5 Most Relaxing Travel Destinations
How many times have you finally gotten the time off work to go and take a vacation, only to find that the vacation itself left you aching, tired, and dreading the return to work even more.
Maybe it’s time to take a different kind of vacation—one where doing nothing but relaxing and restoring are the primary focus, rather than sightseeing and activities. If your goal is to do nothing but breathe and enjoy the beauty of nature, consider one of these 5 destinations.
East Coast of Belize
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Not often at the top of the list of tourist destinations, the beaches and islands of Belize are a great place to go if you’re looking to unwind. With coastlines along the Caribbean Sea, the beaches of Belize offer a quieter, more low-key vacation experience. You can get the relaxing beach experience without all the chaos and commercialism of many top travel destinations. Further inland you find tropical rainforests and stunning mountain vistas, along with ancient Mayan ruins to explore on foot. Reconnecting with ancient civilizations in a pristine rainforest is an amazing spiritual experience for many.
Multi-day Cruises to The Australian Islands
Cruises are one of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Once you board the boat, you don’t have to worry about a thing. No meal planning, no added costs, and all the entertainment you could want. You can either spend your days soaking in the sun on the deck, or you can disembark at numerous ports throughout the journey to enjoy the beaches and local culture. Multi-day cruises to the Australian Islands are fantastic as they aren’t as well-known as many other cruise destinations like the Caribbean islands. There are fewer tourists, calmer towns, and an overall more relaxing experience than most cruise routes.
Adirondack Mountains
If the hot sun, sand and salt of tropical beaches aren’t your thing, consider heading to a higher elevation rather than sea-level. The air tends to be cooler and drier, and rather than crashing surf, the peacefulness of a mountain lake may be exactly what you need. The relaxing in the old-growth forests near mountain resorts in Lake Placid or Lake George in upstate New York can be the perfect way to rejuvenate and clear your mind.
Mediterranean Sea
Looking for tried and true destinations? The coastal areas of southern Europe offer a retreat into a simpler time. Fresh foods, a year-round temperate climate, and tiny coastal villages where the roads are built for walking instead of vehicular traffic are easily some of the best destinations for taking some time off. Check out Santorini, Greece or the French Riviera to enjoy the history, cuisine, and the laid-back atmosphere of the Mediterranean that has flourished for millennia.
Cape Town, South Africa
Stunning views, peaceful evenings, and natural wonders await at many South African resorts. Many people don’t realize that South Africa boasts a climate that rivals the moderate Mediterranean and comes with glorious Winelands as well. Rolling hills and nature preserves abound just outside of Cape Town, and sunny beaches are within driving distance as well. The South African coast is also much more affordable than other popular tourist destinations around the world. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path place to take in a few rounds of golf or see some exotic wildlife, consider Cape Town for your next vacation.
The next time you’re trying to plan a relaxing vacation, consider one of these lesser-known locales for your trip. Avoiding the typical tourist traps will help you find the restoration that we often seem to miss when we vacation. Finding a peaceful retreat while being able to enjoy the culture without all the fuss is the best of both worlds.
About the author
Sarah Kearns is a hardworking mother of three daughters. She is a Senior Communications Manager for BizDb, an online resource for information about businesses in the UK. She loves cooking, reading history books and writing about green living.
