Peaceful Getaways Around the World

summary: Discover the art of quietcations—peaceful getaways designed to help you unplug, reflect, and recharge. From forest bathing in Japan to silent retreats in Italy, explore destinations that nurture mindfulness and inner calm.

Shhhh! We’re talking about “quietcations.”

A quietcation is a vacation designed to minimize distractions and promote mindfulness, reflection, and rest. These trips are ideal for those seeking a break from the noise of daily life to focus on personal well-being and inner peace.

While it may be possible to find moments of calm at home, the demands of everyday life often make it difficult to fully disconnect. A quietcation offers a dedicated environment to support mental clarity and emotional balance.

If that’s what you’re after, you’re better off heading someplace like:

Sedona, Arizona
Hokkaido, Japan
Eremito, Umbria, Italy
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan.
Ananda, India

Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these ideal spots for quiet getaways.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is known for its serene desert landscapes and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors often seek out its natural beauty and wellness-focused resorts, such as Mii amo and L’Auberge de Sedona, which offer spa treatments, wellness programs, and tranquil surroundings.

Sedona is a top destination for those looking to combine comfort with opportunities for reflection and rejuvenation.

Also Read: Grand Canyon with Kids: Top 6 Things to Do and See on Your Trip

Hokkaido, Japan

The flipside of Japan’s hustle and bustle is the desire for quiet and the quest for inner peace.

One of the best places in Japan to pursue inner peace is the northern island of Hokkaido, and one of the best ways to do is through the traditional practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

“Forest bathing” on one level is just a walk in the woods transformed through the Japanese art of making the mundane seem extraordinary. However, when you approach it from a Japanese perspective it becomes the process of letting everything in the forest – sights, sounds, smells, sensations – wash over you, cleanse you and transform you.

By virtue of being Japan’s “wild” island, Hokkaido is a perfect place to practice shinrin-yoku. Nonno no Mori, a designated “forest therapy base,” lets you indulge in this practice either by yourself or with a guide.

If you want to combine shinrin-yoku with an onsen (hot-spring bathhouse), head to Hakuginso inside Daisetsuzan National Park. There the forest surrounds you and the hot springs transport you to a world of relaxation.

A caution: check with the hot springs or onsens beforehand if they allow foreigners or people with tattoos, in many bathhouses throughout the country tattoos are banned and must either be covered or outright refused.

However you approach it, if you come wishing to be healed by the forest, chances are you will be changed. You will feel a greater sense of peace, and you will feel calmer and more centered. And that’s what it’s all about.

Also Read: 5 Free Things To Do In Tokyo

Eremito, Umbria, Italy

Eremito is a secular hermitage that emphasizes silence, meditation, and healing. Guests stay in tech-free rooms, enjoy communal meals in silence, and are encouraged to engage in mindful practices.

The journey to the retreat itself fosters a sense of disconnection from daily stressors and reconnection with oneself.

Also Read: Tips for Planning a Trip to Italy Worthy of Your Bucket List

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan.

Not all quietcations have to be to purposely meditative destinations. It’s easy to create your own quietcation by going somewhere that you yourself can control the situation by removing your own distractions.

Isle Royale is such a place. It’s not reachable by road (ferries, private boats and seaplanes are your only ways on), visitors are few (especially during the shoulder seasons) and camping areas feature plenty of space, so you can have lots of room to yourself, to your heart’s content.

It doesn’t hurt that Isle Royale is beautiful, with rugged Lake Superior coastline and deep pine and hardwood forests.

You may not go to Isle Royale seeking peace, but don’t be surprised if that’s what you find.

Ananda, India

India is a country rich in spiritual heritage, and despite its vibrant energy and densely populated cities, it offers pockets of tranquility that are ideal for quietcations. One such destination is Ananda, a luxury wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayan foothills. This serene resort is known for its holistic approach to well-being, blending traditional Indian wellness practices with modern therapeutic techniques.

Guests at Ananda can participate in guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and Ayurvedic treatments tailored to individual needs. The resort also offers instruction in pranayama breathing techniques, stress-management programs, and nature-immersion experiences. These activities are designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing in a peaceful and restorative environment.

While Ananda may not be completely silent, it maintains a low-volume, high-mindfulness atmosphere that supports introspection and personal growth. The surrounding landscape—lush forests, mountain views, and the gentle flow of the Ganges River nearby—further enhances the sense of calm and connection. For travelers seeking a destination that combines cultural depth with wellness-focused amenities, Ananda provides a meaningful and rejuvenating experience.

Travel Protection for Your Quietcation Journey

Whether your quietcation takes you to a forest in Japan, a monastery in Italy, or a wellness retreat in India, planning for peace of mind should include more than just your itinerary. Travel protection from Generali Global Assistance is designed to help safeguard your trip and support you when unexpected events arise.

Our travel protection plans may include valuable benefits such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Assistance and Transportation, and Medical and Dental coverage, among others. These benefits are designed to assist with covered situations like illness, injury, travel delays, and more—so you can focus on your journey.

In addition to travel protection coverages, our plans also include Travel Assistance Services, which may help with locating medical care, replacing lost travel documents, or arranging emergency transportation. Whether you're traveling across the globe or exploring a quiet corner closer to home, having travel protection in place can help you feel more secure and supported.

Get a fast and free quote here.