Feeling like the remaining weeks of the year are going to be a long slog? Carve out time for a last-minute getaway to help you de-stress and restore your energy before the chaotic Christmas period.
How holidays help you de-stress
While routine can be a good anchor for our mental health, taking a break gives you a chance to fully rest away from work and daily stresses. Heading somewhere new and trying things for the first time is the best way to recharge, providing a proper mental escape and leaving you feeling enriched.
Even just 20 minutes in nature acts as a reboot for mind and body, so make sure you build in plenty of time outdoors, wherever you decide to go.
Why last-minute trips are best
There’s much debate about whether you should plan holidays ahead of time or leave it to the last-minute, but if the goal is stress-relief, it’s the latter every time. Designing itineraries in advance is time-consuming and can be a source of stress, especially if you’re trying to wrangle a group of friends.
At any time of year, you’ll find a range of last-minute holidays with flights included that you can just grab and go, with no need to worry about arranging logistics. These are usually great value, so it’s good for your bank balance too! If you don’t want a full itinerary, why not search for cheap available flights and let those direct your choice? With last-minute planning, you’ve got the freedom to go wherever exactly matches your mood in that moment.
Where to go this autumn
Whether you want to hike your way to happiness, unwind with luxury spa treatments or relax in the sunshine, you’ve got a choice of fantastic destinations for a last-minute getaway this autumn.
If you’re seeking a hot October holiday, look towards the Mediterranean. Southern Spain, crowned by Seville, which is the warmest city in continental Europe, is a haven for culture enthusiasts, while the Italian island of Sardinia offers beautiful beaches and great walking routes. You can expect average daily temperatures around 20°C in these locations.
Further afield are countries offering proper hot weather. The second half of October is a great time to visit Thailand, when the rainy season is tailing off but accommodation and flights remain cheap and beaches are less crowded. October is the peak time to visit Rajasthan in India, a regal state abundant in impressive forts, elaborate palaces, and vivid markets, with the Taj Mahal at the centre.
Do you want to celebrate the magic of the season? Look at destinations famed for their spectacular autumn colour. Kyoto, Japan, and the New England region of the USA are classic options. Closer to home, you have the Scottish Highlands: ancient forests turn red and gold in late October and early November, and the mountains are carpeted with purple heather.
This story originally appeared on Upscalelivingmag
