Sometimes you take a holiday because you want to explore somewhere new, experience something exciting or just have an adventure. But sometimes you take a holiday because you simply want to relax and switch off from the world…these are my kind of holidays. Yes I love to explore new countries and if you have read my 48 hours in Paris or Tips for taking a mini break in Copenhagen you’ll know I love to cram in as much site seeings as possible to really experience a city, but that being said occasionally I just need to take a relaxing holiday to recharge my batteries for everyday life.
Read my top 5 tips on how to take a relaxing holiday whether in the UK or abroad!
- Chose a relaxing destination – That sounds pretty obvious but if you really want a relaxing holiday don’t go picking some where thats going to require you to do lots, or somewhere really busy where it might be difficult for you to switch off. For us we love to take a yearly trip to scotland to stay with my aunt, she lives in a tiny little village surrounded by trees and fields and it’s perfect for kicking back and just taking it easy for a few days. Or you could try a holiday with a difference, as a family we love to boat! On canals and rivers that is, we have sailed the Thames, Norfolk Broads, Belgium Canals and Coventry Canals. Boating is a slower way of life all together, there isn’t any rushing when you can only travel 4mph, its lovely and relaxing. I usually spend the whole holiday lying on the roof or front of the boat reading in the sun (while Jon and my dad drive, mum and sis sunbath!). Check out Inntravel for Slow Holiday Ideas.
- Take a good book or 2 – This is probably my number one tip actually, reading is my go-to thing to help me switch off wherever I am. Even if I take a break which is overall busy, as long as I can get the odd hour to curl up and read for a little bit I know I’ll be able to relax for a little while. Reading a book helps transport you somewhere else, helps you live vicariously through someone else just for a little while, helps you get out of your own head and away from any worries you might have. Even if your not in to reading books just pick up a magazine instead, there are magazines to suit everyones hobbies and interests these days. If you want some reading inspiration check out my Bookshelf posts!
- Walk without purpose – Its all good saying your going to walk somewhere to see something, but to really relax you need to not have a purpose so you can just enjoy your surroundings, take in the world and move at a slower pace. You don’t have to be in the countryside to do this, you could walk in a park, along the river or canal, or even just through the streets of a big city, checking out the little cafes you might find on a tiny back street or the hidden gem of a shop you may stumble across just by being a little off the main hughstreet. We took an evening out of our itinerary when we were in Copenhagen and just walked the entire length of the city, stopping at some of the little food carts along the way and just enjoying the atmosphere and ended up stumbling upon a huge vintage shop! Score!!
- Don’t make a plan (or an itinerary in my case!) – If your tempted to plan everyday your away then its unlikely you’ll relaxing, and planning down time doesn’t count either! lol! If you are going somewhere you want to sightsee then schedule a day to do that but make sure you have a day or two set aside where you don’t plan, that way you have a day to just chill and relax. Maybe do one of the tips above, sit in a coffee shop and read for a few hours or just take a stroll, just don’t be tempted to plan every moment of your break.
- Lastly…Get a massage!! – If you really can’t relax then as a last resort get a massage or go to a spa thats sure to do it! This goes for men too! A good massage, even if its just a hand or foot one will help relax your body and release any tension you might have. And you can get a massage no matter where you are in the world usually!
As reading is such a big factor for a relaxing holiday for me I have teamed up with Inntravel (The Slow Holiday People) to give away a Kindle Paperwhite to one lucky reader, that way you can easily take books with you on the go no matter where you are!
All you have to do is enter via the form below, giveaway is open for one week, UK only (sorry!) and the winner will be chosen at random next Monday! Good Luck!
*This post is in collaboration with Inntravel
I enjoy reading and listening to my iPod.
exploring and eating and drinking out
Great Tips! I am definitely going to try reading when I go away. I have 2 young children so don’t get that much time to relax but im definitely going to get my nose stuck into a book (or a Kindle would be lovely) when I get a moment 🙂
Fantastic giveaway thank you so much
Settling down in the sunshine with a good book & a long cool drink
I like to climb a (not very steep) hill and admire the views.
Reading a book!
