If your idea of a great vacation is hiking Kilimanjaro or backpacking through Southeast Asia, a tranquil week at the spa may not appeal to you. But even the hardest core adventure travelers need a relaxing getaway now and then. Besides, what if your friends and family aren’t always up for a thrilling vacation?
Whether you love adventure or are planning a trip with someone who does, here are the top tips for planning a relaxing vacation for adventure travelers.
1. Keep it Short
If you think you’ll go crazy lounging at the beach drinking fruity drinks with umbrellas, start small: plan a weekend getaway with friends. Even the most adventurous can handle a couple of days of lounging before getting the itch to explore. If you’re spending more time somewhere, try mixing up your accommodation to keep from getting bored. Start in a self-catering house where you can cook your own food and have privacy, then move to a cushy hotel that will cater to your every need.
2. Go to an Exotic Destination
If you’re all about adventure when traveling, chances are you like off-the-beaten-path destinations. So pick a crazy location for your next relaxing vacation. Rather than heading to the Bahamas, check out Turks and Caicos.
3. Try Something New
You don’t have to head to the bush in Africa or deep in the South American rain forest for a unique experience. Want to hit the spa? Try Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This Japanese spa focuses on bathing in the Japanese tradition. They have typical spa treatments, like massages, for your less-adventurous friends. But the brave can try treatments like the Nightingale Cleansing Masque, which is made from sanitized nightingale droppings imported from Japan. According to the spa, it’s an all-natural way to brighten and smooth the skin.
4. Use the Time to Reflect
If you would rather be roaming the streets of Zanzibar than spending the weekend in a bed in breakfast in New England, I understand. But you can use the peace and quiet to reflect on your other travels. If you keep travel journals, bring them with you to read through some of your most memorable experiences. You might be surprised at all of the little details you’ve already forgotten. If you don’t keep journals while traveling, use the time to start writing down some of your favorite travel memories.
5. Meet in the Middle
Does your family vacation at the same place every year? Push them to do something a little out of their comfort zone. If they rent a cabin in North Carolina every year, encourage them to mix it up by renting a house somewhere new, like Montana. It may be the same type of vacation, but there will be new trails to hike, towns to explore, and species of birds to identify.
While a relaxing vacation still may not be your ideal trip, you can use the time to relax and get ready for your next big adventure!
What are your favorite relaxing vacations and destinations for adventure travelers?
photo credit: digitizedchaos, gbSk
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