Slow travel isn’t a new concept, but it’s not always the easiest to practice. When we explore somewhere new, it’s tempting to fill every hour with must-see landmarks, trending restaurants, and hidden cafés we’ve saved from countless guides.
But sometimes, the real beauty of travel lies in leaving room for the unscripted, the moments that unfold when we wander without rush. In those pauses, we often stumble upon unexpected joy, unplanned discoveries, and even new places and faces that make the journey uniquely memorable.
– Featured Photo by David Syphers on Unsplash –
As 2026 draws near and we reflect on this year’s adventures, one idea we’re carrying forward is the art of slowing down. Cathay Pacific captures this spirit beautifully in its newly released short film “Slowly Explore, Fully Inspired,” unveiled on 27 October 2025. Directed by acclaimed Thai filmmaker Chayanop “Moo” Boonprakob, the film celebrates Cathay’s three-year partnership with the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), and serves as both a love letter to Hong Kong’s rich arts and cultural scene and a gentle reminder that unhurried travel can be just as fulfilling, if not more.
Starring Thai content creator Thanida “Pimtha” Manalertruengkul and Singapore-based Australian actor-model Alexander Yue, the film follows two contrasting travelers on a journey through Hong Kong — one driven by checklists, the other by curiosity. When plans go awry, the meticulous boyfriend is nudged to loosen up, take in the details, and discover the beauty of simply being present.
As WKCDA’s exclusive Travel Partner since 2023, Cathay Pacific continues to champion meaningful exploration, one that invites us to move through the world with intention, savoring every moment as it comes.