The Dream of Escape Meets Reality
We’ve all seen the images: toes in the sand, a cold drink in hand, sunsets over the ocean, and smiles that say, “I’ve never been this stress-free in my life.” But for many of us, holidays—or vacations, depending on your accent—can be just as exhausting as the lives we’re trying to escape.
So the question is worth asking: Are holidays really as relaxing as we’re led to believe? Or have we been sold a fantasy that’s one missed connection away from turning into a logistical nightmare?
Let’s unpack … before you pack!
The Promise of the Getaway
Modern life is loud—emails, deadlines, commutes, social obligations, and smartphones that never stop buzzing. Vacations are marketed as the antidote: a break from routine, a mental reset, a chance to finally breathe.
The travel industry thrives on this promise. “Unplug. Unwind. Reconnect.” The slogans whisper sweet nothings to our burnt-out brains. And the truth is, a well-planned holiday can deliver on that. The shift in scenery, freedom from daily tasks, and time spent outdoors or with loved ones can be restorative.
But sometimes the road to serenity is littered with unexpected stressors.
Why Holidays Sometimes Stress Us Out
Here are a few reasons your relaxing escape might end up more frazzling than freeing:
✈️ The Journey Is… A Lot
Delayed flights, airport security, screaming toddlers (yours or someone else’s), rental car mishaps—traveling can be a test of patience before you even get there.
📆 The Schedule Becomes a Checklist
We want to make the most of every moment, which often leads to overpacked itineraries. Sightseeing turns into speed-walking. Rest turns into FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). You need a nap just looking at your own plans.
🧠 Mental Baggage Comes Along
It turns out, you can’t escape yourself. Anxieties, overthinking, or even the pressure to “have a good time” can follow you, especially if you’re used to being in control or feeling guilty about taking time off.
🧳 Logistics Are Still Work
Even on holiday, someone has to find the restaurants, navigate the maps, organize the day. If you’re the designated planner, “vacation mode” might just mean a different kind of workload.
👨👩👧👦 Family Dynamics Don’t Take Time Off
Whether it’s traveling with kids or extended family, close quarters and high expectations can stir up tension—even in paradise.
How to Make Holidays Actually Restful
Don’t cancel your flight just yet. Holidays can be relaxing—if we shift how we approach them.
- Plan less. Leave room for spontaneity. Unscheduled time is your friend.
- Redefine success. A “successful” holiday doesn’t have to be jam-packed with Instagrammable moments.
- Set boundaries. This includes work emails and group texts. Out-of-office means out-of-mind.
- Honor your rhythm. Introvert? Build in solo time. Parent? Schedule short “micro-breaks.” You do you.
- Be present. Easier said than done, but it helps to gently remind yourself that rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential.
The Verdict
So, are holidays as relaxing as we’re led to believe? Sometimes yes, sometimes… not quite. But that doesn’t mean we should stop taking them. It just means we might need to let go of the fantasy and embrace a more human version of rest—one that includes missteps, unplanned naps, and maybe even a missed museum or two.
Because ultimately, the most relaxing holiday isn’t the perfect one—it’s the one where you finally exhale.