Many people book vacations to relax and de-stress. Yet, a few bad decisions can leave them feeling like they need to book another getaway after their vacation, as they may not have been able to relax during their stay.

If you're planning a trip this year, alone, as a couple or with your family, and want to make sure you effectively reduce your stress levels, find out how to plan a relaxing getaway for 2023.

Book a 10-day vacation

It has been reported that 10 days is the optimal number for a relaxing vacation at home or abroad. This is because it will give travelers enough time to recover from a long flight, check activities and attractions off their list, while still allowing time to lounge by the pool or beach. So, if you're ready to book a trip this year, treat yourself to 10 days over a weekend or a week. You won't regret it.

Choose the right destination

Choosing the wrong destination can lead to boredom or increased stress levels. So it's important to choose the right place that will allow you to relax, unwind and have fun.

For example, if you're looking for a getaway filled with enticing beaches, delectable cuisine and fascinating scenery, the Algarve could be an ideal choice. You can explore the special beauty of its coastline and countryside, feast on fresh Portuguese food and relax in paradise on a boat trip. Start your trip by learning about Algarve vacations.

Set travel rules

Traveling with friends or relatives? While it can be fun, it can also be stressful, as personalities and opinions differ within the group. Instead of pulling your hair out, get everyone together before the trip to make sure you're all on the same page in terms of. :

  • Accommodations
  • Activities
  • Sleeping arrangements
  • Travel schedules.

Talking about the vacation in advance will help you avoid arguments and frustrations during the trip, allowing you to have a fantastic and relaxing stay.

Avoid working

If you're working, your vacation will feel more like a business trip than a relaxing vacation. If you've booked a vacation, it's to give yourself a well-deserved break and spend time with your loved ones.

So don't spend your days checking e-mail, answering work-related phone calls or working on projects, which could ruin your trip and those of your loved ones. Instead, plan your vacation in advance and have someone take care of your chores, calls and emails while you're away.

Keep a positive attitude

Stress can increase unexpectedly during the vacations. The most common problems are

  • delayed flights
  • Crying children on flights
  • Lost luggage

Rather than letting your stress level get the best of you, try to adopt a positive attitude. For example, rather than being frustrated by a delayed flight, take the opportunity to read more of your book, play with your kids or talk with your partner.

Counting to ten can also be helpful in lowering your stress level. If you can maintain a calm and collected attitude, you can deal with any unexpected problems, which will make your vacation more enjoyable.

Turn off your phone

Not only should you avoid work-related tasks and calls while on vacation, but you should also avoid overusing your smartphone. Instead of spending your days texting your loved ones back home or scrolling through social media, be present on a getaway at home or abroad by turning off your phone or leaving it in your room. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the trip and focus on spending time with family or friends.

Don't head straight for the pool or beach

Many people make the mistake of heading straight to the pool or beach when they arrive at their destination, with the goal of basking in the summer sun. While this is a great way to relax during a getaway, the sudden drop in adrenaline from the flight can bring your mood down.

Instead, it can be helpful to unwind by booking a restorative massage or yoga class, which will help you loosen the tense muscles in your body during travel and relax your mind.

Plan your itinerary perfectly

While a destination can be filled with exciting activities and attractions, you should avoid including them all in your travel itinerary. If you plan too many, you'll leave little time for rest and relaxation. Instead, try to include no more than two activities in your schedule, and set aside a few days to swim in the pool or lounge at the beach.

Try to maintain an active lifestyle

It may be tempting to sleep in and bask in the summer sun during the vacations, but a sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on your mood. If you don't need to spend your getaway in a gym, it can be beneficial to your mental and physical health to take a hike, bike ride or active excursion.

Choose a child-friendly airline

Flying with a baby or toddler can be a nightmare for most parents, as they may struggle to fit their young son or daughter on the flight. If you're going on vacation with young children, it can be helpful to book a child-friendly airline.

For example, check that an airline offers

  • A family-first policy
  • Nanny service
  • A child-first policy
  • The ability to bring a stroller on board.

These measures can help reduce the stress of travel, helping the child stay calm while reducing the parents' stress level.

A vacation should not be stressful. It should be an opportunity to restore your mental and physical health. So follow the tips above to ensure a relaxing getaway in 2023.