At a glance
Here are 7 points to keep in mind to help you have a truly relaxing holiday.
Paradoxically, it's not unusual for travellers to come back from their holidays feeling tired.
Not ideal, especially if their goal wasn't to have an active holiday!
Here are 7 points to keep in mind to help you have a truly relaxing holiday.
1. Choosing your destination
- Choose a (quiet) place you already know, at least partly. This will reduce the stress linked to the unknown. Going back to a pleasant place where you know the best spots can help you feel more at ease. You'll easily find your bearings again.
- Avoid places that are too crowded. The hassles that come with mass tourism (crowds in the streets, in restaurants, on the beach, in museums, in shops, etc.) will only stress you out.
- However, avoid places that are too "deserted", where you risk getting bored quickly. So make sure there's at least a minimum of things to do.
- Choose your accommodation carefully and avoid rental scams.
2. Choosing your departure day
- Nothing is more stressful than getting stuck in traffic jams or standing in long queues at the airport or a station. Leave on a day when there's less traffic on the roads or fewer people at airports. During school holidays, and outside departure days linked to public holidays, this is often a midweek day (Tuesday to Thursday).
3. Too hot, too grey, too cold weather…
- Weather conditions can really cause stress. Find out about the seasonal weather conditions when choosing your destination and pack your suitcase accordingly.
- Isn't the weather cooperating? Don't let bad weather affect your mood. Make the most of the moments when the weather is fine, and plan an alternative schedule you'll enjoy in case of bad weather.
4. Choosing your travel companions
- Travelling as a family? Before booking your holiday, agree not only on the points above, but also on everyone's schedule. This will help avoid as much frustration as possible.
- Do you get to choose your travel companions? Choose people who have similar tastes and expectations to yours, who fill their free time in the same way. There's nothing more stressful than wanting to enjoy the beach while your companion wants to visit the historical sites nearby, or go window shopping.
- Agree on the holiday budget and decide who covers which type of expenses.
5. A relaxed schedule!
- Prioritise the activities you enjoy and don't overload your schedule. Always leave "gaps" between activities so you don't get stressed if you spend more time on them than planned.
- If you're planning to visit a region, a city, a site: don't stress if you haven't seen or visited everything. It's better to take your time and only visit a few places than to try to see everything at all costs. If you like the place, you'll probably have the chance to go back another time.
6. Disconnect
- A very important point: disconnect from work. According to Redion's holiday barometer, a third of Belgians don't fully manage to do this during their holidays!
- Take some distance from your social media. Disconnect, or only keep in touch with the people you've genuinely chosen to, and limit your contacts.
- Don't feel forced to take photos or videos at all costs just to share them on social media, or to buy souvenirs that put you under pressure.
7. Take the time to leave… and to come back!
- Don't set off on holiday when you're "exhausted" after a long day at work. Prepare your departure, pack your bags in advance, leave with plenty of time if you're catching a flight or a train, take regular breaks if you're driving…
- Likewise, don't come home in the middle of the night just to go back to work (and its stress) a few hours later. That will only leave you with a bad "final impression" of your holiday!
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