You’re Vacationing All Wrong: Here’s How to Have a Truly Restful Break

Travel can do wonders for your well-being. According to Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, "Experiencing awe, going to novel places, engaging your creative mind, being in nature, and spending time with family and friends are all things that we know can increase well-being and even reduce stress." However, these benefits are not guaranteed. Intrusive work emails and overly ambitious itineraries can leave you feeling more stressed than before. Here are some tips to help you truly relax and recharge on your next vacation.

Take Short Trips Frequently

The positive effects of travel fade about a month after returning home. Laurence Chan, a medical psychology instructor at Columbia University, suggests taking a few smaller trips instead of one long one. This approach not only improves mental health but also fits better into busy schedules, reducing the likelihood of work spillover tasks disrupting your break.

Temporarily Mute or Delete Apps

To maximize relaxation, put your phone away as much as possible. Consider deleting work email or social media apps during your trip. A 2016 study linked less phone time to a more relaxing vacation. For those anxious about complete disconnection, choose destinations with limited internet access, like remote camping spots, to naturally reduce screen time.

Have a Loose Plan

Avoid overscheduling, but don’t underschedule either. Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora travel agency, recommends planning half-day activities each day and preparing a list of restaurants in advance. This balance prevents defaulting to phone-checking and ensures a stress-free, enjoyable itinerary.

Put Down Your Camera

Instead of constantly taking photos for social media, focus on experiencing the moment. Enjoy scenic hikes, boat rides, or family dinners without the distraction of snapping pictures. Fully engage in activities to enhance the relaxation and enjoyment of your trip.

Work Ahead

Do extra work before your trip to avoid feeling overwhelmed upon your return. Completing tasks in advance helps maintain the stress-relief benefits of your vacation, preventing the post-trip workload from erasing the positive effects.

Cut Your Trip a Day Short

Ending your vacation a day early allows time to rest and recuperate before returning to work or school. This buffer day helps sustain the benefits of your break, especially if your trip involves jet lag.

Exercise Outdoors

Exercising on vacation improves sleep, heart rates, and well-being. Outdoor activities like hiking or swimming lower anxiety and stress more effectively than indoor workouts. Aim for physical activities in nature to maximize these benefits.

Choose a Sun-Drenched Spot

Sunlight exposure boosts physical and mental health by improving sleep, strengthening the immune system, and increasing serotonin and vitamin D levels. If deciding between destinations, opt for a sunny locale to enhance your vacation’s health benefits.

Consider Your Travel Companions

Who you travel with significantly impacts your enjoyment. Ensure your vacation desires align with those of your companions to avoid conflicts. Choose travel partners whose schedules and priorities match yours for a harmonious trip.

Tap Friends for Advice

Instead of extensive online research, ask friends for recommendations on restaurants and activities. Crowdsourcing advice saves time and ensures you get tried-and-tested suggestions for your destination.

Pack with Compression Cubes

Regardless of your packing style, use compression cubes to organize and condense your items. These portable drawers keep you organized and are especially useful for family trips, allowing each member’s items to be packed separately.

Eliminate Layovers if Possible

Direct flights streamline travel and reduce stress. Layovers, especially short or international ones, can be anxiety-inducing and detract from your vacation’s restful nature. Opt for non-stop flights to ensure a smoother journey.

By following these tips, you can ensure your next vacation is truly restful and rejuvenating.