Our Top 10 Relaxing Holiday Destinations

With so many incredible places to explore, we sometimes find ourselves stuck for choice, making it increasingly difficult to choose the best holiday destinations. However, something that most of us aim for when planning a getaway is the option to fully relax and unwind. 

There are more than enough relaxing holiday destinations to choose from, many of which cater to an array of travel itineraries. These beautiful spots often provide visitors with endless natural beauty, serene settings and luxurious experiences at every twist and turn. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a break with the whole family, a getaway with friends, or a romantic retreat for two, there’s no better way to truly relax than by visiting these exceptional destinations. 

If you’re ready to start planning your next relaxing break and are in need of a little inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to get your planning process started. Keep reading to learn more about where to go for your next tranquil getaway, alongside some of the best things to do during your stay. 

To kick start some of our most relaxing holiday destinations, we have the beautiful Landmannalaugar in Iceland. This stunning spot is perfect for those looking for lots of exploration and adventure and is perfect for anyone ready to head off the beaten path.  

With its geothermal landscapes, tranquil hot springs and an array of breathtaking hiking trails, you’re sure to find more than enough relaxing things to do in Landmannalaugar. A must-visit activity during your time here is a trip to the multicoloured mountains. This breathtaking excursion allows visitors to trek through some of the most outstanding landscapes in Iceland, all while catching a glimpse of the natural beauty of the vibrant peaks.

When planning your holiday to Landmannalaugar, the best time to visit here is often during the summer months. This is when the temperatures are pleasant and the weather is at its finest, providing you with more opportunities to get out and active. However, no matter when you decide to visit this outstanding part of Iceland, you’re sure to be impressed by all that it has in store for your next peaceful getaway.

Another of the best relaxing holiday destinations is the beautiful country of Greece, in particular the jaw-dropping Ionian Islands. Here you will discover a plethora of fantastic places to visit, each with its own unique charm. 

Swim in crystal clear waters, lounge on white sand beaches, scour historic towns or simply sit back and soak up the natural beauty surrounding the Ionian Islands in Greece. These stunning islands have a ton to offer an array of visitors, making them an excellent choice for families, friends and couples alike. 

Kefalonia and Paxos are known for being quieter than some of the other isles, great for those seeking utter serenity. However, if you’re looking to uncover impressive Greek history during your stay, Corfu or Zakynthos are the places to be. 

Late spring and early autumn are known for being the best time to visit the Ionian Islands as there are fewer crowds during these months. These periods also display pleasant temperatures, allowing visitors to get out and active with ease.  

You can also enjoy some incredible package holidays in Greece, helping take the stress out of planning your trip. These are great for all types of travel itineraries, providing visitors with everything they need for a relaxing break in this beautiful part of Europe.

St Lucia has many attributes that help make it one of the most relaxing holiday destinations. With its beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, endless natural beauty and more, it has everything you need for a peaceful escape. 

Those who like to get out and active on holiday will love exploring the lush rainforests and mighty volcanic peaks in St Lucia. Alternatively, there are also luxury spa retreats and a ton of pristine beaches to choose from, perfect for a laid-back break. 

If you’re ready to plan your trip to St Lucia, you’ll want to visit during the dry season, often between December and April. This is when the weather is at its best, with plenty of sunshine and bright blue skies, allowing visitors to make the most out of this breathtaking holiday destination.

Thailand is the ultimate paradise for anyone looking for a relaxing break. With its paradisiacal beaches, excellent climate, mouthwatering cuisine and more, it comes as no surprise that so many go here for a peaceful getaway. However, nowhere quite does laid-back holidays like Ang Thong National Park. This stunning spot offers visitors the opportunity to explore hidden lagoons, sandy shores and crystal-clear waters in abundance. 

There are 42 small islands in total, made up of plenty of amazing places to explore in Ang Thong National Park. Visitors can spend their time kayaking past limestone cliffs, immersing themselves in neverending natural beauty and enjoying the serenity that these isolated islands have to offer. This allows for an excellent opportunity to truly disconnect and unwind.  

We recommend visiting Ang Thong National Park between November and February. This is the cool season, providing guests with a pleasant climate to get out and explore all that this stunning destination has in store.

When looking for the most relaxing holiday destinations in Europe, the Dordogne in France should certainly be on your list. With its enchanting scenery and mediaeval architecture, there are more than enough incredible places to unwind in this beautiful part of France. 

Uncover the Dordogne’s peaceful countryside, explore the ancient villages or simply take some time to relax near scenic river valleys and gorgeous vineyards. There are a ton of incredible things to see here, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a laid-back break. 

