Are You Dreaming of a “Sleepcation”?

“I was the first person ever to say, ‘I need a vacation from this vacation.’”
-Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock

Imagine this: you travel somewhere by car, train, or plane. (Or maybe a cruise ship.) You check into your hotel, AirBNB, or whatever.

Your grand itinerary for this trip?

Sleep. Relax. Do nothing but chill out.

Imagine that: taking a vacation to gasp! get some classic rest and relaxation. I touched on this a few years ago in the post “It’s OK to Take a Break During Your Trip — and Actually Relax.”

My philosophy is that, yes, it’s fun to see and do things during vacation. But it’s important to get some rest. I hate tiredness and fatigue. They can easily turn an enjoyable trip into something you just want to end.

Now, “Sleepcations” — vacations focused on sleep and other rest — are a thing. (Fellow parents: I see you nodding your baggy-eyed heads and drooling.)

They range from simple (get a hotel room, crawl into bed, and sleep) to elaborate (technologically-enhanced beds and sleep specialists). Maybe enjoy some spa time, too.

RELATED: Here are more than a dozen hotel credit cards offering a free night each year

It’s interesting that we need to pry ourselves away from home — the place we should feel most comfortable — to actually go relax. Then again, the distractions (people) and temptations (kitchen, chores, etc.) at home are sometimes too overwhelming to ignore. We simply don’t get enough rest.

”Vacation” = A Subjective Term

When I think of “vacation,” my first thought is something like this:

Not this:

I mean, to each their own. Participating in activities (golf, running, etc.) is relaxing for some people. Seeing sites clears their minds and recharges them. Standing in line for two hours to ride a 90-second attraction at Disney brings sheer joy to more than a few folks.

But lying in bed or on a beach is bliss. Poolside food and beverage service is one of my ultimate indulgences. Throw in a massage or two? That’s a sneak peek at Heaven right there. (Or at least a teaser to get my life on the straight and narrow.)

This is where the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase Sapphire Reserve® The Edit credits can come in pretty handy.)

René and Mrs. Lisa recently stayed with us while returning from a cruise. They looked rested and happy because, well, they were! They took a break from their usual assortment of errands and to-dos. Sure, they enjoyed some excursions and tours here and there. But they also hung out and relaxed.

I rarely travel for entertainment photo jobs these days. But there were days when we didn’t have to work until 4 or 5 PM. And most of those jobs were at our hotel or somewhere nearby.

So, I could spend a chunk of the day sleeping and maybe resting by the pool. Honestly, it was fantastic and I really miss it.

Now I work from home a lot and need to get out! You know, go to a hotel 20 minutes away and sleep for three days. 🙂

Even at the Chicago Seminars Travel Points Hootenanny Festival Thing, I hide in my room resting when I can!

Don’t get me wrong. There are cities I love exploring. I don’t do much sitting still in New York or London. In Vegas, I gamble, enjoy shows, walk through resorts and casinos, or do something else Vegas-y. I get better exercise when I travel than I do at home. I spent hours snorkeling in Grand Cayman last year.

But I also chilled out on the beach. And in Vegas, I’ll relax for hours by the pool. Despite there being one where I live. (Pools are standard issue with most apartments, condos, and houses in Southern California. 🙂 )

Do You Take Sleepcations?

How about you? Do you take sleep-centered trips? Do you mix in some “off days” during your vacations? Or will you sleep when you’re dead (as they say)?

Please share your thoughts in the below Comments section!

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