Reading,! A kindle would be very handy – always go over my weight limit due to the number of books I take with me…. 🙁
I love lazing in the sun reading a good book
What a fab prize. I have been thinking about getting s kindle for my bookworm daughter as it will be easier than taking bundles of books wherever she goes 🙂
A good book
I love reading out in the sun!
long walks, looking at the sights x
Reading and going for long, leisurely walks.
I like to shut off from social media, Enjoy sunning myself on the beach whilst having some quality family time at the same time.
Reading a book, whilst it’s sunny outdoors and quiet x
Just chill with a pina colada, read a book or just do nothing at all!
I like to catch up on reading
My favourite way to relax is probably quite obvious but its reading, I always manage to get a lot of reading done on holiday
Reading is definitely my top way to relax on holiday! This is a great giveaway, thank you.
HAHAH is that a joke? I dont get to lie down but playing with my Babies helps me relax knowing they are safe and well at all times
relaxing in the garden on a lovely warm evening looking at the view with a nice class of wine
I would love a kindle, been on my bucket list forever because I have arthritis in my fingers and it is not always easy to read books as such all the time, and I do a lorra lorra reading, as Cilla would say! Great giveaway, thank for the opportunity!x
My way to relax on holiday sounds contradictory, but it’s to do lots of sightseeing as then I feel happy and content that I’ve made the most of my holiday!
chilling in a beach bar
i love putting my earphones in and listening to my music
i like to relax reading a book by the pool whilst sipping a drink
my holidays are usually to visit my family in Switzerland, so the best way to relax there is to catch up with everyone and sit with a glass or two of wine on the balcony and enjoy the view and fresh air.
Sitting in the sun on a peaceful beach watching the waves and the sea
We like to stroll along the promenade or along on of the piers (we always holiday in the UK). I always take a book or two with me as well for reading in the hotel room :o)
Thank you for the competition
I live playing scrabble in the garden with my mum. So lovely the hot sun and the flowers
I like to lie on the beach and enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves!
sunbathing with a cocktail
I like to relax by going for a walk and finding out about the area I am visiting, and also popping to the pub!
I like to go walking, sightseeing, foraging, and shopping on holiday
It just relaxing getting a way from the mayhem that is everyday life.
We plan to see things, but don’t put a timescale to them. We walk a lot, and arrive at places when we get there, not at a particular time!
I love to lay on a sun lounger and read. But it can be difficult with a young family. At home, I do the cleaning when everybody is asleep. Obviously I don’t clean on holiday, so when everybody is asleep I have a long soak in the bath
By walking on the beach or curling up with a good book.
I love to draw,colour and read to relax
I like to relax with a good book and a glass of wine
With a cocktail on the beach
a good book and a glass of chilled wine sat in the early evening sun
relaxing on a sun lounger by the pool reading
By turning off my work phone and email! So its just me and the family 🙂
Catching up with all the blogs I love to read (whilst laying back on a sun lounger).
somewhere quiet in the sun reading a book
Reading a book, while laying on a sunlounger
I love to gently explore and see the sights!
I love to relax in the shade with a good book and a glass of wine
Going out for quiet walks in the countryside or the seaside
I like to wander round exploring
Would love to win this fab prize l enjoy reading and chilling by the pool
If I ever went on holiday I would let you know!
Leaving mobiles etc., at home!
Fantastic giveaway thank you
I like to head to the beach and just relax while watching the waves crash onto the shore.
I relax by reading and listening to music, I have to be careful about the weight of my luggage as I am a fast reader so usually take about 8-10 books.
Lying in the sun, reading and NOT thinking about work!
Reading a book.
on a deck chair at side of the pool
Mooching around markets
There is nothing better than sitting in the sun with my kindle!
I love to readm and spend quality time with my family.
Walking, sightseeing and reading a book all help me relax. Definitely no phone or Wi Fi
I like to relax by reading my book by the pool, and having that all important cocktail o’clock at around 2pm! Bliss. Rosie x
By not cooking, that makes a brilliant holiday.
I love going on long walks to explore the new surroundings
I love long walks along the canal and also a good book xx
Reading books on the beach
I love to explore old churches and graveyards
Love to relax with a new book usually bought at the airport
Hiking, swimming and reading.
reading a good book on the beach
Reading, lying by the pool, walking & sporting events
Plenty of music and reading. Long, lazy lunches with a cold one too!
a glass of wine and a good book
In the swimming pool with the kids.
