A recent survey found that 39 per cent of Brits ranked rest and relaxation top of their holiday requirements this year. Getting a good night’s sleep is quickly becoming one of the top reasons to travel, with one in four British people considering booking a holiday focused primarily on sleep. These “sleepcations” involve staying in hotels with sleep-enhancing amenities such as rejuvenating mattresses and pillow menus. Even if your accommodation doesn’t offer specific sleep services, there are things you can do to make traveling more restful.
KAYAK, a travel search engine, has launched a Sleep Tourism Guide in collaboration with sleep scientist Dr. Jason Ellis, director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. According to Dr. Ellis, many Brits are sleep-deprived, leading to the popularity of “sleepcation” holidays as a way to pay off some of that “sleep debt” experienced in daily life. By choosing destinations that excel in factors contributing to better sleep, travelers can maximize their rest and return home feeling rejuvenated. KAYAK analyzed their most searched-for destinations for accommodation worldwide and scored them based on factors such as air quality, noise pollution, political stability, proximity to nature, and access to spa amenities, with Sligo in Ireland ranking as the top sleepcation destination.
Funchal in Portugal also ranked highly for its high air quality and serene ocean views. The Sleep Tourism Guide also includes advice from Ellis on how to get better sleep while traveling. Tips include checking photos to assess bed linen and curtain quality when choosing accommodation and looking for blackout curtains to minimize the effects of light pollution on sleep. Ellis also recommends a ‘nappuccino’ – drinking a cup of coffee right before taking a nap so that the caffeine kicks in just as you wake up, providing a boost of alertness. Exposure to the sun shortly after waking up and following the 90/20 rule – 20 minutes of downtime for every 90 minutes of activity – can also promote better sleep.
Ellis advises travelers to try foods with sleep-promoting effects, such as kiwi fruit, to help wind down and get a good night’s sleep while traveling. By incorporating these tips into their travel routine, individuals can ensure they get the rest they need while exploring new destinations. The importance of prioritizing rest and relaxation while on vacation is highlighted in the KAYAK survey, as over half of travelers report better sleep quality while on holiday. However, 39 percent find that they often return from vacation in need of another one. Dr. Ellis’ advice on how to improve sleep while traveling and his recommendations for the best sleepcation destinations can help travelers plan a restful and rejuvenating trip.
