The top relaxing holiday destinations in the world have been revealed, with seven out of the top 10 located in Europe. As countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey struggle with overtourism, travelers are seeking peaceful and quiet getaways. The Global Relaxation Index analyzed over 76 destinations based on factors like safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness to determine the most relaxing spots. Australia took the top spot, but many northern European countries ranked high due to their historical wellness culture and quieter environments.
Iceland was rated as the most highly-rated European country for relaxation, scoring nearly perfect marks for safety and serenity. With its sparsely populated landscape filled with volcanoes and natural springs, Iceland offers a peaceful escape for travelers. Finland also ranked high, coming in fourth place with a crowd density below 20 people per km2. In contrast, heavily crowded destinations like Italy and Mauritius did not fare as well. Other top relaxing destinations in Europe included Austria, Sweden, Estonia, Norway, and Portugal, all known for their green cities and wellness traditions.
Despite its popularity among tourists, Spain still managed to secure a spot in the top 20 for relaxing destinations, ranking at 16. Countries like Botswana and Namibia in Africa also made the list, surpassing popular European destinations like Greece and France. Australia, the top relaxing destination, was compared to Italy, which ranked at 30, showcasing the vast difference in visitor numbers between the two countries. Travel experts predict that relaxation travel will continue to be popular in 2025, with more travelers seeking out untouched wilderness and mindful urban experiences.
Canada, the only North American destination in the top 25, claimed the second spot on the relaxation index. With over 4,700 wellness experiences, 34.8% forest coverage, and natural wonders like the Northern Lights, Canada offers a serene escape for travelers seeking relaxation. The index highlights that popular destinations for peace and quiet have become victims of their own popularity, leading travelers to seek out more remote and tranquil locations like Australia, Canada, and Northern European countries. As more travelers prioritize relaxation and well-being in their travel plans, destinations with fewer crowds and a focus on wellness experiences are expected to continue to attract visitors in the coming years.
Overall, the Global Relaxation Index ranks the most relaxing holiday destinations based on key factors like safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. With Europe dominating the top 10 spots and countries like Australia and Canada offering vast wilderness and natural beauty, travelers are increasingly seeking out peaceful and tranquil destinations away from the crowds. As the trend towards relaxation travel continues to grow, destinations that prioritize wellness experiences and sustainable travel practices are expected to remain popular choices for travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life.