I like to take it easy in the sun during the day and then stroll around the resort in the evening when its cooler
sleep lots
I lve to swim and only ever do it on holiday. It is my favourite way to relax. I also love to read on holiday (no interruptions!)
I slap on the suncream, plug in my ipod and open my book – bliss
I enjoy reading a good book with a nice hot coffee in hand
Sitting in a shady spot reading a good book
Great tips. I love reading, take a book everywhere with me, not often I get chance to read though!
I would stop calorie-counting for once 🙂
I love to relax with great food and a fantastic book, the weather is always a bonus however there is nothing better than being surround by the sea, a blanket some cheese and biscuits and a fantastic book to lose yourself in. My idea of Heaven 🙂
I listen to my iPod
i love to read its my relax and switch off wherever i am 🙂 x
With a good book; e- or otherwise
A good book somewhere quiet with a beautiful view
There is something so relaxing about the sea for me, i go wading in all the time and can look out at it for hours x
Reading and catching up with the news x
I love to relax with a cold drink and a good book
sun bathing on the beach xx
Lying on the beach with my ipod.
I love a little bit of time where my hubby entertains the kids such as taking them for a bike ride or going surfing, then I can have an hour relaxing with a good book.
A nice glass of wine and a good book, usually take 3 away with e,find it so relaxing
I have a big lie-in!
Day dreaming in the sunshine!
Cocktails and a great book in the shade by the pool.
Reading a good book and a large gin and tonic or two
Reading and listening to music
Reading a book
A book, a bottle of wine and a nice bar – all the B’s xx
Eat healthy nutritious food in the outdoors. It is nice to be beside the seaside, beach etc. Spend time with friends. Read a good book. Relax in a nice warm bath with essential oils. Have a Aromatherapy massage. Various situations etc can be relaxing.
Enjoy eating out
at the side of the pool , with a good book
Reading a good book
Reading
I never go anywhere without a book – so reading in the sunshine
I like to relax by walking in the gorgeous countryside
I love to read when I’m on holiday. I find reading thhe perfect way to unwind.
I like to ‘go off the grid’, no mobiles, no social media, nothing. just spend quality time with my children that is the best way for me to relax
With a cocktail and a book on the sun lounger
By the pool with a good book.
I love to relax on a beach or by the pool with a cocktail and a few good books.
A good book a comfy chair or sun lounger if outside and a lovely cup of redbush tea. Perfect
I love reading a good book x
I like switching off all electronics and soak in some rays on the beach
Sampling local restaurants (especially if they serve cocktails)
A good film with my family.
A really good dinner
a good book and cocktail
reading a good book
love to explore, try the local food and chill by the pool
Sitting on the beach reading a good book x
Reading. scenic walks, playing Scrabble, Boggle and doing cryptic crosswords
I like to sunbathe with a book and a cocktail
Relaxing on the sun lounger with an interesting book and nice ice cold drinks
I love to read on holiday, which is why a Kindle is such a godsend – it saves loads of room in your hand luggage! Other than that, I love to walk around new cities and get my bearings while finding places that you don’t always hear about in the guidebooks.
It’s difficult to relax with children, but when I can I love reading
I like to go all inclusive so I can eat and drink as much as I want and chill by the pool
I relax with a decent paperback.
I run , paint, read and sculpture
Lying in the sun with a good book
Definitely reading….it’s usually the only chance I get!!
Seeing cultural things and visiting restaurants.
cycling past sunflower fields
Reading and talking to my husband
I like visiting places of interest
Intersperse sightseeing with reading by the pool 🙂
Going on adventures, or simply relaxing on a sun bed with a book and drink in hand.
Reading and walking chill me out completely.
A good book to read on the beach.
I relax by letting my hair down with the kids, lots of swimming, splashing and sandcastle building, oh and the odd cocktail. x
In a reasonably priced restaurant with good friends and a glass of wine
eat lots and chill by the pool
Long walks with the dog to tire us all out during the day, then chill in the garden, with a glass of wine before bed.
