Not every getaway needs to feel like a race trying to pack in as much as possible in just a week or two. Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you give yourself permission to slow down and savour every moment.
If you’ve been craving a genuine break with no ticking clock, here’s your guide to planning the ultimate relaxing escape.
Set a Slower Intention
Rest begins before you even pack a bag. Start by planning less, not more. Give yourself permission to do nothing. Block out “empty” chunks of time in your calendar for reading, daydreaming, or simply watching the clouds drift by. When you set the expectation that your main goal is to unwind, you’ll feel comfortable resisting the urge to overbook activities.
Choose Destinations That Do the Work for You
Beach holidays are perfect for anyone looking for an easy getaway. Long stretches of unspoilt sand, the rhythmic lull of waves and gentle coastal breezes are the hallmarks of destinations made for unwinding. When you book your next trip, look for locations where everything you need is within easy reach. Sun, sea, soft sand and simple on-site amenities create a natural backdrop for rest, so you don’t spend precious energy deciding what to do next.
3. Keep Your Schedule Flexible
Instead of filling every day with tours and to-dos, pick one optional outing every other day. Maybe it’s a morning boat cruise or an evening market stroll. Leave ample space between plans for spontaneous naps, café stops, or a dip in the pool. When you build in breathing room, you make space for unexpected delights without feeling guilty about skimping on “activities.”
4. Let Comfort Take Priority
The best relaxation often happens when you don’t have to think too hard. Choose accommodation with on-site meals or grab-and-go local shops a short walk away. That way, you’ll spend less time organising logistics and more time lounging in a hammock or enjoying breakfast in bed.
5. Create Digital Boundaries
Screens are a double-edged sword: they can keep you connected, but they also tether you to work and social feeds. Establish gentle digital limits by deleting work apps for the week, activating do-not-disturb modes, or leaving your phone in “airplane” for short walks. These small measures help you stay present, noticing the taste of your morning coffee or the warmth of the sun on your skin, rather than scrolling absent-mindedly.
6. Find Calm in Small Daily Habits
Routine can be restful when it’s slow and soothing. Start each day with five minutes of gentle stretching, spend your afternoons journaling observations, or finish with a bedtime story instead of a screen. Incorporate simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or a brief mindfulness practice. These minor rituals anchor your day and reinforce the message: this trip is about you.
Final Thoughts
By planning with purpose, choosing environments that foster ease, and prioritising comfort over checklists, you’ll craft a laidback holiday that feels indulgent without being extravagant. Embrace the art of doing less and discover how small choices can create a genuinely restorative experience.