The Restless Traveller

And how travel can support mind, body & spirit

In today’s overstimulated, always-on world, we’re not just busy - we’re exhausted.
Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ surveyed 6,000 adults across the UK, US, and Australia to understand how modern life is draining our energy and how travel can be one of the most powerful tools to restore it. This isn’t just a set of statistics. It’s a call to slow down, tune in, and explore a different kind of travel.
One that restores. One that reconnects. One that builds resilience.

This quantitative study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of SLH, explored traveller fatigue, the barriers to meaningful rest, and the ways in which travel can support holistic wellbeing across seven dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, social, creative, sensory, and spiritual.

The world is tired

72% of respondents reported feeling tired right now.
23% said they were very tired.

“It’s not just a lack of sleep. It’s a lack of space to breathe.”

Exhaustion isn’t just physical

When asked where they feel most tired:

48% said physically
44% mentally
25% emotionally
14% socially
8.5% sensory overload, 7.7% creatively blocked, 6% spiritually disconnected

"We are tired in ways sleep can't fix."

What’s stopping us from resting?

The biggest barriers to meaningful rest:

44% Family responsibilities
40% Work demands
60% say modern life does not allow for true rest

"It's hard to rest when you're always on."

Can travel help?

Yes. And people know it.

An overwhelming 89.2% of respondents recognise travel as uniquely effective for achieving comprehensive rest across multiple wellbeing dimensions.

The impact of travel on wellbeing

Travelling helps in specific, tangible ways:

67% say it improves mood
52% say it provides a fresh perspective
37% say it improves sleep
34% say it creates more gratitude
31% say it helps them connect to nature
28% say it boosts creativity

What types of travel allow you to rest the most?

49% nature-based
22% wellness-focused
19% city breaks
14% culture-focused
13% adventure-based
10% digital detox

Why do people choose wellbeing travel?

97% say regular breaks are essential for long-term wellbeing

93% say prioritising rest and wellbeing is important when choosing where to travel

89% say travel helps them reconnect with what's important in life

EXPLORE WELLBEING COLLECTION »

Expert insight: The power of rest

"These findings are yet another reminder that rest needs to be woven into our lives, especially when we’re balancing family responsibilities and work demands.

Time to recharge isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for both mental and physical health. Because our mind and body are so deeply connected, anything we do with the intention of recharging — whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual — will have a direct impact on our overall wellbeing.

Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all, so don’t be afraid to explore different kinds. For one person, it might be a pottery workshop; for another, a three-day walk in the forest.

Plan your rest in advance, protect it fiercely, and enjoy it without guilt."

– Dominique Antiglio, SLH’s Wellbeing Expert & Founder of BeSophro