Meditation.
Listening to music or reading on a sunbed under a parasol xx
Wandering around looking at shops, the scenery and nice gardens and parks.
Laying around the pool with a cocktail…
nothing beats a good book and a cold drink to help you relax on holiday!
Reading and going for walks.
I like exploring and visiting new places
I like to relax on holiday by letting the kids run riot with grandma 🙂
i love to look around the area i’m staying and do a lot of walking by the coast
I love reading a book.
I like to go to museums and experience the culture, I love to explore. I find it relaxing to just be in a new place!
Reading round the pool
I actually get bored very quickly doing nothing, but I love spendng relaxing time visiting new places and having fun with my partner and daughter. I love reading a few good books too 🙂
I would have to agree that taking a break from the madness of the everyday and diving into a good book is a fantastic way to relax while on holiday.
Spending as much time as i can with my partner. Love eating out xxx
wanted one of tese for ages fingers crossed
Lying in the sun 🙂
a sun lounger, a good book and a cheeky cocktail
Nice walks, reading, enjoying lovely food 🙂
Reading – it is what I look forward to most, having time to read. 🙂
Lying by the pool reading my kindle.x
Lying about on a hot beach
Walk lots then read books.
I bury my head in one of the top Summer Reads and don’t emerge from the beach until sundown! x
I love laying on the beach with a good book to read.
Love exploring or when relaxing listening to music with my headphones….and maybe 1 or 2 glasses of vino 😉
round the pool with a book
Who doesn’t love a new book & a poolside cocktail
A chilled glass of wine and good company
relaxing around the pool reading a book
Just peace and quiet does it for me
I love to sit and sketch 🙂
A good book and a cool drink
I like to sit back in a comfy chair and enjoy the nice relaxing quiet. I people-watch and just take it easy. Some soft music is nice too.
I love to sit and read on a balcony with a view.
I relax by reading and listening to music.
A good book and a cocktail ?
Reading my kindle, I never go anywhere without it!
A lovely walk looking at the sights or a good book chocolate and a glass of wine 🙂
love relaxing and reading and most of all spending lots of time with my husband
B y taking lots of books and reading loads! books are more important to me than holiday clothes! xx
By reading and snoozing by the pool.
Feet in the pool, a bit of sun and my knitting
Just not having to cook and clean is enough for me
I like to read and go exploring
with a good book
A good book and plenty of sun
With a glass of wine!
I like to relax on a lovely beach with a really good book
Reading a good book
I love eating out and trying new food!
It’s great finally to be able to read the books I’ve been wanting to read, preferably in the shade, with a glass of wine.
Going for long walks
Sitting on the beach with a book
Reading and listening to my music xx
With a book, lots of time outside in the fresh air and crocheting a nice blanket
I do love reading whilst away – it’s the only chance I get to do it.
Reading in the sunshine
love reading
I love reading on a sunny day with a glass of wine x
A mix of sleeping and people watching
Chilling at the pool bar 🙂
just to wander around looking at nature
Love to do leisurely strolls 🙂
Reading on a sun lounger by the pool with a cocktail 🙂
I enjoy reading with no distracts (with a glass of wine!)
The latest bestseller and cocktails all the way!!!
A G&T lying around the pool with a good book
Sunbathing and reading a book
I have always had trouble relaxing on holiday, I want to pack as much in as I can. I guess the only time I really relax is when we have a drink in the evenings and a meal
relaxig book
Glass of wine and a good book!
Long walks & Sight Seeing.
I love to lay on a sunbed in the shade listen to my mp3 player, whilst watching my boys playing in the sea
Reading. I carry my book about everyday just incase i get the chance to read it. Though they end up pretty tatty
A good book, a comfortable sun lounger and a cocktail by my side – perfect!
Walking, catching up on some reading, and lovely meals out x
reading on the beach
sitting and relaxing in the garden with a glass of wine
Book in one hand and a cocktail in the other!
Love taking a walk along the beach in the evening time when it’s quieter
We relax by wandering and taking in the scenery and culture
sunbathing cocktails and a good book 🙂
A nice meal or a long walk
Reading lots of books! And puzzles
Reading a good book with a nice cup of tea 🙂
Definitely having a nice read of a good book in the countryside
Relaxing hopefully, in the sun with a good book and a glass of something refreshing
I love to read and listen to music on my ipod!
