieto gave me a new appreciation of my realities. Savoring things more…. And rushing a bit less. Susan from Florida

Orvieto has given me time for reflection, living in the moment. I will look for “well being” and laugh more often as a result. John from North Carolina

I left my heart behind – no surprise there – and I took away a greater, deeper appreciation of the true value of a slower-paced life. Maureen from Massachusetts

I will take home from this trip to slow down, to create a more cozy garden space at home and to save money for another trip!! Angela from North Carolina

And grow:

Bloom Indeed! It’s a trip that needs to be experienced firsthand – up close and personal – to be truly appreciated! So happy I did. Theresa from Florida

Traveling this way can instill a sense of camaraderie that lasts. Witness:

I came back from Italy Saturday night with my heart full of wonderful memories….It was such a great experience to be in Orvieto with all those lovely people. They let you feel at home immediately! We shared a lot, laughed a lot and worked hard together. In one word this trip was STUNNING.

Baukje from France

I sit here with tears in my eyes recognizing that this wondrous moment has passed and I am sad that I will not come down to start this day with a heart felt buongiorno and lovely coffee at the Blue Bar. I am sad, yet so filled with the wonder that is each and every one of you. Such a gift this week has been; the setting, the amazing heartfelt depth of everyone and everything we’ve experienced. I cannot find the words to really do it all justice. I return full of life (full…..literally too!) and an eagerness to embrace it. Thank you.

Lynn from Chicago

I loved every minute of it. We got the experience of a lifetime. I sit here wistfully lingering over each photo identifying each place and person with an “Oh, I was there! Oh! WE did that! Oh! I KNOW that Orvietani! Such great memories. I miss you all and look forward to when we meet again.

Angela from Ireland

Our week in Orvieto together was one of the best weeks in my life … I think we all feel the same. Renee from Kansas City

Slow travel brings a sense of peace as you sense more, worry less, embrace life. Witness these comments first from Cathy who lives in rural Ohio and then Ann from Olympia, Washington:

I hope the feeling of such peacefulness remains for a longggggggggggggg time – slow city – slow food . . . .Not a day goes by that I don’t think of our fairy tale adventure. Miss all of you and Italy.

I will never forget Giovanna putting her hands on my cheeks and forehead when Marty and I first arrived at the convent and saying “calma”, “calma”. That set the stage for the rest of my days there.

Traveling where you get to know the locals and learn from them can transform your outlook and you.

You have given me a life changing experience. I am now someone who makes her dreams come true. I am experiencing life rather than plowing through it just to get by. I am going to live a healthier, creative, adventuresome and more passionate life. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Beth from Minnesota

It looks like Ruth and I have found a place to rent for an art studio. We’re really excited about it. We’ve been wanting to do this for a long, long, time. See the impact Orvieto has had on us.

Judy from Clayton, California

I definitely have to say the Italy trip was a real turning point in my life. It’s terrific. I’m journaling frequently now and work really is just one part of my life again in healthy balance.

Paula from SC

My soul healed and I was given wings. Jeanne from Wisconsin

Not only am I hearing Italian in my ears, but hoping to learn it. And starting to do a little Italian cooking. I loved the food.

Sandy from California

Almost two years later I still dream of Orvieto and Italy. DD from Montana

And this from Lisa from Australia that added fun to the transformation:

Well, what can I say, except that this was some of the best fun I have ever had….after cooking all this scrumptious food, we sat down in the restaurant where the staff served it to us…..along with some fabulous wine, we had a ball! I am so inspired to try some of the recipes we were given when I come home.

It can also help you learn to travel!

The experience will make all future trips – both large and small – more enjoyable. You have given me a whole new set of eyes.