How to relax on vacation? It’s easier said than done. As much as we love a holiday, the combination of planning, booking, traveling, and being in an unfamiliar place can be exceedingly stressful. (Though, you know, we at Traveler hope that our destination guides, intel, and recommendations—from the best places to go in 2024 to some of our favorite hotels and cruises ever—help alleviate the sense of overwhelming bounty the travel world has to offer.) Truly, there’s nothing worse than returning from a trip feeling more uptight than before you left. Ever need a vacation from your vacation? Not fun.
So, below, we round up the best ways to make sure you actually relax on vacation—from the ultimate packing tips to advice from experts on the best ways to truly unwind.