How Travel Can Make Your Holidays Relaxed

The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind. Between gift shopping, parties, and family obligations, it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. But you can make a conscious choice to slow down. Travel, when approached thoughtfully, can be the perfect antidote to seasonal stress. And if you don’t have time to make it happen this year, it’s the perfect time to think about next year! We planned this year’s holiday last year, and boy are we happy we did!

Here’s why (and how) travel can help you embrace a slower, more meaningful holiday season:

1. Escape the Everyday Rush

Breaking away from your daily environment allows you to step off the hamster wheel. Choose destinations that encourage leisure—think cozy mountain cabins, serene coastal retreats, or charming small towns with twinkling holiday lights. One of our favorites is Newport, Rhode Island, which is a quiet and beautiful winter getaway.

Pro tip: Instead of trying to cram in as many activities as possible, focus on a few that truly bring you joy. A leisurely walk through a snow-covered village or a quiet evening by the fire can be more memorable than a packed itinerary.

2. Reconnect with What Matters

The holidays are about connection, but the chaos can often overshadow quality time. Traveling with loved ones provides an opportunity to bond without distractions. Whether it’s preparing a meal together in a vacation rental or sharing stories over hot cocoa, these slower moments create lasting memories.

When you slow down, the little things become big things. Travel invites us to appreciate the present moment—a gift in itself.

3. Prioritize Wellness

This time of year can be physically and emotionally draining. A wellness-focused getaway, such as a yoga retreat or a stay at a spa resort, can help you recharge. Or simply seek out destinations where nature takes center stage. A quiet hike or a moment of reflection by a frozen lake can work wonders for the soul. For us this year it is a cruise. We find that sitting on a balcony overlooking the waves is very restorative.

4. Practice Mindful Holiday Traditions

Consider incorporating elements of your travel experience into your holiday traditions. Maybe it’s a new dish you discovered abroad or a slower pace you bring back home. Travel not only helps you unwind—it can also inspire more mindful ways to celebrate.

Looking for the perfect destination to help you unwind this season? Get in touch—I’d love to help you plan a holiday escape that’s all about slowing down and savoring the moment.