Travel has been put on the back burner while the world battles the coronavirus pandemic but when things calm down, many people will be looking to put the stresses of “shelter-in-place” behind them with a vacation get-away. Some people will head back to the action-filled casinos with Grande Vegas casino bonuses and other Vegas amenities but others will be looking for some serene calm.
For those who would like a quieter, more laid-back vacation, check out the world’s most relaxing vacation sites.
Savannah Georgia
Savannah is a city with a deep past that you can explore on one of the many historical tours that take you through the city’s antebellum past as you walk by old architectural structures, graveyards and quaint parks while you hear the stories of times gone by. In addition, Savannah has a reputation as a town of eccentrics so you can experience some unique culture as you meander through the old areas.
Join a ghost tour, have lunch at an edgy café, take in a show at a restored theatre, or just sit on a park bench and chat with the natives. The city is known as the “Hostess City of the South” so if you’re in the mood, head out at nightfall for some good food and good entertainment.
Zermatt Switzerland
Zermatt is famous for its snow sports but if you’re not into skiing or you plan to travel during the summer months you can look forward to a relaxing break. Zermatt is a wonderful place to kick back and chill at any time of the year. The town is best known for its car-free streets and that in itself creates a carefree, laid-back ambiance in the shadow of the spectacular Matterhorn.
Winter visitors can ski but if you prefer a more slow-paced outing you can hike one of the gorgeous trails that leads up the mountain. There’s scenery galore, incredibly fresh air, delicious food and, for a treat, plenty of spas where you can get some pampering.
Newport RI
Newport Rhode Island is another historic American site but the New England weather makes it a different type of experience than a vacation in Savannah. Newport is located on the southern tip of the Aquidneck Island and offers an upscale escape with upscale shops, sailing regattas in Narragansett Bay, cafes with world-famous seafood dining and Old World architecture with colonial buildings and 19th century summer cottages dotting the shoreline.
Newport isn’t a budget locale but it does offer a peaceful and tranquil get-away at any time of the year.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
If your idea of a serene vacation involves spending some time in the great outdoors, head to the Banff National Park in Alberta Canada. Banff is ideal for anyone who loves the great outdoors. It has some of the most stunning scenery on earth with roaring waterfalls, glistening lakes, soaring jagged peaks and enough hiking trails to satisfy the most avid trekker.
If you enjoy some pampering you can stay at a resort in the park but there’s plenty of camping throughout the area so that you won’t miss seeing the park’s wildlife.
Kennebunkport
If the Bush family has been vacationing on Kennebunkport for decades, you can be sure that it’s a good place for your vacation as well. Kennebunkport, located on the southern coast of Maine, doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles.
It’s a simple, quiet, calm place where you can sit on the beach, walk along the rugged shoreline, sail out among the local fishermen and lobstermen or meander amongst the local artist shops and galleries. No big beach parties here – beaches are quiet and there are footpaths to lead you from one secluded corner to the other.
The Maldives
A trip to the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience but if you’re going to treat yourself, the Maldives is the place to go. The islands are home to picture-perfect white sand beaches situated amongst the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.
Wildlife is something that you won’t see anywhere else in the world – fruit bats, lizards, skinks and geckos, giant tortoises, whales, dolphins, snakes, manta rays and a wide variety of reef and marine fish.
The environment is lush and fertile with dense forests full of tropical trees. After a day of sight-seeing you can head back to the resort where one of the famous Maldives spas will await – the Maldives received the World Spa Awards top spa destination award.
Hot Springs Arkansas
Hot Springs Arkansas is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, approximately 55 miles southwest of Little Rock. Relaxation seekers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world flock to Hot Springs where a network of thermal springs beckons.
The naturally heated springs are part of a park system but everything isn’t outdoorsy there – there are plenty of dining, entertainment and boutique shopping options in the town of Hot Springs which is located next to the park. Visitors can also visit the town water park or spend some time in the casino but it’s worthwhile to take the chance to walk through the town and see the unique buildings that display the area’s rich history.
Ubed, Bali
Indonesia’s Ubed in Bali is one of the most peaceful and tranquil places in the world. You can sit back and meditate or walk through the quiet pathways that lead everywhere – and nowhere. For a bit of a treat you can head to the nearby Monkey Forest Park to spend time with the long-tailed macaques or just kick back and book yourself a Ballinese massage.
Vis Island, Croatia
Croatia is becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for people seeking beauty and relaxation. Vis Island, located off the coast of the Croatian mainland, is the farthest inhabited island. As a vacation destination it quiet, isolation and charm. It’s known for its sandy beaches and secluded bays where you can spend a day or longer.