Need a Little R&R? Chill Out at These Relaxing Travel Destinations! Diana Denza April 11, 2022 International Travel, Trending Stories There’s never a wrong time to pack your bags, get out of town, and see the sights! Needing a little bit of R & R is the perfect excuse to take a break and forget about stress for a full 24 hours (or maybe an entire weekend). Sounds relaxing, huh? Chill out on a boat in Stockholm or sip fine wine in Napa Valley. Wherever you choose to go, just remember that there’s beauty in taking a break – and these 10 relaxing travel destinations prove it! Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm’s 14 stunning islands are linked by 57 bridges. By our calculations, there’s no shortage of beauty in Sweden’s capital city. The city is home to a number of sightseeing tours by boat or bus, including Red Sightseeing, which offers a nearly two-hour boating excursion under 17 of Stockholm’s bridges. When you’re done breathing in the salty scents of the sea and hashtagging your epic Instagram photos, head over to the Royal National City Park, a lush oasis in the middle of a sprawling city. Stretching over six miles, the park is home to flocks of rare birds, lakes, canals, and towering oak trees. It’s the perfect place to unpack a romantic picnic for two! Reykjavik, Iceland When in Iceland, a stroll through Elliðaárdalur Valley is a rare treat for the senses. Run your fingers through a fishing river teeming with Arctic char, salmon, and brown trout. When you’re done, cycle across the Valley’s vibrant recreational trail. Need to soothe dry skin or aching muscles? Bathe in the mineral-laden waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Temperatures can climb to a balmy 102 °F and above, making this one hot – and totally needed – soak. Reykjavik, Iceland Napa Valley, California You can’t talk about relaxation without mentioning Napa Valley. With its lavish vineyards and top-tier resorts, California’s wine country is a retreat into intoxicating luxury. Whether you fly over the valley in a hot air balloon with Napa Valley Aloft or take a dip in the mineral water pools at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, there’s no shortage of ways to experience this California oasis, wine in hand. Bodh Gaya, India Approximately 2,600 years ago, Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment in this celebrated Indian city. Today, travelers flock to its gardens and temples for a taste of tranquility. Start your journey at the Mahabodhi Temple, an ornamental brick structure that marks the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. A short drive from Bodh Gaya, the cave-like Dungeshwari Hills areas are history-rich as they are secluded. According to legend, Buddha resided in these structures before achieving enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya, India Bali, Indonesia While Bali has a reputation for being touristy, there are plenty of places to relax and unwind away from the glitz and glamour of the city. Mount Batur is thought of as one of the country’s best spots for experiencing the area’s natural beauty, offering a view of numerous nearby towns and therapeutic hot springs to enjoy nearby. Enhanced by Balinese architecture and ancient statues, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s Spiritual pillars and is located on a 300-foot high cliff overlooking the ocean. The overlook provides a spectacular view of the sunset over the ocean and daily Kecak dance performances are held at a nearby amphitheater. Down in Kuta, Old Man’s Beach Bar is an amazing spot for sunset cocktails. Cape Elizabeth, Maine Cape Elizabeth is a sleepy little ocean-side town where vacationers can slow down and unwind. Crescent Beach State Park is a beautiful spot to sit and relax to the sounds of waves crashing against a rocky shore. Fort Williams’s scenic seaside park offers a historic lighthouse and hiking trails along breathtaking cliffs. Either park is a great place to have a family or romantic picnic and the winds make the parks great spots to fly a kite. Spurwink Congregational Church is the oldest public building in Cape Elizabeth and remained a church until 1957 when it became a public community center. Great Pond Trail traverses a 40-acre pond that provides boating, fishing, and horseback riding in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Lake Moraine, Banff, Canada Banff National Park, Canada Spanning over 6,640 square kilometers, Banff National Park began as a 26-square kilometer hot springs reserve first established in 1885. Canada’s first national park set in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers one of the most scenic alpine vistas anywhere in North America. Here majestically towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear turquoise glacial lakes