Tips for Taking a Peaceful Vacation

Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation to recover from your vacation? Travel can be exhausting and stressful, but you can take a peaceful vacation (or at least cut down on the stress) with these tips.

My most relaxing and peaceful vacations have come in nature, but these tips can certainly apply to any vacation. The images are all from trips to Mendocino, a small coastal town in Northern California. It's one of my favorite places to go take a walk by the ocean and enjoy the small, artsy town.

All images taken and owned by BlueObsidian

What makes a location your dream vacation? Only you can answer that question. But if you are looking for a peaceful and restful vacation, going somewhere quiet and serene makes sense. While the hustle of major cities and tourist attractions can be fun, it isn't always restful (and depending on the time of year, can actually cause more stress). My favorite places are always by the ocean.

There is a reason my number one tip for taking a peaceful vacation is about choosing the location. Only you know what types of places will be more stressful or busy, and where you can have fun. Maybe a beautiful spa in a big city is your perfect relaxing location. Maybe you need scenic ocean views, or maybe you would rather be high in the mountains. Why not go for it?

A tight budget can put a strain on a vacation. Don't spend all your time worrying about money. Before you leave, look for great deals or coupons on things to do and places to eat.

Check online sites like Groupon in advance for fun deals in your travel destination. If you are going on a longer trip, you may even want to think about getting an Entertainment Book for the area. If you can use it on three to four meals, it will earn back your cost (plus, it often has coupons for local attractions).

For me, a relaxing vacation always involves the ocean. There is something about sitting on the beach and watching the waves that is completely peaceful. While Mendocino is my favorite place for a peaceful vacation, there are tons of destinations on the California coast that would be great. Why not visit somewhere new?

Even the most urban areas have large parks, like Golden Gate Park in San Francisco or Central Park in New York. There is something about the quiet of trees, rivers, and lakes that can be completely refreshing and peaceful. Take a long walk and enjoy the sights!

For me, spending time staring at the ocean is a guarantee that I will have a peaceful vacation. There is something about the sounds and smells and watching the waves lap on the shore that is so relaxing.

Even if you are taking a big family vacation, set aside a little time to spend on your own. Even if you only have 30 minutes in the morning while everyone else gets ready, why not spend it going for a walk by the water?

Combine your time alone with the previous tip for taking a peaceful vacation, and go for a long walk by yourself. Getting away from people for your walk can help reduce your stress and give you a more peaceful vacation. When you separate yourself from the world, you will naturally start to relax because you won't be worrying about anyone else. Just remember that you will need to take at least one buddy if you are walking somewhere truly remote!

Looking for more advice on how to plan a peaceful vacation? Do some reading before you begin planning! A good travel guide can help you plan out a few activities and look for destinations that give you everything you need. If you are ready ahead of time, all you have to do once you go on vacation is relax.

Pull up a chair and enjoy the view from a deck, balcony, or the beach. The colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset are peaceful and romantic. It's a wonderful way to spend time with someone special. If you are trying to have a peaceful, romantic evening, find a place to sit together and watch the colors in the sky.

A walk on the beach at sunrise is another peaceful way to spend time on your vacation. Focus on the colors and don't get too lost in your own thoughts!

Make the time for at least one ultra-relaxing meal. Having breakfast delivered to your room one day is a great way to achieve this. Take your time getting up and eat something decadent!

This particular meal came from a small bed and breakfast that would bring their yummy morning meal up to your room. My friend and I sat in the window overlooking the garden and enjoying the tasty food. A hotel with a great restaurant can give you the same peaceful morning.

Is there something special that keeps you relaxed? Share your tips here!