Most travellers under-rest on trips and over-schedule. The typical UK adult treats holiday as a sightseeing list to be completed. The trips most loved retroactively often feature more rest days than tourist sites — slower pace produces deeper experience.
Why slow travel works
Body recovers from travel stress within first 2-3 days only if rest is built in. Local life is observable only if you're present, not always rushing. Genuine relaxation requires unstructured time.
How to build in slow days
Plan no more than 1-2 main activities daily. Build in full rest days every 3-4 days (read by pool, casual walks, long meal). Choose accommodations with appeal (boutique hotel pool, garden, balcony) so 'doing nothing' is actually pleasant.
The trips remembered fondly aren't the ones with most sights ticked. They're the ones where you came back rested.