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The perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday

The perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday

Log fire

I took this photo as I toasted my toes against a roaring log-burning fire.* I had a glass of red by my side and I was about to press play on a DVD. I’d just eaten an enormous Welsh oggie followed by homemade toffee cupcakes I’d picked up from the local bakery. We’d eaten on our veranda looking out over the Welsh valleys and watched the sun sink into the hills.

(*I know it’s summer but, come on, when you have a log burner you HAVE to light it!)

George was asleep upstairs and Sam was dangerously close to falling asleep by my side. Finally, I sat back and relaxed.

I travel a lot but I’m always busy while I’m away. I like to see and do as much as I possibly can so I end up rushing around ticking things off my list. The one thing I never seem to do is and relax.

Last week I was staying in this enormous villa in Llangollen with Villas.com.

It’s not far from my home but it’s just far enough and remote enough to feel like a million miles away. Finally, it was time to chill out and I’ve figured out the perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday.


Start by travelling somewhere that isn’t too far from home

We all love travelling to far-flung, exotic locations but the cost, the flight and the extra time it takes to travel can all add to the stress. Keep it nice and simple and opt for a staycation.

Villa from Villas.com

Opt for a tranquil location with plenty to do

‘Plenty to do’ might not sound so relaxing but there’s nothing more stressful than being stuck on holiday and bored out of your mind. Find somewhere with enough activities to keep everyone entertained so you don’t drive each other up the wall. You might not choose to do any of these activities but it’s always good to have a backup plan!

 

Add a roomy villa or apartment big enough room for everyone

Villas are much more relaxing than hotels because you have plenty of space to spread out and make yourselves at home. A villa with a log burner adds an extra dash of cosy relaxation.

Villa in Llangollen

Head into the nearest town to stock up on supplies

I’m talking beer, wine and tasty treats. Llangollen is amazing because there are so many bakeries and local food stores selling pies and cakes.

 

Leave your laptop at home

You can’t really relax when you know you could be ‘working for a quick half hour’. It’s never half an hour, is it? Bring your smartphone though, it is the 21st century after all.

Sunny views over Wales

Ignore the clock

Ignore what time it is and go to bed when you’re tired. Get up when you wake up, eat when you’re hungry.

 

Do this more often!

As we left out villa and drove away from our perfect spot in the Welsh valleys, we asked ourselves, ‘Why don’t we do this more often!?’

We vowed to take more mini-breaks and last minute trips close to home. Just book a villa, pack up the car and leave all your worries at home, even if it’s just for a long-weekend.

Sunny terrace

What do you think are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing holiday?

 

Reviewing villas.com

Saturday 12th of September 2015

[…] The perfect recipe for a relaxing holiday […]

Yong Grams

Monday 31st of August 2015

Patchy Wi-Fi, restricted access for cars and bread without a long shelf life may all sound like a recipe for twitch-inducing stress in everyday life, but on holiday, it s the perfect relaxation prescription. Nowhere can match the laid-back charms of the stunning island of Ile de R , off the Atlantic coast of France.

Eden

Wednesday 29th of July 2015

These are great tips! Perfect idea for the long weekend coming up here. I find taking mini-breaks more frequently definitely is a lot more relaxing than bigger trips. I'm always exhausted when I come back from from a 1-2 week vacation over seas. They are great, don't get me wrong, but I always feel like I need a vacation from my vacation once I get back home :)

http://www.mintnotion.com

TheTravelHack

Tuesday 11th of August 2015

Same here. And then you have to wait SO LONG for your next big trip. It's much nicer to take lots of little breaks.

Deepti @ Endless Postcards

Wednesday 29th of July 2015

I LOVE staycations. They're a great way to get close with the people you're traveling with and see where your hometown from a different perspective and more of an opportunity to relax and unwind.

xo, endlesspostcards.com

TheTravelHack

Tuesday 11th of August 2015

It's so nice showing people around your hometown. You suddenly realise how lovely it is and all the things you take for granted.

Cathy (MummyTravels)

Wednesday 29th of July 2015

There is something about a log fire, isn't there - staring out to the sea always leaves me feeling chilled out. Or a big still lake. But red wine and cupcakes always help.

TheTravelHack

Tuesday 11th of August 2015

Yes! Anywhere surrounded by water is always super relaxing. I love staying by the sea.