Here are 35 relaxing vacation activities to help you sink into bliss on your next travel adventure!
In today’s busy world, it’s critical to take time to relax. And, perhaps there’s no better time to do that, then when you’re on vacation.
If some much-needed relaxation is on your agenda, you’re going to love these relaxing vacation activities.
Why You Should Unplug on Vacation
Daily demands regularly pull us in a thousand different directions. Making relaxation necessary for good health & well-being. Relaxation helps to rejuvenate the mind & body. So we have energy, find balance, & can thrive!
Given our busy lives, it has become more important than ever to make time to relax on vacation.
To give the mind & body space to unwind and reconnect with our inner selves.
The issue of Burnout is real, so it’s critical that we make choices and create boundaries to respect our time off. That way we don’t deplete our energy and end up exhausted.
35 Relaxing Vacation Activities for Your Mind & Body
Now, let’s talk relaxation…
You know, the calm you want more of in life.
The feeling that comes when your shoulders relax, your mind stops spinning, & you just feel good. What we all crave more of in modern life.
There is no one way to relax because from day to day your body has different needs. So having a toolkit full of activities to relax your mind and body is a must.
To kick-start your wellness travel planning, here are 35 relaxing vacation activities that you can easily incorporate into any travel adventure. Whether it’s a local day trip, a weekend getaway, or even a dream vacation to England, Scotland, or Italy!
1. Read a Good Book
Bring a favorite along for the ride or browse a local bookstore for something unique.
2. Study a Work of Art
Experience another world through art. It could be as simple as lingering over a painting in a museum or even taking in a fountain in a public park…find the beauty in the world.
3. Take a Mindful Photo Walk
Be present behind the lens, wherever you roam.
From the bustling city life of London in December to a walk in a nature reserve, being present will make the experience all the sweeter.
4. Walk Barefoot
Feel the freedom…
Whether it’s the warm sand through your toes or the softness of an alpine plateau, your senses will come alive.
5. Explore Interesting Architecture
Whether it’s old, new, modern, or period like Georgian, get lost in the meditative lines, patterns, & details.
6. Go on a Scenic Drive
It’s a leisurely way to take in the beauty without a fast-paced agenda. And, the timetable is 100% yours!
7. Take a Mountain Hike
It’s exercise, fresh air & scenery rolled into one! My favorite place is the Dolomites, with inspirational hikes like Seceda, Tre Cime, & Alpe di Siusi.
8. Walk a Coastal Path
It’s exercise, salty sea air & an endless view of blue! It’s hard to beat Cornwall for coastal wanderings! But my favorite day hike is Seven Sisters in England.
9. Relax on a Beach
Ahh…can you hear the lapping waves?
10. Stroll a Garden
How about a soothing stroll in a garden? Escape for a while and find some peace of mind in a botanical, landscape, or water garden.
11. Bask in The Sun
Get your daily dose of vitamin D and boost your mood! Find a park, a bench, or even a terraced cafe and feel the energizing warmth on your skin. Then sink into the moment.
12. Breathe
Slowly. Deeply. And as many times as needed to find your ahh spot. It will clear your head & you’ll instantly feel better.
13. Practice Yoga
A pose, a sun salutation or even a sequence will bring your mind & body back into harmony. Oh, and add some fresh air or scenery if at all possible!
14. Enjoy a Leisurely Coffee or Tea
Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea. This comforting ritual is a positive way to start any travel day and one of my favorites!
15. Visit a Spa
There’s nothing better than booking your favorite spa treatment. Better yet, book in for the entire day!
16. Meditate
Meditate. Quiet your mind and find your inner calm, it’s so worth the time and energy.
17. Digitally Detox
Go on, you know you need to unplug for a while! Go tech-free for the day, weekend or entire vacation.
18. Sit Around a Fire
Chill-out by a fire. Enjoy the trance-like relaxation & that one of a kind crackling sound.
19. Back Rubs
Ahhh…try this idea to banish tension. Have someone give you a back rub. It’s simple and free!
20. Look at The Sky
Lie on the grass & look at the sky. Or watch the clouds float by. It’s an ideal way to get outside and be one with nature.
21. Stargaze
Stargaze to be inspired by something bigger than yourself. While there are lots of great spots in the world, Tuscany & St Agnes, Cornwall are two of my favorites.
22. Get Active
Get moving with your favorite form of exercise. It’s the perfect way to relax both the mind & body.
23. Work in Your Favorite Self-Care
Practice your favorite form of self-care. Or even try something new, you never know what healthy habit vacation might just kick-start!
24. Try a Relaxing Morning Ritual
Kick off the morning centered with a relaxing ritual, like prayer or visualization.
25. Wrap-Up with a Bedtime Ritual
End the day with your favorite bedtime ritual. So you can reflect, relax & drift off into sweet sleep.
26. Watch the Sunset
Marvel at how magical the moment is, then close your eyes and stamp it into your visual memory. That way you have it for a rainy day!
27. Spend Time Alone
Get some headspace by spending time alone. And enjoy every joyous & most likely quiet moment!
28. Do Something You Love
Do what lights you up inside. Something you love that will add happiness to your day, week, or even year!
29. Try Slow Travel
Lessen the pace & try a slow travel approach. Really soak up the environment & be open to new experiences.
30. Stop & Smell The Roses
Roaming a garden or park on your getaway? Well, then don’t forget to stop & smell the flowers, literally.
31. Take a Hot Bath or Shower
Relax from your head to your toes with a hot bath or shower. Or better yet, find a jacuzzi!
32. Practice Gratitude
Close your eyes & think of 5 things that you are grateful for in the moment. It’s such a simple way to support well-being and can be done anywhere, anytime.
33. Listen to Music
Music is a fantastic science-backed way to reduce anxiety. So, why not listen to music…live or recorded, whichever moves you! 🎶
34. Watch the World Go By
Just sit & people watch. This will take you right out of your worries & help you to be present in the moment. And, well…it might bring you some smiles & laughs too!
35. Bring a Relaxed Mindset
Be adaptable to what each day brings on vacation.Practice fostering a mindset that is flexible in what the day brings, so you can re ally relax and keep the stress at bay.
Know How You Best Relax
Relaxation will look different for every person, so it’s important to know how you relax best. So, the key here is be honest with yourself as you begin planning your vacation self-care.
Remember to consider activities that will relax both the mind and the body. And don’t forget to include some good old fashioned free-time in your schedule.
In the end, the right balance is to plan ahead, pick the right spot, and bring a relaxed mindset with you.
A great way to start your planning is by asking yourself some wellness questions. Just a small block of time beforehand, will greatly improve the chances of your trip meeting your needs & expectations.
So tell me, which of these relaxing vacation activities will you take on your next adventure?
Whichever it is, I hope you joyously engross in some much needed relaxation soon. Life is too short not to be good to ourselves & make time to live our travel dreams.
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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