Overseas travel is fast becoming a cultural norm, for some people even a necessity. It’s hard to argue that there’s any better way to spend time off work. Being exposed to new languages, landscapes, and cultures is valuable to people of any age or background.

But sometimes the most valuable things you can take from an exotic expedition are to simply loosen your collar, lay back by the beach or pool, and let yourself unwind in the sun. Below, we’ve made a list of the 5 best places to relax during this year’s summer vacation.

Majorca, Spain

The biggest island of the Balearics and the most popular destination off the Spanish coast, Majorca may seem like a surprising pick for wind-down destinations. Yes, there’s a lot of hustle and bustle, but there’s a reason the Spanish royal family have chosen it as their favourite travel spot.

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

Whether you want to visit the historic Le Seu cathedral in Palma de Mallorca or take in the many beaches and stunning mountain landscapes that make up the island, there are endless options for relaxing cultural and natural activities.

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

And when it comes to accommodation, there is everything on offer. You can choose anything from a quaint Bed & Breakfast all the way to luxury villas nestled in the terraced cliffs of the island. Visit this website to find out more.

Mykonos, Greece

Almost everyone is familiar with the image of Mykonos. The blue and white buildings clustered along the cliffs, the shimmering turquoise sea everywhere in sight. The golden sands of Mykonos beaches are some of the most famous in the world.

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

Being there in real life should be enough to dissolve any of the stress left over from working life. The most popular island in the Aegean sea also provides many laid-back activities. You can take historic tours around the island, stroll through the many alleys of Mykonos town browsing art galleries and enjoying delicious Greek food by the seaside.

Ubud, Bali

Despite having a long list of amazing things to do, Ubud has an atmosphere that would allow you to spend weeks on end simply walking, eating, drinking, and sleeping, and you would leave with a feeling of perfect contentment.

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

Located in Bali, Ubud is a town fast becoming the artistic and cultural center of Indonesia. You can find temples, art galleries, and museums as well as some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South East Asia.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

As the most geographically isolated country in the world, New Zealand is known for its remarkably laid-back atmosphere. Even in the busiest cities, there’s a feeling that everyone lives on the beach. So what could be more relaxing than the beach center of the country?

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

At the top of the country, the Bay lives up to its name. A cluster of barely touched islands along the coast, every town in the region has its own sleepy, rustic charm, along with stunning landscapes and all the western conveniences you could need.

Bora Bora

If you’re going to Bora Bora, you’re going for two things: peace and tranquility. It’s considered by many to be a paradise on earth. This island is as pristine and untouched by the pressure of the modern industrial world as you can reasonably find today.

5 Top Destinations to Relax This Summer

With its exquisite beaches, rainforests and lagoons, it’s no wonder people will fly halfway across the world just to stay in a cozy bungalow on the edge of the island. Its particularly isolated beauty makes it one of the most romantic holiday destinations.

To Sum It Up

These are just five of the many beautiful places you can go to the world. Whether you want to recline in the sand or a bungalow in the rainforest, there is a tranquil paradise somewhere out there for you. So next time you’re planning a summer getaway from the rush of everyday life, take some time to find out about what the world has to offer.