The 5 Most Peaceful Destinations to Decompress in 2017
Between the presidential election, Zika epidemic and losses of both Prince and David Bowie, I think we could all agree that 2016 has been somewhat of a stressful year. To help get everyone off to a fresh start in 2017, CheapAir compiled a list of the five best travel destinations for unplugging, decompressing and relearning relaxation. Check them out!
Tulum, Mexico
This destination truly commits to blissed out minimalism. With most of Tulum’s “eco-resorts” on a strict low tech mandate – no television, no Wi-Fi, no air conditioning – you might think there’s not much to do. But that’s precisely the point. The scenery is stunning, the dining rustic, the drinks are cheap and the vibe is relaxed to the max. Europeans have been flocking to Tulum for decades, but millennial Americans are making Tulum a must-visit spot for the stressed-out young professional. Leave your iPhone at home and stay for a while.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder’s religion is the great outdoors and nirvana can be found pretty much everywhere. You’ve got state-of-the-art cycling, hiking, and rock climbing to tempt you – it’s the kind of town that people move to precisely because of its laid-back vibes. Visitors find locals so serene, it’s inevitable that they too, will unwind.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage makes our list of stress-relieving destinations for the stunning Alaskan wilderness (it’s a brilliant place to center yourself) and to remind yourself just how small and inconsequential your stressors really are. When you’ve got Kodiak bears wandering by your front door and harsh winters to gird yourself for, you’ll find your mind is taken up with much more practical matters than how many likes your latest Facebook post got. As an odd bonus, Alaska has the most yoga studios per capita.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Kaikoura is famous for its whale and dolphin watching, and what could be more peaceful than watching adorable dolphins frolicking in the ocean blue? Kaikoura is a bit off the beaten path from some of the more major tourist cities in the land of the kiwis. Whether you take a stunning hike on the breathtaking Kaikoura Peninsula pathway or simply visit the beaches where you can lounge about for weeks, there’s nothing but relaxation on the menu.
Missoula, Montana
Missoula rounds out this top 5 for its absolute dedication to wellness. Missoula residents pride themselves on a particularly robust level of physical activity, and you start to understand why when you visit its stunning outdoors. There is fabulous hiking and biking all around Missoula, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t try one of the most meditative and peaceful activities known around these parts – fly fishing. There are a number of outfitters that can hook you up with rental equipment and set you off on your own private fishing adventure.