Holidays should leave us feeling refreshed, not run-down. But when every destination promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it’s easy to push yourself too hard. Here’s how to slow things down and actually enjoy the time off you’ve worked for.
Treat Travel Time as Downtime
Long journeys can feel like wasted hours, but they’re actually a chance to catch your breath. Whether it’s a train ride through the countryside or a ferry crossing, use that time to recharge.
Load up a podcast, get into a book, catch up on the rugby scores, watch Netflix, start journaling, or just watch the world go by. It turns the journey into part of the holiday, not just a means to an end.
Make Your Accommodation Work For You
If you’re always on the move, your hotel or apartment shouldn’t just be a place to crash. Somewhere with a bit of comfort, like a balcony, quiet garden, or a decent sofa, gives you space to actually relax.
It makes a huge difference on those in-between hours when you’re not sightseeing but don’t want to sit in a noisy lobby or busy café.
One or Two Highlights Are Enough
It’s easy to land in a new place and feel like you need to do it all, from sunrise hikes to late-night street food. But holidays aren’t supposed to leave you drained. Slowing down a little doesn’t mean missing out; it just gives you time to enjoy where you are.
Try planning just one or two key activities each day. Leave the rest open. That might mean wandering a local market without a map, lingering over a long lunch, or simply people-watching in a quiet square.
These slower moments can often end up being the most memorable and even lead to something unplanned.
Avoid the Crowds, Avoid the Rush
Travelling outside peak season doesn’t just save you money, it changes the entire pace of your trip. Fewer crowds mean shorter queues, quieter attractions, and less pressure to ‘beat the rush’ every morning.
You don’t feel like you’re constantly trying to get ahead of the crowds, which makes it far easier to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Final Thoughts
So next time you’re planning a trip, resist the urge to pack your itinerary wall to wall. Let the holiday breathe, which lets you breathe. Because the real joy of travel isn’t just ticking boxes, it’s in feeling present and truly connected to the place you’re in.