Traveling for wellness is not just about rest. A well-planned mid-year getaway gives you space to reflect on how the year has gone so far, recalibrate your priorities, and simply slow down in a way daily life doesn’t allow.
Many people wait until the end of the year to take a big vacation. But taking a shorter trip in the middle of the year can help prevent burnout and improve your focus for the second half of 2025. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or long — even a three- or four-day trip to the right setting can work wonders for your mental and emotional health.
Here are some ideas to inspire your own mid-year reset trip.
1. Lake houses: Stillness on the water
If you find peace near water, a few days at a lake house can be an ideal way to reset. Lakes tend to be less crowded than beaches in the summer and offer a more serene atmosphere for reflection and relaxation. You can spend your days kayaking, reading on the dock, or just watching the sunset over the water.
Top picks for 2025:
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: The crystal-clear water and surrounding mountains create the perfect environment for both outdoor activity and quiet reflection.
- Finger Lakes, New York: Known for its rolling hills and vineyards, this region also boasts peaceful lakeside cottages.
- Lake Ouachita, Arkansas: A hidden gem for those who want a quiet retreat away from larger crowds.
When booking a lake house, look for properties with minimal tech distractions. Some rentals even promote being “Wi-Fi free,” making it easier to unplug and focus on your own thoughts instead of emails.
2. Mountain escapes: Fresh air and perspective
Heading into the mountains offers a literal and figurative breath of fresh air. The higher elevation, cooler temperatures, and open landscapes can help you feel grounded and present.
Hiking trails and scenic drives also provide opportunities to get moving, which is an important part of any wellness-focused trip. Time spent outdoors has been shown to lower stress levels and boost your mood, making the mountains a great choice when you need to reset.
Top picks for 2025:
- Asheville, North Carolina: Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this town is known for its artsy vibe and access to incredible hiking.
- Estes Park, Colorado: The gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying alpine scenery.
- White Mountains, New Hampshire: Ideal if you’re on the East Coast and want a mix of charming small towns and challenging trails.
When planning your mountain retreat, try to build in some quiet time alongside physical activity. Early mornings or evenings by a fire pit are great times to reflect on how the year is going so far and what you want to adjust moving forward.
3. Digital detox destinations: Disconnect to reconnect
For many of us, the constant presence of screens and notifications is one of the biggest drains on our mental energy. A mid-year trip designed as a true digital detox can help break the habit of constant checking and give you the space to just be.
Some wellness resorts and retreats are designed specifically for this purpose, banning phones and providing a structured itinerary of mindfulness practices, yoga, and guided reflection. Others simply offer an environment so peaceful and remote that you’ll naturally spend more time offline.
Top picks for 2025:
- Big Sur, California: Stay in a quiet inn along the cliffs and let the ocean views replace your phone screen.
- Ojo Caliente, New Mexico: Famous for its hot springs and unplugged atmosphere, perfect for soaking and meditating.
- Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee: A luxury resort that emphasizes wellness, mindfulness, and digital-free spaces.
If you don’t want to go to a dedicated digital detox retreat, you can create your own version. Before you leave, set your phone to airplane mode or use apps that block notifications. Let colleagues and family know you’ll be offline for a few days.
Packing with intention is just as important as choosing your destination, and if you need inspiration, this ultimate packing guide for curvy and midsize women is full of helpful tips.
How to plan your mid-year reset trip
Even if you already know where you want to go, how you approach the trip can make a big difference in how restorative it feels.
Keep it simple. The goal is not to cram in as many sights as possible but to give yourself time to pause and reflect. Avoid over-scheduling your days.
One thing that helps me keep things simple is packing a pair of noise-canceling headphones. They help create a peaceful pocket of calm no matter where you are, which makes it easier to slow down and stay present.
Be intentional. Decide ahead of time what you want from the trip. Maybe you’re looking to think through a big decision, or maybe you just want to give your mind a break. Writing it down can help you stay focused during the trip.
When I pack for a reset trip, I always bring a guided travel journal to help me reflect on what’s worked so far this year and where I want to focus next. It’s such a small thing, but writing things down while you’re away really helps the mental reset stick
Pack with purpose. I also never travel without a lightweight yoga mat that folds right into my carry-on. It’s perfect for morning stretches, meditating outdoors, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself.
Ease back into your routine. When you return, give yourself a day or two before diving fully back into your normal pace. Use what you gained from your trip to make small, lasting changes to your routine.
Mid-year reset benefits that last beyond the trip
Taking a trip like this is more than just a temporary break. Many travelers find that a mid-year reset helps them:
- Feel more energized and creative when they return to work.
- Reconnect with the personal goals they set at the start of the year.
- Improve their sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
- Let go of the stress that has been building over the first half of the year. On my last trip, I realized how much little comforts help with letting go of stress, like having a cozy travel wrap scarf that doubles as a blanket for chilly mornings or flights.
If you plan mindfully, the benefits of a reset trip can stay with you long after you’re back home.
If you also want to avoid the usual tourist crowds while you recharge, consider looking into second cities that offer a more relaxed pace without sacrificing charm.
Final thoughts
The middle of the year is the perfect time to pause and reassess. Rather than waiting until the end of 2025 to take stock of your life, you can use a short, intentional trip to recharge and realign now.
When I took my first mid-year reset trip, I decided to go solo, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re thinking about traveling alone for your reset, too. Here’s what I wish I knew before my own solo trip to Saint Lucia.
Whether you choose a quiet lake house, a mountain hike, or a digital detox in the desert, the important thing is creating space for yourself. You’ll come back with more clarity, more energy, and a renewed sense of purpose — exactly what you need to take on the rest of the year.
So go ahead. Block off the dates, book your spot, and give yourself permission to reset. Your mind and body will thank you for it.