Many people book a holiday to relax and de-stress. Yet, a few wrong decisions can make them feel as if they need to book another getaway after their holiday, as they might have failed to unwind during their break away.
If you are planning a trip this year alone, with your partner or family, and want to ensure you effectively reduce your stress levels, learn how to plan a relaxing getaway for 2019.
Book a 10-Day Holiday
It has been reported that 10 days is the optimum number for a relaxing holiday at home or abroad. This is because it will provide travellers with enough time to recover from a long flight, tick activities and attractions off their list, while providing them with plenty of time to lounge by the pool or at the beach. So, if you are set to book a trip this year, treat yourself to 10 days over a weekend or week-long break. You will be glad you did.
Choose the Right Spot
Choosing the wrong destination can lead to boredom or mounting stress levels. It is therefore important to pick the perfect spot, which will provide you with an opportunity to relax, unwind and have fun.
For example, if you are looking for a getaway filled with attractive beaches, a delectable cuisine, and mesmerising scenery, the Algarve could be an ideal choice. You can explore the distinctive beauty of its coastal and countryside backdrop, indulge in fresh Portuguese dishes and relax in paradise on a scenic boat trip. Kickstart your trip by learning more about Algarve holidays.
Set Travel Guidelines
Travelling with friends or relatives? While it can be fun, it can also lead to a great deal of stress, as there will be different personalities and opinions within the group. Instead of pulling your hair out, sit everyone down before a trip to ensure you’re all on the same page in terms of:
- Accommodation
- Activities
- Sleeping arrangements
- Travel times
Talking about the holiday in advance could prevent arguments or frustration during a trip, which will ensure everyone has a fantastic, relaxing time away.
Avoid Working
Working will make your break away seem more like a business trip than a relaxing retreat. The reason you have booked a holiday is to give yourself a much-needed break and spend time with your loved ones.
So, don’t spend your days checking your emails, taking work-related phone calls or working on projects, which could ruin the trip for both yourself and your loved ones. Instead, schedule a holiday in advance and organise for someone to cover your tasks, calls, and emails in your absence.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Stress can unexpectedly rise during a holiday. Common problems can include:
- Delayed flights
- Crying children on flights
- Lost luggage
Rather than allowing your stress levels to get the best of you, aim to adopt a positive attitude. For example, rather than getting frustrated with a delayed flight, use the time to read more of your book, play with your children or chat with your partner.
It might also help to count to ten to lower your rising stress levels. If you can maintain a cool, calm attitude, you could handle any unexpected problem that comes your way, which will make your holiday more enjoyable.
Turn Your Phone Off
Not only must you avoid work-related tasks and calls on holiday, but you also should avoid using your smartphone too much. Instead of spending your days texting loved ones back home or browsing through social media, be present on a getaway at home or abroad by switching off your phone or leaving it in your room. It will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the trip and focus on spending quality time with your family or friends.
Don’t Head Straight to the Pool or Beach
Many people make the mistake of heading straight to the pool or beach when they arrive at a destination, with the aim of lounging under the summer sun. While it can be a great way to relax during a break away, the sudden drop in your adrenaline from the flight could cause your mood to freefall.
Instead, it might be helpful to ease into relaxation by booking a restorative massage or yoga class, which could help to loosen up any tight muscles in your body from the journey while helping to relax your mind.
Perfectly Plan an Itinerary
While a destination might be filled with exciting activities and attractions, you must avoid jam-packing them all into your travel itinerary. If you plan too much, you will leave little time for rest and relaxation. Instead, aim to include no more than two activities into your schedule, and set some days aside for swimming in the pool or lounging at the beach.
Try to Maintain an Active Lifestyle
It can be tempting to sleep in late and chill under the summer sun while on holiday, yet a sedentary lifestyle could negatively affect your mood. While you don’t need to spend your getaway in the gym, it might be beneficial for your mental and physical health to go on a hike, bicycle ride or an active excursion.
Choose a Child-Friendly Airline
Flying with a baby or small child can be a nightmare for most parents, as they might have difficulty settling their young son or daughter on a flight. If you are heading off on holiday with young children, it might be beneficial to book a child-friendly airline.
For example, check an airline provides:
- A family board first policy
- A nanny service
- A feed kids first policy
- The ability to bring a stroller on board
As a result, this can take some of the stress out of the travel experience, as it can help to keep a child calm while reducing parents’ rising stress levels.
A holiday shouldn’t be stressful. It should provide an opportunity to restore your mental and physical health. So, follow the above top tips to ensure you have a relaxing getaway in 2019.
