7 low-stress, easy holiday ideas

By Evlin DuBose · · 3 min read
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Woman in yellow relaxing on the coast, living her bliss.

Some people want adventures, and some of us want to take a nap. Every holiday is valid!

So if you’re looking for relaxing vacation ideas, you’ve come to the right place. While this list isn’t “no stress” or “no fuss” – you still have to pay and pack your bags, after all – maybe it’ll inspire you to do as little planning for your holiday as possible.

1. Book an amazing place for a week and just explore

Santorini, Greece at sunset.

No itinerary, no schedule. Just you in a magical new place. That’s it! 

The trip idea is so mind-bogglingly simple it’s almost infuriating. But who says you must squeeze the most out of a whole country or region? Sometimes just one place is enough. So pick a city you’ve always wanted to see – just one – book accommodation and round-trip tickets, then let your destination speak to you. 

The key is to pare down to essentials. Follow the 1:1:1 rule: one set of tickets, one bag, and one place to stay. Let the universe surprise you for the rest! (Just make sure you have travel insurance for unpleasant surprises, like flight delays).

2. Let a travel agent do it all for you

Collage of a person beckoning you to explore a city.

A good travel agent can be amazing value for money. They locate the hottest trip packages, tickets, destinations, and itineraries for you – just point them in the right direction and let them whisk you away on an adventure you didn’t have to plan. 

All you need to do beforehand is research travel agents to find the right fit for you. Read reviews, get a few quotes, and meet in person so you can to suss out the vibe.

You may have to fork out a bit extra for this kind of holiday since they’re doing all the trip planning for you, but time is money, so if they save you time, they could be worth the money!

3. Let a resort do it all for you

Two men sitting on a resort veranda, five feet apart because they're not gay.

As a variant of a “pick a place and vibe” style of travel, why not go with a resort? Resorts can be beautiful, isolated little communities of fun and exploration. They’re designed to be one-stop shops, so let yourself fall into some well-practised hands and marvel at your own piece of paradise. 

(But if you want to avoid White Lotus vibes, scroll down to the next idea…)

4. Let a spa do it all for you

Chill lady relaxing in a super candlelit spa bath with sliced oranges because why not?

One spa day isn’t enough. Sometimes we need five spa days. Or fifteen. Either way, if you want all the comfort and relaxation of a resort but even less fuss, a spa can make a great option.

Spas aren’t just facials, massages, and saunas, either: many incorporate holistic ways to relax, like yoga classes, meditation, mineral water pools, stargazing tours, great foods, and scenic landscapes. So find one that speaks to your weary soul and sink into its warm, Elysian bliss. 

Hot tip: book a spa with vibrant natural surroundings to enhance the atmosphere of rest and recovery.

5. Let a cruise do it all for you

The railing of a cruise ship with the open blue ocean.

Cruise travel is back, baby! If the idea of a floating resort appeals, with blue ocean views, exotic ports, and nightly shows with your dinner, then all you need to do is pick the perfect cruise line for you and soak up the vibe. 

(Don’t forget your cruise travel insurance policy!)

6. Take the train

A train in Germany passing but a sunrise field.

Taking the train has become one of 2023’s surprising trends, and no wonder! With better views than an aeroplane, comfier ways to sleep, and fine dining just a carriage away, trains can be an incredible way to get to know a large stretch of country without having to drive or walk. 

Many train routes are famous for their breathtaking views, too, such as New Zealand’s TranzAlpine line, Switzerland’s Glacier Express, or Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train. Don’t forget to stretch your legs at each stop!

Are trains the cheapest way to see Europe?

7. Stay local

Floating turtle by the Great Barrier Reef.

International travel has an inescapable allure, for sure, but it pays to remind ourselves that Australia is objectively one of the best places in the world. 

Is there a state you haven’t visited? A rainforest you haven’t beheld? Take any one of the six ideas above and just apply it to a domestic holiday. Tasmania gets the Southern Lights in winter. The Outback has some incredible train lines. Victoria’s Yarra Valley has some of the best spas in the country. So get amongst what Australia has to offer – no worries!

Cut down on holiday stress and prep: compare international travel insurance policies below.

Compare travel insurance policies - last updated 3 May 2024

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