The concept of slow travel is all the rage these days, and with good reason. So many of us who love to travel find that often, when we return home from our adventures, we are not as refreshed as we'd like to be. Instead, we are grateful for the trip we took and all that we experienced, but we are drained and even more tired than we were when we left home. We sometimes feel that we "need a vacation from our vacation" because we jammed so many things in such a short amount of time. Sure, we saw and did so much, but at what cost?

Slow travel is a philosophy that embraces the other type of travel. As its name suggests, slow travel encourages travelers to take things slow, relax, dig in, and get to know a place rather than rushing right through it.

The benefits of slow travel are vast and obvious. If you want to try this type of travel, the Wichita Mountain region of Oklahoma is an excellent place to give it a whirl. Not only is this area one of the most beautiful parts of Oklahoma, but it's quiet, peaceful, and welcoming in every way. You'll love immersing yourself in nature and in small towns in the southwestern quadrant of The Sooner State.

Southwestern Oklahoma is a hidden gem. Few people outside of the state of Oklahoma know how breathtakingly beautiful this region is, and that's a good thing—the Wichita Mountains are uncrowded and quiet most days of the year.

There are several slow ways to enjoy this area. You might begin by driving along the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway, which was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2009. You'll be amazed at the incredible views along its 93-mile length. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at a pull-off, and then sit back and enjoy every bit of this epic drive.

Another way to spend a slow day enjoying this region is to visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge . At over 59,000 acres in size, this refuge is one of the largest in the United States. It's full of diverse landscapes and ecosystems, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife.

Speaking of hiking, there are over 15 miles of trails in the wildlife refuge for you to try. Take it slow and be sure to stop and smell the flowers! If you want to see the view from the top of Mount Scott at 2,464 feet, you might try the 5.5-mile-long Mount Scott Overlook Trail . You can expect views like the one in the photo above at the peak of this moderate-rated trail.

Looking for an easier trail? You'll love the 2.4-mile-long Kite Trail. It will take you along a rocky route with waterfalls, wildflowers, and more.

This entire area is full of beauty. If it's waterfalls that you seek, don't miss Bath Lake in Medicine Park . Many people believe that this lake has healing properties. The town of Medicine Park itself is quite lovely as well. It's full of cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. Take your time exploring it.

After a long, slow day of poking around this area at your leisure, you'll love spending a relaxing evening at this vacation rental with its own hot tub and sauna. It sleeps four guests in two bedrooms and has two bathrooms, plus plenty of places to sit back and enjoy each other's company or to relax for a few hours with a good book.

If you get a chance in the evening, head back out to the nearby mountains to enjoy some slow stargazing. It's very dark in this part of Oklahoma, and you'll love all that you can see in the sky on a clear night.

Slow travel is a wonderful way to spend your vacation, and southwestern Oklahoma is an exceptional place to try it. You'll love this style of travel and this area overall. Have a great, slow trip!