I’m also someone who loves to relax by reading a good book!
I enjoy just sitting on the balcony.in the sun, reading & watching the world go by.
I love to try as much new and local food as possible. I love going to restaurants and bars off the beaten track to sample local dishes. Nothing better than relaxing in the sunshine and having a fabulous new and exciting meal made for me
I like to relax by going on long walks ideally with a decent pub meal along the way.
Lying on my sun lounger on the beach with Eric Benet playing on my iPod 🙂
reading a nice book
Visiting historic places.
A good book and a glass of local wine
I find visiting less commercialised areas, and discovering little known places to visit is very relaxing.
Sun bathing and a good book
I try not to make too many plans or live by a watch.
I like to relax reading my kindle on the beach.
With a good book or my Nintendo 3DS, relaxing by the pool
I think if you pick somewhere with a beautiful view you get an instant calming effect, also gentle strolls with the dogs and relaxing cream teas help.
Read, then sit and watch the world go by, then read some more
I love to read – definitely helps me to relax
Fishing
I love lying on a sunbed reading a good book with the occasional dip in the pool
exploring historic placaes
i enjoy swimming and relaxing around the pool
Sitting in the sun with beautiful surroundings.
I enjoy reading, and I also like to get away from the resort to explore the sights
I love relaxing with a good book and a long drink while sat watching the kids play on the beach.
Thanks for the chance to win x
With a good book, its a good chance to catch up on reading
Cocktailssss!
By not having to do cooking/housework and just a mixture of relaxing and exploring
I love to sunbathe with a good book
Love the post, really agree with the tips for relaxing & there’s nothing better than reading a good book in the sun. Can’t wait for our relaxing honeymoon next year (secretly I’m more excited about the honeymoon than the wedding! Haha) x
Lying on the beach with a good book.
I relax reading too – get a year’s worth of reading done on holiday!
Going for a relaxing walk in the countryside (we holiday rural!)
I like to read and go sightseeing to relax
I like to sit in the sunshine with a good book & just chill!
Snorkelling in the ocean. I did it this summer in the Red Sea it was amazing and so relaxing
sightseeing, lying on beach with a book and a glass of wine in the evening on the balcony
With a good book and a glass of wine
Sitting out by the pool, with a magazine.
I like to explore the area and treat myself to some nice meals etc.
sitting by the pool reading a good book
relaxing with a good book
I love sunbathing or relaxing on the balcony with a nice cold drink taking in the view
Exploring!
Visiting National Trust properties
Has to be reading and just taking in the views x
I love to stroll around and see all the sights and then enjoy a nice meal and some local wine in a cosy little restaurant
I read and read and read some more
Laying in the sun reading a book and drinking wine
I love to explore and find new places to lose myself
Lots of walking and swimming.
I enjoy relaxing in the garden or walking in the forest, listening to the birds – a good book always helps!
Reading a good book in the sunshine with the kids playing nearby.
I enjoy reading, relaxing and sight seeing.
I like going into art galleries and people watching.
I like to sit out in the sun and listen to music 🙂
Cocktails, lots of snorkeling & time with my man
Reading the news! Call me mad!
On holiday is the only time I have chance to read a good book
During the day, I love to take my camera and see where my feet will take me. At night (or if it is howling a gale), curling up somewhere with a good book. Perfect!
Laying on the beach with a puzzle book and a cocktail!
send the kids to a kids club lol! i find sight seeing relaxing too 🙂
I’ve started coloring. It’s the most relaxing thing in the world and makes me feel young.
lounging on the beach lapping up the sun, whilst listening to the sea
no such thing as relaxing on my holidays with two children!, but given half a chance I’ll sit on the beach and decorate a sandcastle! – its as good as it gets 😀
I like to read in the sun.
listening to music
Sightseeing, A hot bath then
I like to relax with a good book and a glass of wine
just taking time to enjoy whats around you
I love to swim, especially if we rent an apartment in a complex as barely anyone else uses the pool
I like to listen to my iPod whilst drinking a ice cold drink in the sun.
