7 Blissful Destinations to Go When Your Mind Needs Some Rest

By Kacey Bradley Mya –

For some people, clearing the mind takes a little more effort than others. You may be the type of person who needs to switch up your routine and get away from everything to relax. Sometimes, you need more than just a getaway – what you may need is a healing adventure. Here are seven blissful destinations to go to when your mind needs a total reset:

1. Enjoy the Wonder of the “Canadian Galapagos”

Always on the road somewhere? Go somewhere that literally has no roads.

Off the cost of British Columbia, the Gwaii Haanas (South Moresby) is mainly explored by sea and foot. It’s a national preserve that encompasses 55 miles and 138 islands. Visitors may take a year-round ferry or a commercial flight from Vancouver to Sandspit, in the heart of the islands. In the native language, Gwaii Haanas translates to “islands of beauty and wonder,” and many spots are deeply spiritual for residents.

During the last ice age, parts of the islands were not covered in ice, leading to a unique ecosystem. Known as the “Canadian Galapagos,” the islands host 39 animal and local species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Many of the preserve’s cedar trees and Sitka spruce trees are over 1,000 years old, rising to a height of 230 feet. If you do go hiking to explore these grand trees, you’ll need an experienced guide in the very thick fog and sometimes heavy rain.

2. Take a Trip Down the Oregon Trail

Retrace the steps of the settlers across country from Massachusetts to California. See the sites through modern eyes when you visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Field of Dreams, the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, and Martha’s Vineyard. Camp out at National Yellowstone Park.

Connect with yourself through nature by seeing the greatest natural spots in the United States. Be inspired by observing the visages of the founding fathers.

Summer is the perfect time to search for various road trip routes and travel across the country, starting with the Oregon trail. Gather a few friends to pool cash for gas, food and camping, and you’ve a great road trip ahead.

3. Hike the Appalachian Trail

A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trial extends over 2,000 miles, quite a feat for the bucket list. While there are serious hikers who set out to conquer the Appalachian Trail, spending months and years researching and preparing, there are trails across the Appalachia for everyone. There are 12 easy to hike trails to explore for an overnight hike or for several weeks.

Challenge your body to move within nature, to literally ascend further. Take in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or the Blue Ridge Parkway of Pennsylvania, each within four days. Remember, weather may shift quickly, and it’s important to educate and prepare yourself before the trip.

4. Witness the Aurora Borealis in Norway

Due to light pollution in cities and increasingly in rural areas, many are not able to witness the beauty of the thousands of stars perceivable with human eyes. Such sights remind you of how small but how amazing it is to be alive. When you feel lost, you suddenly feel your location in this expanse. What about seeing the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis?

Though visible throughout Europe, Canada and some northern United States, many boast Norway as the most beautiful and most affordable way to see the northern lights. The lights are visible from October to March, mainly in winter. Hotels, flights, food and other expenses add up. Consider cutting costs by staying in a hostel with friends or couch surfing.

5. Dip in the Grecian-Roman Baths

Thermals springs have been culturally associated with healing for ages and are found all over the world, easily accessible to any traveler. The most famous of baths are associated with Grecian and Roman cultures, where individuals came for healing, ritual and even business deals.

Old temples and sites may still be toured, though some forbid use due to unsafe water and preservation of the site. However, many natural springs still exist, and spas, such as the Thermae Spa, serve as healing modern replacements utilizing traditional practices to soothe body and mind.

6. Spend Ten Days Without Talking

Vipassana means “to see things as they are,” and Vipassana Meditation is taught as a ten day course across the world, but with many locations in the United States. The courses, healthy vegetarian food and accommodation have no set fees, as costs are met by donations by those have experienced the benefit of Vispassana and wish to pay it forward.

Abstinence from such things as toxics, speaking and technology. During ten days of meditation, you do not speak.

You observe the sensations within your body and mind, coming to better understand them. This meditative practice enhances your interconnectedness.

7. Walk a Winding Labyrinth

Mazes and labyrinths have appeared on many temples and structures of ancient history, from Ireland to Africa. Their lore has long centered around protection, healing and discovering truth.

Certain labyrinths have become world famous. Derinkuyu Underground City, in Cappadocia, Turkey, built around seventh century B.C., is eight levels, 200 feet deep and could house and protect 20,000 people during a siege.

Sometimes you have to get properly disoriented to find yourself. You’ll walk a spiraling path toward an inner point, then journey your way back again. There is a labyrinth near you, located in a church, garden or random corner of the city.

When your mind needs rest, a blissful retreat may only be a step away into a local labyrinth or across a sea to dip in an ancient Roman bath or observe the northern lights in Norway. Such destinations should invigorate the soul and nurture it, letting your mind take a well-deserved break.

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.