The last getaway or holiday I had was when I went to Cairns for a few days to visit my daughter in September 2019. It was a break away but not exactly what I’d call a holiday.
Since then I was sick for two months with pneumonia and I have fostered 3 litters of kittens (refer to Kitten Foster Files posts), along with all the other day to day responsibilities and stresses of life.
I’m very much feeling the need now for a holiday. Not just any kind of holiday though, a specific kind. A relaxing beach holiday kind! I need a holiday where I lie about reading books, nap when I want or need to, do early morning and late afternoon beach walks, and go off on the odd day trip exploring locally and in surrounding areas. I need a holiday with no housework, easy meal preps and dinners out. I need a holiday where the benefits of a beach holiday can do its magic on me, hopefully reviving me and transforming back to more of my ‘ol self again.
Why do I need this kind of holiday? Because my body is telling me – no, shouting it at me! I’m tired (exhausted actually), a bit flat, a bit sick, and my mojo for most things is all but gone. I need to amp up the self care and take myself off for a reviving beach holiday ASAP!
It’s been my plan anyway to have a beach holiday after the school holidays and after the horrible humidity and heat of February.
Do you need a reviving relaxing type of holiday too? It doesn’t have to be the beach. It could be a cottage in the mountains (I prefer this kind in winter), a farm stay, anywhere where the itinerary is relaxed and slow paced and allows time for sleep-in’s and reading books.
Here’s 7 signs that you too might need a relaxing holiday:
- You’re so tired that no amount of sleep seems to revive you
- You’re feeling flat and unenthused about things
- You’re not sleeping well
- You’re sense of humour is not as it usually is
- You’re a bit of a grump
- You’re to-do list is just too overwhelming
- Things that don’t usually bother you so much suddenly bother you a lot
Many people, who are desperately tired and in need of relaxation and revival, make the mistake of taking a holiday that is action packed, full of travel and sight seeing and go go go, when in reality what they need is an actual true blue break! Some of us need to learn to RELAX!
I love me some travel and a touristy holiday in a location I’ve never been before and I’d like more of that in my future too, but right now, relaxation and revival is needed much more. My last beach holiday was at Mooloolaba so I think somewhere different this time would be nice. I’m thinking perhaps Burleigh or maybe I should try somewhere I’ve never been before or somewhere I haven’t been in a long time? Maybe one of the beaches in Northern NSW?
So what beach do you recommend I go to for my holiday sometime in March, and why? Can’t be overseas because I STILL haven’t renewed my passport (ugh)! I love an ocean/beach view, close proximity to the local shops so I can wander down for a coffee, pick up some groceries, browse the shops. I don’t like overly busy/crowded places. Where I stay will need to have a swimming pool and I’d prefer the location not be in the tropics where the heat in March is too much for me. I’ll be up that way probably in May sometime to visit my daughter anyway. See, I’m easily pleased! 🙂 I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
Ciao for now,
35 Comments
Heckers! That list is me and I KNOW I am in need of a big fat holiday! I am waiting for some progress on the Corona virus. As soon as they have this under control, I’m outta here for a couple of weeks at least! Great post!
Thanks Jody. That coronavirus is causing me so much anxiety *sigh*!
Corona virus is a worry, but we’re taking a chance and flying to Mexico next week. We’ve already rescheduled once when my mother passed away. I just can’t bear to reschedule again. The risk of me losing it if I don’t get a beach vacation is higher than the risk of corona virus in Mazatlan. Wish me luck!
What is this “holiday” thing you speak of? 😉
How about somewhere that’s in need of the tourist dollar post-bushfires? I’m sure there’s somewhere that has a pool and some shops etc. I’m not familiar enough with the areas to make a specific location suggestion.
My thoughts exactly Vanessa – I’m thinking somewhere along the NSW coast where my tourist dollar would be appreciated. I’m so slow to get organised though that my holiday will be more likely in April at this rate!! lol
Hi Min, Australia is full of beautiful beaches so I’m sure you’ll find one that gives you the relaxation you need. I don’t know if all-inclusive or semi-inclusive resorts are popular in Australia or not. They’re great as meals, drinks, housekeeping duties, etc. are all taken care of and included in the holiday package. Hope you find your mojo again soon #lifethisweek
Hi Natalie, there sure are many, many beautiful beaches in Australia to choose from! We don’t usually stay at all inclusive resorts as they generally very expensive and often a bit busy/noisy (family/kids etc) for us. We usually stay at a unit in a highrise somewhere or sometimes a beachside house – depends where it is. I’m sure we’ll find somewhere great whenever I get my act into gear! xo
Hi Min, I don’t know Australia at all and can’t help you, but if you had a passport, I’d recommend exactly where I am this week – Florida. We live in Florida, but we needed a change of pace and cooler temperatures, so we came North and found a beautiful beach resort that is just what we needed. Long walks and ocean gazing are as much as I care to do right now. Good luck finding your perfect spot.
