Travel is supposed to be the ultimate escape—but let’s be real, it’s not always giving. Between chaotic airports, jam-packed itineraries, and screaming toddlers two rows behind you, it’s easy to come back from a trip more drained than when you left.
That’s where soft life travel steps in.
Soft life travel is about reclaiming your rest while exploring the world. It’s for the woman who wants culture, beauty, and adventure—but on her own peaceful terms. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul escape, here’s how to do it the soft life way.
1. Define What Rest Looks Like For You
Before you even open a flight booking site, ask yourself this: What do I need from this trip?
For some, rest means sleeping in a cloud-like hotel bed with spa treatments on tap. For others, it’s reading a book on a quiet beach, hiking in nature, or journaling on a slow train ride through the countryside. There’s no one-size-fits-all in soft life travel—but you do need to get honest about what feels nourishing.
Journal prompt:
What are three things that make me feel truly rested?
You can also take a few clues from experts like The Slow Travel Network, who advocate for conscious, immersive travel instead of rushed sightseeing.
2. Choose Destinations That Match Your Energy
If you’re feeling emotionally and physically tapped out, now might not be the time to tackle five European cities in ten days. (Spoiler: you’ll remember none of it except your blistered feet and overpriced airport sandwiches.)
Soft life travel invites you to choose locations that move at a gentle pace.
Some calming destination ideas:
- Tulbagh, South Africa – Think wine farms, art galleries, and stillness.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – A haven for spiritual retreats and slow living.
- Lagos, Portugal – Coastal charm with far fewer crowds than Lisbon.
- Lucca, Italy – A lesser-known Tuscan gem made for wandering and long lunches.
- McGregor, Western Cape – South Africa’s best-kept soft life secret.
Need inspiration? CN Traveller’s list of slow cities is a great place to start.
3. Book Flights and Transport Wisely
When it comes to air travel, don’t sabotage your peace trying to save R200 on a 6am layover flight. Choose direct flights where possible, and always book transport during the golden hours—between 10am and 3pm. It gives you enough time to rest, eat, and ease into your day.
If you’re travelling within South Africa or Europe, consider going by train. Companies like Trainline and Shosholoza Meyl make booking inter-city rail convenient and often more scenic than flying.
Pro tip:
Always keep snacks, water, a charger, and a book in your carry-on. Your peace of mind will thank you.
4. Pick Accommodation That Feels Like Home
Soft life travel doesn’t mean 5-star resorts with seven forks on the table (unless you’re into that). It means choosing places that feel like home.
Look for accommodation with:
- Natural light
- Minimalist, clean design
- Quiet surroundings
- Flexible check-in/check-out
- A kitchen or kitchenette (for slow breakfasts and late-night tea)
Websites like Airbnb and Plum Guide curate listings that feel lived-in, not like sterile hotel boxes. You can filter by “peaceful,” “nature,” or “retreat” in your search terms.
5. Create Loose Itineraries (With Lots of White Space)
You don’t need to plan every minute. In fact, overplanning is one of the fastest ways to ruin a soft life trip.
Instead, try this:
- One “anchor” activity per day (e.g. spa visit, walking tour, or museum)
- Two optional “floaters” if energy allows
- Free time for spontaneous naps, journaling, or people-watching
Use tools like Wanderlog to map out gentle itineraries and keep everything in one place.
Also: give yourself a full “nothing day” at least once. No plans. Just vibes.
6. Travel Light—Physically and Emotionally
Soft life travel means not carrying what isn’t yours to carry—whether that’s literal luggage or other people’s expectations.
Packing light:
- Stick to one carry-on and one personal item
- Pack neutral clothing that mixes and matches easily
- Bring a soft wrap or scarf (works as a blanket, pillow, or head covering)
- Leave space in your luggage—physically and emotionally—for souvenirs and surprises
And yes, that includes your emotional baggage. You’re not bringing stress on this trip. Leave that mess at the gate.
7. Build In Rituals for Stillness
Don’t underestimate the power of small, slow rituals to ground you—even in unfamiliar places.
Here are a few to try:
- Brew a cup of tea and sit by the window each morning
- Do five minutes of breathwork before leaving your accommodation
- Journal a few thoughts at the end of the day
- Walk barefoot if the land allows
- Speak scripture or affirmations over yourself daily
Bring a travel-friendly journal or even just use the notes app on your phone. You can also use prompts from The Daily Rest to stay centred.
8. Practise Soft Boundaries When Travelling with Others
Travelling with people—especially ones who don’t know how to sit down—can mess with your soft life groove.
Set expectations early:
- Let them know you’ll need solo time
- Offer to meet up for just one or two shared meals
- Say “no thank you” without guilt if they want to club-hop and you’d rather sleep
You’re not responsible for their enjoyment. And you’re not selfish for choosing rest over running yourself into the ground.
9. Be Present, Not Just Productive
In a world obsessed with documenting every second, soft life travel says: Just be here.
It’s okay if you don’t get the perfect photo. It’s okay if you don’t make a Reel. The goal is presence, not performance.
That said, if you do want to capture memories softly, consider:
- Taking slow vlogs with your phone camera
- Using voice notes instead of selfies
- Printing photos after the trip instead of rushing to post them
Let your memories live in your soul before they live on your feed.
10. Return Home Gently
The soft life doesn’t end when your trip does.
Ease back into routine with:
- A buffer day before going back to work
- A calm, clean home waiting for you (tidy before you leave!)
- A moment of reflection—what did this trip teach you? How did it heal you?
Soft life travel is about sustainable joy. If you need a holiday after your holiday, you did too much.
Final Thoughts
Soft life travel isn’t about luxury—it’s about intentional rest. It’s a way of travelling that nourishes your body, your soul, and your spirit. Whether it’s a solo trip down the coast or a dreamy European escape, the pace you move at matters.
Say no to rushed itineraries. Say yes to sunsets, silence, and the sacred in the slow.
Before You Go:
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