Restorative tourism is all about reclaiming vacations as the true break they’re meant to be. This type of vacationing is less about ticking landmarks off a list and more about finding places and experiences that actually help you recharge. Think slow mornings, wellness-focused itineraries, and quiet moments in tranquil settings, where the biggest decision of the day might be choosing between a massage or a nap. It’s a movement centered on rest, relaxation, and mental rejuvenation—something we’ve collectively lost sight of in the last decade of content-driven living.
“Travelers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful connections, not only with the places they visit, but also with themselves.” says Angela Cavis, the director of communications for Booking.com. “This shift is inspiring many to seek experiences that offer genuine rest and renewal, so they can return home feeling an increased sense of well-being.” Our collective need for rest and sleep has even led some hotels to offer targeted sleep programs designed to help you slow down and turn off. It’s a trend (and demand) that shows no sign of stopping.
What’s fueling the rise of restorative tourism? For starters, we’re tired, both physically and psychologically. On average, we spend eight hours working each day (or 24 hours, if you're a parent), and seven hours of just staring at our screens. We check our phones nearly 100 times a day, and even when we’re given the option to “turn off,” 40 percent of us still don't take all of our vacation time.
Unsurprisingly, we’re also stressed out. Half of all adults claim they’re “frequently” stressed, per a 2023 Gallup poll, with women ages 18 to 49 reporting to be the “most stressed.” And it doesn’t help that we’re not sleeping either. According to the CDC, one in three adults is sleep deprived, with 20 percent of us sleeping less than five hours every night, per Gallup.
Thankfully, there seems to be a shift in how we view exhaustion as a society, and how far we’re willing to go to reclaim our rest. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, many people are realizing that a restful vacation isn’t necessarily indulgent (if, of course, you can afford it); instead, these getaways can feel essential. “Travelers are reshaping their priorities to focus on destinations and experiences that promote a healthier, more fulfilling life,” says Cavis. Consumers are no longer viewing downtime as “wasting time,” but as something that can improve their physical and mental well-being.
Restorative tourism can look different for everyone. For some, it might mean lounging on a quiet beach and engaging in healing sound rituals, like at New York’s Shou Sugi Ban House spa resort that’s designed with wellness in mind (think holistic arts practices and alcohol-free dining). For others, it could mean checking into a tiny rustic cabin (see Postcard Cabins) in the mountains, where the only plan is to unplug and re-connect with nature.
Basically, there’s no right or wrong way to restorative tourism—as long as you get the rest you deserve. So next time you’re planning a getaway, why not cut down the itinerary and embrace a trip that’s truly restorative? Your mind and body will thank you for it—and you might just return home with something more valuable than just souvenir photos.
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