Hi Suzanne – your Florida sounds much like Queensland in regards to weather and lifestyle. It’s funny how you go North for cooler temps whereas we go South for cooler temps! I’ll be going south as I am not good in hot/humid weather which is hilarious considering I’m a Queenslander! 🙂 xo
Western Australia is the place to go. It has the best beaches and it is quiet. A few days in Perth and then hit the South West, Busselton, Margaret River and Albany.
That does sound very tempting Anne. I had my first visit to Perth in 2017 and I’ve been itching to go back and see more ever since. I never did get to any of the beaches!
Min, can I drive you when you decide where you are going? I won’t talk much and will pack great snacks for the road trip! I need a beach get away desperately. It has been far too long.
We are going to Phoenix this weekend for my Prince C.’s birthday and for 3 of his beloved Reds’ spring training baseball games. But there will be no beach in sight. I am thankful, though, for some time away from home.
Hope you figure out your destination. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a chauffeur.
Leslie, you are hired as driver. Fuel up and keep watch for further details! haha I know the desperate need for a beach get away very well right now. I’m sick with a virus at present but once I’m feeling better I will be doing my research and making some bookings. Enjoy your trip to Phoenix! xo
I think I need to show my husband this. Or his iron is down. But let’s try this first….;)
A beach holiday fixes everything Lydia! xo
Hi, Min – Your requirements for a beach holiday are very similar to mine. In addition, I prefer all-inclusive deals so that no meal prep is required by me (and I am not forever reaching for my wallet)! Last year and this year, I was able to get very last minute sell-off package deals to all inclusive resorts in Mexico. Last year we went to Mazatlan, this year to Riviera Maya. Both sell-offs were very affordably priced and both were direct flights for me (another part of my preference checklist).
Good luck with your planning and deciding. Keep us posted. #MLSTL
Hi Donna – you’re the second person to mention an all-inclusive deal. You know, I’ve never done that. I’ve been away where breakfast has been included but not all meals. For beach holidays I usually eat out for dinner once or twice but still have to cook other nights (though I keep it very simple and quick). Maybe I need to rethink it huh? I’m sure you’ll all hear about it wherever I end up going. xo
Hi Min! I my goodness you are speaking to my soul! We must be soul sisters lol! I love the Sunshine Coast, particularly Coolum area, but you said you’d been there.
Northern NSW has some magnificent spots: Kingscliff, Pottsville, Cabarita,… Burleigh is a thriving hub of activity, Currumbin (my home town), Bilinga, Kirra, Coolangatta all should meet your requirements! Have fun😁
Hi Shelley – I love Coolum too and spent a lot of time in that area during my younger years. I am a huge fan of the Sunshine Coast in general. The Gold Coast is not as popular with me BUT I adore Burleigh Heads and I used to frequent Kirra and Coolangatta a lot in my youth. I’m also familiar with Kingscliff and Pottsville – love them both! Haven’t been to Cabarita as much. Currumbin I think of the bird sanctuary! You’re speakin my language! lol 🙂
Hi Min – you need to fly over here to WA and spend a week on Rottnest Island – the serenity, white sand, clear water, and slow pace would do your soul good. I think you sound completely done in and I hope you find a lovely spot to refill your cup and to restore your resilience before your body yells at you any louder xx
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
Hi Leanne – I would love to go to Rottnest Island! Food for thought! I really do need a relaxing holiday so much. I hadn’t thought of WA but you’re the second to mention it so it’s got me thinking now. xoxo
I highly recommend the south coast of NSW in Jervis Bay – Huskisson, Vincentia , Hyams Beach – such lovely white sand and a slow country feel with a smattering of shops and the bluest water. You can go dolphin cruising, ride a bike, read books….just my suggestions! Hope you feel more like yourself soon. xx
Hi Deb – thank you so much for your suggestions! It’s so helpful to hear of all these places where people love to go. I’m sick with a horrid virus at the moment but once feeling better I’ll do some research and hopefully get something booked! xo
I quite like Yamba on the north NSW coast, a traditional town with a number of different beaches to go to. Enjoy your break !
