The 12 Best Ways to Relax and De-stress While Traveling

Visiting new places exposes you to new experiences and opens your mind, however, it is tiring for the body and mind as well. Between chaotic schedules, endless activities and unfamiliar surroundings, it is often challenging to relax and de-stress while traveling. 

Make time to recharge by building in downtime to sleep, unwind and restore your energy levels. Your trip will be much more enjoyable if you’re well-rested and able to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Vacations are meant to be an escape from the stresses of everyday life, but they frequently end up being just as busy and stressful as regular routines.

Take Deep Breaths

When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take some deep breaths to help lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat for a few minutes until you feel yourself relaxing. Deep breathing is simple but effective for calming the mind and body.

Do Light Exercise

Go for a walk or jog, do some yoga or stretch. Light exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and act as natural stress relievers. Even taking a short walk around the block can help clear your mind and ease anxiety. Look for a park or open space and move around for 15-30 minutes.

Limit Social Media

Social media can overload your senses and raise stress levels. Take a break from Facebook and Instagram and be fully present in the moment. Put away your phone and enjoy your surroundings. Limit social media to certain times of the day or certain days of your trip. Stay engaged in real life interactions and conversations instead.

Get a Massage

A massage is a perfect way to release tension and de-stress. See if your hotel offers massage services or search online for «massage» along with the name of your destination. Many massage therapists offer affordable massage options for travelers. Treat yourself to a 30–60-minute massage to relax your muscles and calm your mind.

Do a Guided Meditation

Meditation is a simple and effective relaxation technique. Look for a free guided meditation video on YouTube or an app like Headspace or Calm. Even a short 10–15-minute meditation can help quiet your mind, reduce anxious thoughts and increase feelings of peace and wellbeing. Find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and follow the instructions.

Listen to Soothing Music

Put on calming music and let the melodies relax your mind. Instrumental, classical and ambient electronica music work well for stress relief. Music at a tempo of 60 to 70 beats per minute can induce a relaxed state. Create a travel playlist ahead of time or search for relaxing travel music playlists on Spotify, YouTube or your music platform of choice.

Journal Your Thoughts

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a cathartic release. Journaling helps relax the mind and relieves inner turmoil or anxiety. Buy a notebook to use as a travel journal and write about your experiences, reflections and any emotions that arise. Journaling works best when done regularly, so try to spend a few minutes each day writing to unwind and destress.

Do a Yoga or Tai Chi Session

Yoga and tai chi are gentle exercises that incorporate stretches and fluid movements to increase flexibility and balance. They help strengthen and relax the body. Search online for «yoga for beginners» or «tai chi basics» videos you can follow. Or look for a class at a local yoga studio or community center. These meditative practices will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Spend Time in Nature

Surround yourself with nature whenever possible. Go for a hike in the mountains, walk along the beach, sit in a park or just step outside. Nature has a restorative ability to relax the body and mind. Breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your face and unwind. Bring a blanket to sit on for a quick picnic in the park. Mother Nature provides the perfect tranquil setting.

Take a Relaxing Bath or Shower

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath or shower to release tension and help you de-stress. If taking a bath, add bath salts or essential oils to soothe the body and mind. Light some candles, play calming music and soak for 15-30 minutes. The heat and relaxation will calm your entire being. A shower works great too when there’s no bath available.

Watch the Sunset

Find a place to watch the sunset and observe the changing colors dance across the sky. Sunsets are often the most scenic at the beginning and end of your trip. There’s something mesmerizing about gazing at the sun as it sinks below the horizon that evokes feelings of peace and contentment. Breathe in the colors and awaken your senses. A perfect ending to a day of travel.

Drink an Herbal Tea

Herbal teas contain spices, herbs and botanicals that have a calming effect. Popular options for relax and de-stress while traveling include chamomile, peppermint, lavender, lemon balm and rooibos. Steeping a cup of hot herbal tea and slowly sipping it is a simple way to relax your body and mind before bed. The warm, fragrant tea will soothe your senses and relieve any remaining tension from the day. Pack a few herbal tea bags to enjoy during your trip.

The Botton Line

It’s important to set aside time to relax and de-stress while traveling. Decompress by doing something calming such as yoga, meditation, reading or enjoying a glass of wine. Allowing your mind and body to rest will make you feel refreshed and open you up to experiencing your trip to the fullest. Take a step back and a few deep breaths. Your mental and physical health will thank you for it.