“Leisure travel” is trending among vacationers this year, as more Americans disconnect from technology and choose to prioritize rest, relaxation and connection with nature.
Whether you head to a big city and experience its softer side or spend endless hours lazing in the serenity of the mountains, here are the best destinations in the United States to quiet journey.
Waterville, Maine
Waterville has become the image of “quiet travel” with many options to fully recharge your batteries. (Courtesy of Colby College)
Waterville, Maine is perched along the Kennebec River and is full of nature.
THE NEW TREND IN TRAVEL MAKES AMERICANS CHASE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Check into the Lockwood Hotel, which recently unveiled a fly-fishing package, “Maine River Retreat,” so you can relax with a half-day guided expedition and meals starting at the hotel restaurant, Front & Main, which focuses on seasonal and local ingredients.
Feeling suitably rejuvenated after your time on the water, take a casual hike on the trails of Quarry Road or stroll through the Colby College Art Museum, a tranquil sanctuary for American and contemporary works.
Lake Forest, Illinois
Escape the big city and enjoy some quiet time at the Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Deer Road Inn)
Chicagoland-area relaxation awaits in Lake Forest, a bucolic town of some 20,000 nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The transition to a slower pace is smooth as soon as you enter the Deer Path Inn, featuring Tudor-inspired rooms that are known for tranquility.
In your digs, up the ante on leisurely travel by digging into a surprise book from Lake Forest Bookstore with the Inn's “A Good Book and a Place of Tea” evening deal.
ELECTION WEEK GETAWAY RESERVATIONS SELL OUT IN SECONDS AS “UNPLUGGED” TRAVEL SPOT OFFERS A DEAL
By day, spend your time strolling along the gentle waters of Lake Forest Beach, just minutes away. from the hotel or head to the Chicago Botanical Garden.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Escape the hustle and bustle of Orlando and consider enjoying the panoramic views of Cocoa Beach, Florida. (Space Coast Tourism Office)
In Cocoa Beach, you're less than an hour from Orlando, but you may feel like you're planets away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the theme parks.
Nicknamed the “Space Coast” for the presence of NASA Along with the Cape Canaveral Space Station and the Kennedy Space Center, the region spans some 72 miles of beaches on the Atlantic.
Consider booking an evening kayak tour on the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon (June to October).
“HUSH VACATION” TREND AS REMOTE WORKERS ESCAPE FOR GETAWAYS WITHOUT TELLING THE BOSS
Or marvel at the species of plants and animals that call Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge home while you enjoy the calming lull of being in nature.
Boise, Idaho
Do your leisure time the right way in Boise, Idaho, with outdoor activities that will help you enjoy the peace and quiet. (Case of Chad)
Start your time in the Gem State by pumping your calves along the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile trail along the river, where you can walk, bike, or watch birds.
Weather permitting, right next to the greenbelt is Quinn's Pond, a local favorite for stand-up paddleboarding.
“SLEEP DIVORCE” ON VACATION: TRAVEL TREND MAKES COUPLES “BREAK UP” AT BED TIME
To relax, try the soaking tub or on your private balcony at The Avery, before thinking about what you want to do next in Treasure Valley.
Some ideas go hiking the generally crowd-free Stack Rock Trail, a 9.5-mile round-trip route near Bogus Basin or relax with vineyard views and casual seating along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail.
Brewster, Massachusetts
From the beach to the trails, there are many ways to find peace when you visit Brewster, Massachusetts. (Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club)
On Cape Cod, life generally moves a little slower.
If you start your trip in Brewster, you can visit Breakwater Beach or the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History or take a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
NO. 1 REASON TRAVELERS ARE DISAPPOINTED ON HOLIDAY: BLOGGER
Consider heading to Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club and dedicating more to your leisurely travel desires by enjoying a solo stroll on the resort's private Bay Pines Beach or participating in Vinyasa yoga, at a massage at the spa or floating sound baths in the heated indoor pool.
Some low-key travelers with a penchant for shopping may also enjoy visiting nearby antique galleries and vintage boutiques during their stay in Cape Town.