Hi Serena – oh Yamba! I’ve heard of it but don’t know much about it. I’ll Google and learn more about it. Thank yoU! 🙂
I just had 3 weeks off and we only went away for two days. I was feeling exactly as you described prior to having time off. I thought that, to have a proper rest, I’d need to go away to a health spa or retreat on my own and was seriously considering it. I ended up staying home and just pottering and I feel great! Anywhere along the Tweed Coast is great – from Coolangatta down to Ballina, you could easily find somewhere you describe. Salt at Kingscliff is great but there are often a lot of kids. Go off season to miss them or book into an adults only resort – we often do that, just for the peace and quiet.
Hi Christina – I love the Tweed Coast. Thanks for the suggestion of ‘Salt’ at Kingscliff. Kingscliff is somewhere I’ve been considering going for some time but I wasn’t sure where to stay so I’ll have a look at Salt – thank you. I only ever go off season as I like quiet and school holidays don’t give me that – also everything is more expensive during school holidays.
I think that it’s wonderful that you will be taking several short holidays. I always take small trips, usually a road trip that does not take longer than 3 hours to arrive anywhere. I will stay at least 2 nights in each place if it’s a 10 day type of trip and if it’s short and I love the spot I’m in I’ll stay longer.
Short holidays are so good for re-grouping.
I usually choose places where I can walk and photograph and or draw. Very slow traveling!
Unfortunately I live in Portugal so I don’t have any tips for you in your country.
Hi Marguerite, wow do you know how rare it is for me to come across someone else with my name? My name is Marguerite too! Min is my nickname. I’m not sure that my beach holiday will be short. It’ll be either 1 week or 2 weeks. I haven’t decided yet. I’ve had so many short little trips away – 3 days or so but I need a holiday which to me is longer. Long enough to totally unwind and destress. I love places where I can walk, take photographs and draw too! Great minds! 🙂
HI Min, you’ve had a bad time with illness over the last year so you are certainly in need of a holiday. There are so many beautiful places not far from Brisbane with ocean views and relaxed vibes – just what you need. A book, sunshine and change of scenery sounds good to me. Take care of yourself and Thanks for the tips and linking up at #MLSTL.
Hi Sue, yes I have had a bad time with illness of recent months and again sick with a virus now. I do need a lovely relaxing holiday away very much. Once I’m feeling better hopefully I can decide where to go and get some bookings made. A book, sunshine and change of scenery sounds absolutely perfect to me! Thanks Sue. xo
When our body is shouting then I am glad you listened. Far north coast..actually south of you is a lovely area but I would avoid Byron Bay as very commercial and can be crowded. March is an awesome time to get to a beach area there as the weather is cooling but water remains very pleasant. Hope you feel well enough to enjoy whatever you choose.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is Taking Stock. Using words of your own or ones from other bloggers as prompts is cool. Hope to see you there: 2 March 2020. Denyse.
Hi Denyse – I agree about Byron Bay – far too busy for me there! It’s pretty and I enjoy their markets and beach but too busy. I once stayed in a gorgeous little cottage at Possum Creek up in the hinterland from Byron and oh my goodness it is sooo beautiful up there. I must go there again! Still haven’t planned a holiday but hopefully soon. xo
Hello Min. I’m afraid I’ll be no help choosing a vacation spot in Australia, but I’m right there with you in needing that kind of relaxing vacation. The good news for me is that we have a trip to Mazatlan, Mexico scheduled. We leave next week! We were supposed to go right after Christmas, but then my mother got ill and we knew we wanted to stay close. We don’t regret that decision at all, but I am definitely ready to walk the beach, read books, sleep in, watch the sunset over the ocean, look for sea glass…all those heavenly relaxing things. We have a favorite bed & breakfast that we stay in right on the beach. It’s lovely. I wish you luck in finding your perfect vacation spot. #MLSTL
Hi Christie – I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Coronavirus is a worry but we can’t let it stop us living. Wash your hands a lot, avoid shaking hands and kissing people and hopefully you’ll have a wonderful holiday and return home refreshed and ready to tackle everyday life again! xo