When we book a holiday we will look to either strike a balance between relaxation and exploring or just look to completely relax. We shall consider here the possibility for both.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, has been awarded the title of number one beach in the US for three years in a row. This is a place where you can find what is described as a calm beach, and so one perfect for relaxing on. It is calming because it lacks the waves those who want adventure and to body-surf or boogie-board would want.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is known for its soft, white sands and its clear waters. Nearby Point of Rocks is considered a perfect place to watch the sunset.
When you have sufficiently relaxed on the beach, just up from it is Ocean Boulevard which has a village populated with bars, restaurants, and shops. Then just a short drive away still is St. Armands Circle where there are some high-bars, eating places, and stores to shop.
This could be the place, that if you lived in America, you may want to consider having a holiday home. You could purchase one or if this is not in your budget it might be worth considering a timeshare agreement, as a way to enjoy the sun and sand. However as you would not have full ownership of the property, you may want to consider staying in contact with companies similar to timeshare exit companies and even rental lawyers just in case you decided to leave the co-ownership lease agreement.
Mexico
Mexico offers both opportunities for relaxation as well as exploration for visitors. The beaches along the Mexican Riviera and coastlines provide plenty of spots to unwind under the sun and palm trees. Destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta boast beautiful stretches of soft white sand beaches prime for relaxing. Many all-inclusive resorts in these locations cater specifically to travelers looking to simply sit back and unwind.
Inland, Mexico has a variety of historic cities and archeological sites to explore. The capital Mexico City offers museums, palaces, plazas, and Aztec ruins to take in. Oaxaca has indigenous craft markets and well-preserved colonial buildings to wander through. Guanajuato is a colorful university town set in a steep valley perfect for photo opportunities. For ancient history, famous sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Teotihuacan provide a glimpse into Mexico’s rich culture and mysterious past.
Food tours are popular as well to taste authentic Mexican dishes and local spirits. A unique exploration option is the Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tour which takes visitors out to the town of Tequila to see how Mexico’s iconic drink is produced, sample different varieties, and learn how professional tasters differentiate notes and quality. It makes for an informative and festive cultural experience.
Paris
In terms of places to visit, Paris certainly topped the list in 2019 and 2020. This was no doubt due to its romantic atmosphere, wonderful cuisine, and its historical sites. It is Paris’s historic sites that make it into a place to explore rather than just to relax.
A top attraction is, of course, the world-famous Eiffel Tower. Not unlike Blackpool Tower, except for allowing traffic underneath it, the Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron latticed structure located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Blackpool Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the tallest man-made structure in the British Empire when it opened in Victorian times. The Eiffel Tower is 324m high compared to Blackpool Tower which is 158m in height. So, there is quite a difference.
The romantic atmosphere Paris gives off has meant that it has been dubbed the “City of Love”. It is a popular spot for honeymooners who want to have as much romance as possible together. They’ll visit the beautiful restaurants, walk along the Seine river, maybe even use some pheromones perfume for their nighttime activities. The setting is sure to bring out the romance in everyone.
Close contenders for the number one places in the world to visit include New Zealand’s South Island and Rome. There is plenty of history to explore in Rome.
Iceland
If you are looking for a holiday destination where you can relax as well as explore, then Iceland has to top the list. The island is full of hot springs in which to relax. This might explain why Icelandic people are considered so peaceful. Who would not want to join them in their country that is ranked number one by IEP (The Institute for Economics and Peace)?
There are, of course, the Northern Lights to explore at certain times of the year. These can be seen best in Iceland between October and March and the hours around midnight. It is a wonderful sight to see the sky glowing with aurora borealis. At 65 degrees north on the Atlantic Circle’s southern edge, Iceland is considered one of the best places in the world to view them. Iceland’s backdrop of mountain peaks, basalt stacks, and waterfalls, as well as its lagoon, make for an awe-inspiring experience. There is plenty to explore and feel relaxed about here. If you are going on a long trip to this picturesque country, you could hire a camper van (find one right here) to get around the place!
So, some great places to visit where we can either just relax, or relax and explore. Siesta provides the calming beach, Paris the romantic atmosphere and historic tower, and Iceland has the relaxing hot springs or nighttime view of the Northern Lights to offer at certain times of the year. Its electric-blue lagoons will be something to behold, explore, and relax in.