If you’re looking to find a vacation spot that will let you kick back and be yourself, and where you don’t need to worry too much about sticking out like a tourist, look no further. Whether you’re looking for fun, enlightenment, or some sun, here are 7 of the most laid-back travel destinations to get your chill on.
Boulder, CO, USA
Clean mountain air, good food, and an eclectic downtown area make this college town a fantastic place to spend some time relaxing. Voted “America’s Foodiest Town,” by Bon Appetit magazine, you can have a drink at one of the 20 craft breweries in Boulder after a day soaking in the gorgeous views or strolling through the Pearl Street Mall. If you want to visit the US, you may have to look into how to apply for esta first of all. But once you do, you can relax and kick back in the middle of Boulder! If you’re more of an adventurer, there is plenty of skiing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing to keep you occupied.
New Orleans, LA, USA
The Big Easy was aptly nicknamed that for the easy-going atmosphere and lifestyle of the locals. With lax liquor laws, and no end to the local entertainment, New Orleans is quite possibly the most laid-back places to visit in the world. It’s one big party from sun-up to well after sun-down almost every day of the year. If you’re really looking to enjoy some relaxation while you soak in the city, avoid Mardi Gras or any of the high-profile festivals that occur. The foot-traffic alone will stress you out, and NO is tons of fun even without a reason to celebrate.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
If you want Cancun, but without the college crowds and the noise, head that way but don’t stop when you arrive. Take the short boat trip to Isla Mujeres to find the beautiful beaches and weather of Cancun, but with a much more laid-back vibe. Snorkeling, scuba-diving, and swimming with dolphins are just a few of the ways to spend your days. Like most smaller Caribbean islands, it’s easy to lose track of time and worries while sunning yourself near the crystal blue waters.
Reykjavík, Iceland
The people of Iceland are known for being open, straightforward, and very laid-back. It’s nearly impossible to find something to stress about when you’re here, and if you do, the locals look at you like you’re crazy. Reykjavik is the jumping-off place for any Icelandic adventure, and once you head out into the country, time will slow down as you immerse yourself in the stunning geology and pristine wilderness.
Malapascua, Philippines
If all you want to do is sit back and relax on the beach, Malapascua is the place to go. Seriously, there’s almost nothing to do on the island save for a bit of scuba here and there. It’s very freeing to find a vacation spot where you aren’t worried about missing out on the sights and adventures of the destination.
Rishikesh, India
This deeply spiritual city along the Ganges river is known as the birthplace of yoga. It’s also full of hippies who have flocked to this enclave at the base of the Himalaya’s for the experience of living a laid-back and spiritual life. This is where the Beatles retreated to for several months where they expanded their horizons and drew inspiration for the White album. Be warned, there isn’t anywhere to grab a beer or a drink- alcohol is banned in Rishikesh, along with meat, in support of a healthy lifestyle.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
This small and little-known Mediterranean town is a gem for those that are looking to slow down the pace a bit. Cool blue paints and architecture help to settle your mind as you wander through the open-air markets and enjoy the temperate climate. Chefchaouen notoriously has less tourism and smaller crowds, creating the perfect setting to relax and take in the atmosphere.
Finding easy-going and leisurely vacation destinations can be difficult when we’re used to trying to “do it all” in just a few short days. Focusing on locations that don’t have much to offer except the ambiance of the town and the friendliness of the locals removes the pressure of sightseeing, and opens your days up for some laid back relaxing.
Sarah Kearns is a hard working mother of three daughters. She is a Senior Communications Manager for BizDb, an online resource with information about businesses in the UK. She loves cooking, reading history books and writing about green living.