We recommend hiring a car in the Dordogne, allowing for a fantastic way to wind through the narrow countryside lanes and scour some of the famed historic sites such as Château de Beynac. 

Those considering a peaceful break in the Dordogne will want to visit anytime between April and October. During these months, the mild weather and vibrant scenery provide an ideal setting for the ultimate escape.

The Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is unlike anywhere else in the world. Here visitors will discover vast, untouched wilderness and serene landscapes at every twist and turn. Its rugged natural wonders and rolling mountains provide the ultimate backdrop for a relaxing getaway. 

Spend your time here visiting tranquil lochs, hiking off the beaten path and even visiting the reindeer herd wandering through the Cairngorms. With so many outdoor adventures to enjoy, you’re sure to find something here for all types of nature enthusiasts.  

If you’re looking to reconnect with the wildlife in Scotland in a beautiful setting, the Cairngorms is the place for you. Here you will find yourself lost amidst the breathtaking beauty that surrounds this outstanding part of Scotland. 

Those planning a trip to the Cairngorms should consider booking their stay between May and September. This is when the days are longer and the weather is warmer, great for anyone looking to uncover all that this beautiful destination has to offer.

There’s no better place to relax and reflect than the desert, and Joshua Tree National Park offers a one-of-a-kind landscape filled with iconic Joshua trees and fascinating rock formations. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect and recharge, far from the distractions of daily life.

During your visit, you can enjoy stargazing, rock climbing, or treating yourself to a serene desert retreat. If you’re up for more adventure, the park is also a great starting point to explore other incredible destinations throughout California.

A trip to Joshua Tree National Park in spring or autumn allows for a pleasant experience, as the cooler temperatures provide a pleasant climate for exploring all that this remarkable park has to offer.

With its serene beaches, lush rice terraces, relaxing spa resorts and renowned wellness retreats, it comes as no surprise that Bali is one of the most relaxing holiday destinations in the world. This beautiful part of Indonesia continues to attract visitors throughout the year and for good reason. 

Spend your days experiencing the impressive yoga and meditation retreats in Bali, or get out and active while uncovering the peaceful temples scattered throughout this outstanding destination. There are also plenty of opportunities to experience intriguing culture in Bali, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine or simply unwind in one of the many resorts surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes. 

If you’re ready to plan your tranquil escape in Bali, the dry season, from April to October is an excellent time to visit. This offers comfortable temperatures and a fantastic climate for those looking to immerse themselves in the ultimate relaxing break.

Another otherworldly destination for a relaxing getaway is the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is home to some of the best beaches in the world, providing a ton of incredible spots to unwind. 

After you have spent some time lounging on the sandy shores of Kauai, there are plenty of other adventures to enjoy on the island. With its lush rainforests and incredible hiking trails, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience all that this stunning part of Hawaii has to offer. 

Be sure to check out the beauty surrounding the Na Pali Coast, or the serenity on shores such as Polihale Beach. Kauai is also less developed than some of the other Hawaiian islands, making it an ideal choice for those looking for fewer crowds during their stay. 

When planning your holiday in this outstanding destination, any time from April to June or September to November are considered to be great months to visit with fewer tourists. This allows visitors to make the most out of their time here in a truly peaceful setting.

With its tranquil alpine lakes, mighty mountains, scenic beauty in abundance and much more, anyone looking for a peaceful escape will love Banff National Park in Canada. 

This beautiful destination is situated in the outstanding area of Alberta, providing visitors with plenty of amazing activities and attractions to uncover. Spend your time hiking through the dense forests in Banff where you will find impressive wildlife in abundance. 

For the ultimate relaxing experience, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the place to be. Situated on Sulphur Mountain, a soak in these mineral waters is said to offer healing properties, alongside an unmatched setting with some of Banff’s most impressive natural landscapes. 

June, July and August are excellent months for those looking to enjoy summer activities in Banff, whereas December, January and February offer the ideal season for winter wonderland getaways. However, no matter when you decide to go here, this gorgeous part of Canada is sure to impress.  

Summary

With so many incredible destinations to choose from, you might find yourself stuck for choice when planning your next relaxing holiday. Each of the places listed in this article has something unique to offer. From sandy beaches to mighty mountains, dense forests and snowy landscapes, providing something for an array of holiday-makers. 

We hope that after reading this article you now have all of the information you need to make an informed decision for your next peaceful break. Whether you’re looking for nature, culture or wellness, the destinations above allow an ideal setting for all. 

If you’re an avid explorer looking for your next adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy has an array of travel guides in exceptional destinations across the globe. These resources are packed with top tips and recommendations, helping you make the most out of your getaway. Check out the guides here and get ready to start planning your next unique voyage.