We polled 1,000 travelers aged 45+ about their favorite kinds of vacations. Of the respondents, 37% picked a relaxing vacation as their number one choice. What’s more, 41% of travelers said seeking relaxation was the sole reason for booking a trip.
Of course, going on a relaxing getaway sounds great, but there’s more to it than leaving your responsibilities behind. A big part of traveling is knowing how to plan a relaxing vacation in the first place. For some travelers, planning a trip is the least tension-taming part of the experience. So, to help you plan, we’ve gathered our top tips to ensure your next trip is as relaxing as they come.
Pick Your Location
First off, consider the kind of destination you’re looking to visit. If you’re craving some peace and quiet, a big bustling city may not be the best choice. Are you in the mood for a beach getaway? Or an escape in the mountains? You may want to be in the countryside or perhaps exploring a charming small town. Once you pinpoint the destination, you’re one step closer to your relaxing vacation.
Consider Different Kinds of Accommodations
If a stress-free vacation is top of mind, a crowded hotel filled with children may not cut it. Look into other kinds of accommodations that tend to be more geared toward adults. Bed and breakfasts are often quaint and charming. Meanwhile, all-inclusive hotels include everything on the premises. You won’t have to lift a finger or drive around an unfamiliar city for every meal and activity. Some cities even have adult-only hotels, where you can rest easy without children running around.
Look at Hotel Amenities
Your hotel can be more than a place where you sleep at night. Depending on the hotel you pick, it could play a big role in your relaxation. Look into places that offer extra pampering amenities from room service to on-site spas. Maybe you want the convenience of a restaurant on the hotel grounds. Or you’d like to cook in your own private in-room kitchen. Look into options with features like pools and hot tubs, too. You may even find a lovely hotel that offers adult-only areas where the only person making a splash is you.
Plan in Advance
Don’t leave planning activities until the day you arrive. If you have activities you want to do, book them before traveling so everything is set in place. To skip the stress of navigating a new destination on your own, join a senior tour. You’ll have your own tour guide and maybe even make some friends along the way. The key to a relaxing vacation is to avoid over-packing you schedule. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of “me time,” whether that’s for strolling the neighborhood or reading a book on a park bench.
Stick to Your Budget
Overspending can be a fast track to anxiety. When you stick to your travel budget, you can rest assured that you’re not overspending. Create a vacation budget to save yourself from stressing over finances. Look into free and affordable attractions and ask about senior travel discounts as you plan. Some restaurants, shops, and attractions may even offer special AARP rates. With your wallet in check, it’s one less thing to worry about.
Get into a Relaxing State of Mind
For the ultimate mental health vacation, leave your work laptop and mobile device at home! You can’t relax if you’re busy working. This is your vacation, so focus on you. What do you want to do? Take a nap in your hotel room? Go for a hike? Lounge around the pool? Do whatever helps you relax, even if that means doing nothing at all.
Bring Comforts of Home
Sometimes relaxation means feeling safe and comfortable. If your fluffy blanket or favorite tea helps you calm down a notch, then bring them with you! Also, pack clothes that you can lounge around in so you will feel more inclined to take it easy. Another great idea is to bring along a pair of ear plugs to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep. And at the end of the day, if your cat or dog makes you feel less stressed, share your vacation with them! It’s easy to travel with your pet on a relaxing trip.
Each person has their own idea of what a relaxing vacation feels like, and everyone deserves to enjoy a getaway that helps them unwind. Whether you’re traveling with your partner or taking a solo trip, follow these tips to make this your most relaxing getaway yet.
Header image via Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko/Shutterstock
