With everyone emerging from their homes and venturing out into the world following the peak of the pandemic, more and more Black millennials are looking to get outside and back into traveling. However, quarantine wasn’t kind to everyone and the pressure of transitioning to remote work, anxiety from avoiding getting sick, and life’s daily tribulations have left most folks exhausted and worn out. And when you feel this way, the last thing you want to do is spend hours hiking on a jungle excursion or riding ATVs through the desert.
Traveling can still be fun without all the thrills and adventure. As a matter of fact, more African-American travelers are seeking relaxation and peace of mind over luxury excursions while on vacation. If you’re planning a trip but don’t want to get lost in the sauce of attraction hopping and full-day activities, check out our list of the top relaxation destinations for millennials in 2022.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
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Relaxation, juicy lobster, and picture-perfect photo backdrops are what’s in store if you decide to head to Cape Elizabeth, Maine for some much need rest and self-care. This town is home to the Portland Head Lighthouse, a majestic lighthouse that has been active since 1874. Commissioned by President George Washington and dedicated by French aristocrat and US military hero Marquis de Lafayette, the lighthouse is now partly a museum.
If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Cape Elizabeth. The town is a hotspot for cycling with great nature scenes of the country’s eastern landscape. Shoreside parks with beautiful views of the sea are also great for spending time outdoors. There also are a bunch of historic inns and bed-n-breakfasts spots in the town and nearby Portland that’ll bring a more intimate vibe to your stay than your typical hotel or vacation property.
Ise Jingu, Japan
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Ise Jingu in Japan is a place fueled by nature scenery, peaceful silence, and serene bliss. The property is home to a grand shrine for Amaterasu, the Japanese goddess of the sun and more than 1,500 rituals are held here each year. Travelers come here seeking out the shrine’s tranquility and calmness and leave transformed. Beautiful courtyards, holy sanctuaries, and divine palaces can be found throughout Ise Jingu and its spiritual and mystical energy can be felt from the moment you step foot onto its grounds.
Rio Celeste Falls, Costa Rica
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If you talk to the locals in Rio Celeste, they’ll tell you the waters gained their crystal blue hue when God dipped his paintbrush into the river as the was painting the sky. This stunning natural beauty located in Tenorio Volcano National Park is the ideal place for anyone looking to commune with nature and fall into a deep place of meditation in the outdoors. There are a ton of things you need to know in order to visit Rio Celeste Falls. Tickets can only be purchased in person, so it’s first-come, first-served and a limited number of visitors are allowed in the park each day. Do your research beforehand so you’ll be fully prepared when you arrive at the park.
Glacier National Park, Montana
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If you do some research, you’ll find there are some amazing places right in the US that are perfect for catching a refreshing, relaxing vibe. One of those places is Glacier National Park in Montana. It is advised not to visit the park during the Summer months to avoid large crowds, however peace and calmness you’ll experience are definitely worth the visit. The park has 1,500 miles of driving and hiking routes, wellness spas, and hot springs so relaxation is at the top of their lists when it comes to catering to their guests.
Switzerland
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The entire country of Switzerland during the Summer months is truly a sight to behold. Cities like Zurich, Verbier, and Geneva provide not only fun-filled activities but places to relax and take in nature. There are great spots for mountain biking, hiking, and paragliding as well as beautiful valleys full of vibrant colored flowers and lush green hills. This destination is definitely for the nature lover and tree hugger, so have your camera ready to capture some dynamic nature scenery as you explore the country.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
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There’s no place on Earth like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is connected to one of the country’s most popular resort hotels with incredible amenities. They even have a spa dedicated to transporting your mind and body to new dimensions and you can even swim in the warm, blue waters during the winter months. A hidden, intimate Lava Cave spa, amazing culinary experiences, and modern suite-style accommodations make the Blue Lagoon a personal favorite when it comes to getting the rest and relaxation you deserve.
Bali, Indonesia
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There are a plethora of health and wellness resorts in Bali that bring in travelers from all over the world each year. So you have a variety of options if you choose to relax in the Indonesian country. If you want to chill shoreside this is the place for you and you don’t want to miss the chance to see the sun rising or setting over the sandy plains. A dinner or a simple stroll along the beaches in Bali is enough to take you into relaxation heaven and even though it’s high on the list for tourists, Bali is still a must when it comes to kicking your feet back out and diving into some chill vibes.
Saruni Samburu Safari Camp, Kenya
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For the adventurers who need some time to unwind, the Saruni Samburu Safari Camp in Kenya is exactly where you need to be. In addition to being surrounded by nature and having access to safaris and bird watching during your stay, the camp also has an exclusive Wellbeing Space, a serene, relaxing environment with massage therapy specialists trained in ancient Samburu & Maasai knowledge to detoxify, purify and purge your body. The camp’s deluxe, luxury experience is unmatched and is perfect for solo trips and baecations.
St. Martin
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Recently, I interviewed a young lady who visited St. Martin with the sole purpose of relaxing and unwinding for her birthday. Her experience was amazing and she left the small island country renewed and refreshed. St. Martin is split into two parts, a French and a Dutch side, and she suggested the French side of the island if you are looking for a peaceful, relaxation-filled experience. They also have some of the best beaches in the world and a walk along the shore is sure to fill you with a blissful energy that leaves you feeling like a new person. Be sure to add St. Martin to your relaxation destination bucket list and you surely won’t regret it.
Prince Edward Island
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A great place for a roadtrip or peace-filled getaway, Prince Edward Island off the coast of Maine near Novia Scotia is the quiet, harmonious destination you’ve been searching for. The island is best known for its red sand beaches, mouth-watering seafood, and towering lighthouses that bring an extra layer of unique character to your visit. There’s a ton of opportunity for outdoor adventure on the island and a plethora of small fishing villages and beaches to explore. Prince Edward Island is also a great place for family vacations so you can bring the entire crew along to bask in nature and get caught up in the windswept beauty of the eastern Canadian maritime provinces.