When to Skip the Adventure Trip and Opt for a Low-Key Vaca
Adventure travel is exhilarating, transformative, and often life-changing. But there are times when the rugged trails, high-adrenaline activities, and packed itineraries may not be the right choice. Life has its ebbs and flows, and knowing when to skip the adventure and prioritize rest and restoration over exploration can be the key to a truly fulfilling travel experience.
If you’re wondering whether to embark on your next big adventure or lean into something more low-key, here are three important times to consider pressing pause on the thrill-seeking and opting for a slower pace instead.
Whether it’s chillin’ at the pool (see some of my favorite pools below), spending the day at the spa, or taking time to read a great book, a low-key adventure may be just what you need.
1. When You’re Stretched Too Thin
Work deadlines piling up? Family obligations wearing you down? When life feels like it’s moving at breakneck speed, taking on a physically demanding adventure trip might only add to your stress. You may not have the band width to need a vacation from your vacation. If you’re starting feeling a little bit of dread about your trip, find yourself feeling overly exhausted day-to-day, or feeling impatient with life, it may be better to scale the trip back a bit or build in some addition R&R time. Here are some tips on how to calm your nervous system day to day.
2. When You’ve Recently Experienced Trauma or Stress
If you’ve gone through a difficult time—whether it’s a personal loss, a major life change, or ongoing stress—your nervous system might need gentler care than an adventure trip can provide. High-adrenaline activities could feel more overwhelming than rewarding. At the same time, some adventure may be just the distraction you need to process your emotions. Take some time and meditate, journal, or go for a walk. The goal is to identify what you genuinely and authentically really need without all the noise around (or inside of you). If you need to skip the adventure, then SKIP THE ADVENTURE.
3. When You’re Injured or Sick
Adventure trips often come with physical demands—long hikes, scuba dives, or cycling tours—that can be tough on an injured or recovering body. If you’re not feeling… at least 80%, pushing yourself too hard can turn a dream vacation into a frustrating experience.
The Joy of a Lesser-Adventure Trip
When a full-blown adventure feels like too much, a lesser-adventure trip can strike the perfect balance. This might mean:
- Going back to a favorite destination with adventure activities: Revisit somewhere you know well but add a new layer of discovery or a day or two of adventure—like taking a cooking class or exploring an area you skipped before.
- Choosing a new destination with a relaxed itinerary: Explore a laid-back beach town, a charming wine region, or a scenic national park where activities like gentle walks or wildlife spotting keep things light. The newness of the destination will give you the opportunity to explore and be curious without putting you into overdrive.
- Mixing adventure and rest: Split your trip between active days and downtime. For example, follow a morning of kayaking with an afternoon spent reading by the water.
Listening to Yourself
The key to choosing the right trip is being honest with yourself about what you need most. There’s no shame in skipping the adventure for a more traditional vacation—life ebbs and flows, and travel should complement where you are, not compete with it.
Remember, adventure will always be there, waiting for when you’re ready to embrace it again. Until then, there’s beauty in slowing down, savoring simpler experiences, and prioritizing your well-being. After all, the best trip is the one that leaves you feeling refreshed, renewed, and truly at ease.
