If you’re the type of traveler who likes to see and do as much as possible while exploring a new location, you’re hardly alone.
But this active approach to vacations is increasingly taking a back seat to a development called “sleepcations.”
It seems Americans are feeling sleep-deprived, with 85 percent reporting that they’ve had trouble getting a good night’s rest this past year, according to a new study from KAYAK. With this nightly challenge in mind, 55 percent are considering booking a vacation specifically to prioritize sleep and relaxation.
“From economic uncertainty to political tensions and the grind of overwork and sleep deprivation, it’s clear that people are turning to their vacations as a much-needed opportunity to recharge,” said Kayla Inserra DeLoache, KAYAK consumer travel trends expert.
Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a sleep specialist, coach and speaker, concurs, pointing out that the KAYAK study highlights a growing shift in how we think about travel.
“Rest and relaxation are no longer afterthoughts but are becoming the main event,” Holliday-Bell said.
In advance of World Sleep Day (Yes, there is such a thing. And mark your calendar because it takes place in just a few days, on March 14), KAYAK has shared a list of places that it has identified as the world’s best locations for sleepcations.
Now, if you’re wondering exactly how this ranking was developed, you’re not alone. KAYAK says it came up with its list based on factors such as air quality, noise pollution, proximity to nature, safety, and spa availability.
And drumroll please… The locations that rank best for sleep based on KAYAK’s relaxing criteria are:
For those interested in traveling domestically, KAYAK has helpfully provided a handful of U.S. destinations as well, where you’re likely to sleep easier:
”By choosing destinations designed for restorative sleep, travelers can reset their sleep patterns, reduce stress, and return home feeling truly refreshed, which is an experience that they are unlikely to get otherwise,” said Holliday-Bell.
In addition to this list of top choice locations for sleeping your vacation away, KAYAK has also just announced a new “Sleepcation” filter on KAYAK Explore designed to help travelers easily discover the most sleep-friendly destinations that they can fly to from their origin airport for the cheapest price.
To use the new KAYAK search filter, select the “Sleepcations” option under ‘Type of Trip’ to identify where you can fly for the lowest cost for a sleep-focused getaway.