provide a breathtaking setting for the picture-perfect mountain town of Banff. Just an hour-and-a-half drive west of Calgary, Banff National Park is listed as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Park UNESCO World Heritage Site. Activities include hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife viewing for a plethora of species, including mountain goats and grizzly bears. Vienna, Austria As the nation’s capital, Vienna’s historic center is rich in breathtaking old-world architecture that includes Baroque castles, opulent gardens, historic monuments, and manicured parks. Visitors can enjoy concerts by the Vienna Baroque Orchestra with dinner at Café Landtmann. Take a short day trip from Vienna to visit the Salzkammergut region where The Sound of Music was filmed. An all-in-one bus hop-on and hop-off guided walking tour with river cruise and night tour provide a flexible way to see much of Austria’s capital. A number of museums offer the chance to view amazing collections of paintings and sculptures by old masters from Klimt to Schiele. You May Also Enjoy: Wine Not? Four Spa Destinations Where You Can Bathe in Wine! Belize Caye Caulker, Belize Belize is more than just glistening beaches – though those are certainly not to be missed! Soak up all the sun you can handle on Spit’s public beach. What exactly is the Split, you ask? No, it’s not a term from an apocalyptic teen novel. It’s a channel that divides Caye Caulker into two separate islands and a popular—not to mention gorgeous—resting ground for tourists with cheap weekend deals and locals alike. To the north of Caye Caulker lies the Forest Reserve, a 100-acre home to colorful mangrove trees, an array of birdlife, and even crocodiles and boa constrictors (the faint of heart should steer clear of the lagoons). Follow a trail through the mangrove forest or hold a picnic in one of the designated areas to experience the natural beauty of Belize. The Maldives The Republic of Maldives is an island chain located in the Indian Ocean and is without question one of the best places in the world to kick back and relax. Just some of the available water activities include Banana Boat island tours, sunset cruises, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, dolphin-watching trips, wave runner and surfboard rentals, and surf and deep-sea fishing. For landlubbers, the capital island of Male offers visitors historic buildings, thought-provoking museums, breathtaking parks, and pristine beaches. Stroll through the Maldives’ flamboyant streets lined with open markets, food vendors, and souvenirs shops. You also won’t want to miss the Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park, and the Tsunami Monument. FAQs: Q: What’s the best time of year to visit these destinations for relaxation? A: Spring and fall are ideal for most locations due to mild weather and fewer crowds. However, tropical destinations like Bali and the Maldives are best during their dry seasons—May to September and November to April, respectively. Q: Do I need a visa to travel to these countries? A: Visa requirements vary by citizenship and destination. For example, U.S. citizens might not need a visa for short stays in Sweden or Iceland, but one is required for India. Always check your country’s travel advisories and the destination’s entry requirements before booking. Q: Are these places suitable for solo travelers? A: Yes, all of the listed destinations welcome solo travelers. Bigger cities like Vienna or Stockholm offer public tours and hostels with communal spaces, while quieter nature spots like Banff or Cape Elizabeth offer peaceful solo adventures. Q: What types of accommodations are available in these areas? A: Accommodations range from luxury resorts (like in the Maldives or Napa Valley) to budget-friendly guesthouses, hostels, and eco-lodges, especially in places like Bali and Belize. Booking in advance is recommended during peak travel seasons. Q: Is it easy to get around without speaking the local language? A: In most tourist-heavy destinations like Vienna, Bali, and Reykjavik, English is widely spoken. In more remote areas like Bodh Gaya or Caye Caulker, a phrasebook or translation app can be helpful, though locals are often accommodating. Q: What kind of travel insurance should I consider? A: Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. If you plan to do activities like hiking or diving, make sure your coverage includes adventure sports. Q: Are these destinations family-friendly? A: Absolutely! Locations such as Banff, Cape Elizabeth, and the Maldives offer nature-based fun for all ages. Be mindful of factors like activity difficulty and available amenities when planning a trip with kids. Have you been to any of these relaxing travel destinations? Let us know how they were in the comments!
