53% travellers report better sleep quality on holiday
In a world that’s constantly ‘on the go’, people are seeking a new kind of adventure—one that prioritises quality sleep and relaxation over jam-packed itineraries. A recent survey KAYAK conducted reveals over a third of Brits are now putting rest and regeneration at the forefront of their travel plans. Sleep tourism
In this guide, Kayak dives deeper into the growing trend. It officially ranks the best destinations worldwide for a sleep tourism escape, developed in collaboration with renowned sleep scientist Dr. Jason Ellis, Professor of Sleep Science at Northumbria University.
What is Sleep Tourism?
Sleep tourism is a new travel trend where people prioritize rest and relaxation over jam-packed itineraries. In a world constantly on the go, travellers are seeking a different kind of adventure – one focused on quality sleep and unwinding. Exhausted from everyday life, many of us accumulate sleep debt, which is the cumulative effect of insufficient sleep. Sleepcations, as they are called, can be the perfect antidote, allowing us to catch up on those missed Zzzs and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Imagine swapping jam-packed sightseeing tours for leisurely strolls on pristine beaches or quiet hikes through lush forests. Sleep tourism is about creating a personalized itinerary that prioritizes relaxation and tranquility. This holistic approach to travel focuses on activities that promote better sleep, like spending time in nature, indulging in spa treatments, and unwinding in serene environments.
New survey reveals the growing need for sleep-focused holidays:
Is Sleep Tourism Right for You?
If you constantly find yourself returning from vacations feeling more tired than when you left, sleep tourism might be the answer you’ve been searching for. Here are some signs that a sleepcation is exactly what you need:
- You consistently struggle to get a good night’s sleep at home.
- You wake up feeling tired and sluggish, even after a full night’s sleep.
- You rely on caffeine to get through your day.
- You find it difficult to concentrate or focus.
- You’re constantly irritable and on edge.
If you identify with several of these signs, then it’s time to prioritize your sleep health and consider a sleep-focused vacation.
Spend all year waiting for that big restful holiday, only to struggle to sleep when you get there?
To develop the ranking of top sleep tourism destinations, Kayak looked at relaxing vacation spots that offer not just a tranquil environment but also ideal conditions for restful sleep. Together with Dr. Ellis, Kayak analyzed noise pollution to find the quietest spots, checked air quality to ensure you’re breathing easy, and evaluated political stability as a key factor in ensuring peace of mind.
Disturbances such as noise levels and limited proximity to nature can prevent you from achieving the deep, restorative sleep you need to feel truly rejuvenated. By choosing destinations that limit these types of sleep-inhibiting factors, you can ensure a more restful holiday experience.
Dr. Jason Ellis, Professor of Sleep Science at Northumbria University.
They then check out the availability of spa and wellness accommodation to ensure you have plenty of options for relaxation – also while you’re awake. They also took into account how close each destination is to nature such as green spaces and bodies of water, which can do wonders for your sleep.
Conclusion
Sleep tourism is a growing trend that offers a unique opportunity to prioritize rest and relaxation. By choosing the right destination and incorporating healthy habits, you can experience a truly rejuvenating vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
