Four Secrets to a Truly Relaxing Vacation

If you’ve ever returned from a getaway feeling like you needed another one to recover, then you know how challenging it can be to fully unwind and enjoy a vacation—especially if it’s encumbered by logistical hiccups or other complications. But such a break is possible as long as you engage in some thoughtful planning and prioritize rest, balance, and activities that can nourish your mind. Follow these tips for your next journey, and you may just find yourself returning feeling energized rather than drained.

Discover what soothes you

As exciting as a whirlwind tour across Europe or a strenuous trek on rugged trails may be, they aren’t necessarily the best ways to get a true stress-free escape. If such a vacation is your goal, take a moment before you start booking flights or accommodations to reflect on what travel experiences and places tend to help you to feel the most blissful and, conversely, which often leave you overwhelmed. Think back to past vacations, digging into the details of what made them enjoyable or disappointing. For example, perhaps that idyllic beach vacation didn’t turn out as you’d planned, with the too-crowded sands and sweltering heat making you tense and irritated. Alternatively, you may have loved your stay at a cozy cottage in a quaint downtown since it made it easy to explore charming eateries, local shops, and historic landmarks at your own pace.

Still unsure of the perfect trip for you? Consider taking an online quiz to gain some clarity, such as one from BuzzFeed or Condé Nast Traveler. The results may not be perfect, but they could help give you insight on the type of vacation you need to get real a break from the demands of daily life, allowing you to release stress, recharge, and improve your overall well-being.

Plan Well

Once you’ve picked where to go, take immediate steps to secure reservations, such as for accommodations, activities, and dining. By planning these well ahead of your departure, you can better avoid last-minute snafus that may get in the way of a smooth experience. An app like Wanderlog can be a huge asset, helping you organize your itinerary, estimate your travel budget, keep track of your bookings, and more.

As you peruse your options, keep the timing of your trip in mind; scheduling it during off-peak periods for your chosen destination can make it significantly more peaceful. If you’re drawn to a charming mountain escape like Stowe, Vermont, or Durango, Colorado, for example, consider traveling in late spring—right after the ski season wraps up but before the influx of summer visitors. Along similar lines, investigate whether the attractions on your must-see list offer the ability to explore them early in the morning, before crowds arrive, or in late afternoon, after most tourists have already left for the day. There’s nothing like having a place largely to yourself to help you get lost in an activity and really savor the moment.

Slow down

While arranging your itinerary in advance can be useful, make sure to do so with care. Overloading it can easily turn what should be a relaxing escape into an exhausting one. So rather than schedule back-to-back activities in your days, pick just a few that genuinely interest you and leave space in between to unwind or explore without a rigid agenda. For instance, instead of rushing from a lunch at an outdoor café to an educational visit at a museum across town, allow yourself time to stroll the streets along the way, taking in the local architecture or the natural scenery. These unstructured moments can be incredibly uplifting, giving you a chance to gently settle into your time away from home.

Another useful strategy to further your retreat is to engage in a digital detox. This break from technology can enable you to disconnect from your daily demands so you can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. Just be sure to notify your family, friends, and colleagues beforehand that you’ll be limiting your screen time to avoid inciting annoyance or worry.

Smooth your transitions

Even with the best planning, some discomfort is bound to arise—whether you’re feeling a tad homesick or just a bit uneasy from being in an unfamiliar environment. It can take time to shift into vacation mode and let go of everyday worries. If possible, consider building a buffer zone around your trip to ease this transition. Giving yourself a day before your excursion to mentally prepare for what’s ahead and another one once you return to settle back into your regular routine can make a world of a difference on both ends.

Vacations are meant to offer rejuvenation and a refreshing break from your normal day-to-day, so don’t let yours become a source of stress. By catering to your needs and desires before, during, and after your travels, you can better ensure that your next getaway is a truly relaxing and memorable experience.