Beaufort, South Carolina
There are all kinds of historic sites and scenes to admire when you visit Beaufort, South Carolina. (Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands)
This small town in South Carolina's Sea Islands, about 70 miles south of Charleston and 40 miles north of Savannah, is full of Spanish moss-lined streets, historic storybook homes and ocean breezes.
You can start your day on a swinging bench at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park watching boats enter the marina and end it with a sunset kayak tour with Coastal Expeditions.
In between, stroll through the Point Historic District to admire 18th- and 19th-century homes or one for a half-mile. walking path in Cypress wetlands.
Better yet, do both and end your leisurely vacation with a glass of wine on Anchorage 1770's third-floor terrace while taking in cinematic views of the Beaufort River.
Shandaken, New York
Whether you want to stretch during a yoga class or admire the fall foliage on a hike, Shandaken, NY is a place to visit if you're looking to find some solitude. (Urban Cowboy Lodge)
Harried New Yorkers and other globetrotters can hope to find salvation in the hamlet of Big Indian at Urban Cowboy Lodge.
Situated on 68 acres in the Big Indian Wilderness inside the 700,000-acre Catskills Park, the property's Unplug & Play program allows guests to swap their phone for a Polaroid camera upon check-in .
US EXPECTS 90 MILLION VISITORS BY 2026 WITH RECORD VISAS APPROVED
From there, it's time to do whatever takes your fancy, whether it's sweating away your worries in the hand-built Estonian sauna or taking a dip in the Esopus Stream.
There's also your downward dog. a yoga class, see what's in store for your future by reading a tarot card or hiking one of the surrounding trails like Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail or Balsam Mountain.
Billing, Montana
Spend time outdoors by bike, on foot, or even on horseback on a trip to Billings, Mont. (Visit Billing)
Montana is about spending time the great outdoorsand Billings, whether explored on horseback, bike, or on foot, is an outdoor place you could discover.
At Coulson Park you can discover the fascinating history of a town established on the 'wrong side of the tracks'.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is another quiet and worthwhile travel destination in the ghost town of Coulson.
TRAVEL AND TOURISM TO BREAKING RECORDS AND EARNING OVER $11 TRILLION IN 2024: REPORT
If you want to delve further into history, head to the Yellowstone County Museum, which houses more than 15,000 artifacts in a pioneer log cabin.
Or pair fresh mountain air with beers, ciders and wine along the Billings Brew Trail, a walking route through historic downtown.
Count sheep at the Northern Hotel, which is a stone's throw from the Yellowstone Art Museum, or at the Western Heritage Center and Rock Creek Soaps, a cool soap shop in town.
If you want peace and quiet on the great American roads, cruise along Beartooth Highway, just 60 miles from downtown Billings.
Welches, Oregon
There's no bad time to visit Welches, Oregon, but finding solace during winter splendor is encouraged by tourists. (Courtesy of Mt. Hood Village Resort)
Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, Welches and the surrounding area boast more than 700 maintained hiking trails, rock climbing spots, and bird watching opportunities.
In winter, experienced skiers will likely enjoy night skiing at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl.
Meanwhile, anglers can stock up on many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the Mount Hood National Forest region, including the Salmon River.
For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
Even if you're not an angler, the Salmon River Trail is also a favorite spot for hikers.
When you're ready to relax, there may be no better places in the area to do so than Mt. Hood Village RV Resort or Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, both located in Welches. The latter includes homes equipped with a kitchenette, a full bathroom and a porch.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Alexandria, Virginia
Find relaxation just outside the bustling DC metro area in Arlington, Virginia. (AKA Alexandria Hotel)
Swap DC's cosmopolitan energy for its more relaxed neighbor across the globe. Virginia state line.
You can stroll through the designated historic district along the Potomac River waterfront, visiting various shops and museums at your leisure.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Old Town Alexandria's King Street Mile, comprised of brick-lined streets, artisan shops, and a canopy of twinkling lights, is particularly appealing to those who want to stroll without a set route or ambitions.
Consider a stay at the AKA Alexandria Hotel, described on TripAdvisor as having a “serene atmosphere.” to relax with a good book at the end of your day.