Reading, I only get to do it on holiday
Reading and watching the world go by…
by reading as many books as possible – the only time I get to completely relax!
Nothing beats a sunlounger and a good book
Reading on the beach
with nice book on the beach and my boys happily playing in the sand in front of me or doing silly thing in the sea with my hubby their father
With a good book
Its the only time these days I get to sit and read a book, so tend to laze around the pool with a paperback 🙂
Long rambling walks & reading
Reading in a bubble bath with wine
My husband has to travel so much on business that the last thing he needs is another flight and hotel room. This year we travelled from Scotland to Sussex to see my brother and his family in their new home.It was so nice to be able to get up when you want not wakened by a horrible alarm.Their new home really is in the middle of woods and there are no sounds other than the birds singing.We would visit little villages and larger towns stopping for a bar lunch.It was really relaxing and just what my husband needed x
Sleep …. and lots of it!
Being outdoors with the family
I like to relax on holiday either reading on a beach or by a pool, or by taking a leisurely stroll around and experiencing the culture of my destination 🙂
reading a good book
Just walking through the countryside, the quieter and more natural the beter – no car or plane noise is an essential.
Im just about to move into my first home with my girlfriend and the one thing Ive set as a “rule” is Sunday mornings are for reading – cant remember the last time I got lost in a good book!!
I love to relax on holiday by reading loads (my record is 4 in one week!) whilst sitting out on the balcony as the sun sets – bliss!
Relax by the pool or sea on a lounger with a book and a long cold drink.
Walking and relaxing in nature
Swimming, sunbathing and reading some good books
Sunbathing with a good book or magazine to read x
Reading, or doing colouring.
Reading, reading and more reading…..
Find a quiet piece of nature and read a good book.
By taking it in turns to wrangle the kids so we each get time on the sunbed 🙂
relaxing by the pool, with my favourite playlist in my ears and a good book in my hand.
I am a complete bookworm. I love curling up on a sun lounger with an ice cold drink by my side and a good book that I can really get my teeth into.
Sunbathing and reading books
I like to explore! seeing lots of new places always seems to clear the mind of the normal worries
I relax by reading a trashy novel by the pool
Chilling to my music on my IPOD 🙂 while watching the kids play
Drawing, painting, beading and reading.
i liked the fact i dont have any worries while on holiday so i can relx and unwind and maybe even have some fun xx
lots of tea andreading books x
i liked the fact i dont have any worries while on holiday so i can relax and unwind and maybe even have some fun xx
Reading my book on a shady sunlounger with a cold cocktail.
Relaxing in the pool
My way to relax in holiday is to do active things that way i’m so exhausted when i get back i need another holiday x
Swimming in the sea, sunbathing and listening to music
reading
A cold beer by the pool with a book
exploring and eating and drinking out
Eating ALOT lol
On the beach with a good book
Swimming and reading
Lazing around the pool with a good book.
I enjoy reading and listening to music.
relaxing with a good book and a nice bar of chocolate
Reading by the pool
relaxing with a cold drink and a good book.
Walking round the cliffs or sitting watching the waves crash against the rocks and reading a great crime thriller!
In the pool, not having to worry about what I’ve got to do at home 🙂
I love to read, drink wine, and read some more x
Chill with a good book
Reading
Sunbathing by the pool with a good book
Chilling on the beach reading a novel x
Sight-seeing, shopping and reading. Prefer to sit on a lounger with a paperback as you can’t always see to read on a Kindle unless you’ve got the Paperwhite
Reading a good novel on the beach drinking a long cool cider.
floating in a warm clean sea
i like to lay on the beach with a good book and my ipod
Lying on a sunlouner with a book & a cocktail
We have quite active holidays, so when i do find a little time to relax a swim or reading is usually the thing I do
If I can, a good book and some nice music and of course a cold drink! But with a young child, fun in the pool I guess!
If abroad I like to relax on a sun lounger catching the rays with a good book x
I would love to relax in a hot tub with a nice glass of cold fizz 🙂 x
sightseeing with my children xxx
Soaking up the sun on a lounger and cooling off in the pool x
Relaxing with wine and a book x
Reading x