Vacations are meant to recharge our spirits and provide relief from daily routines, but new research warns that certain habits may be undermining the very relaxation holidaymakers seek. A recent feature in HuffPost collects insights from travel experts and mental health professionals, revealing that common vacation practices—from overplanning to obsessively comparing trips on social media—may be fueling stress rather than easing it (HuffPost). For many Thais who place great value on sanuk (enjoyment of life), these revelations offer both warnings and practical lessons against letting leisure turn into another form of pressure.
Compared to the universal image of beachside bliss, the reality is that overscheduling and strict itineraries remain the top culprits for holiday stress, according to the report. “Overscheduling is the No. 1 way to turn a relaxing vacation into a stressful one,” said the senior editorial director of TripSavvy, echoing sentiments shared by many Thai travelers who often try to cram visits to multiple temples, markets, and attractions into a single day. Instead, leaving blocks of free time each day allows for spontaneous discoveries and authentic experiences, a lesson put forth by top travel bloggers and echoed in global tourism research.
The temptation to treat travel as a checklist—rather than a journey—also creates pitfalls. A co-founder of The Vacationer warns of the dangers of skipping meals in pursuit of a packed agenda, a common error that can cause fatigue and dampen enjoyment. Nutritionists in Thailand have long cautioned against skipping street food lunches or local breakfasts, as they are important parts of the cultural experience and sustain energy for exploration.
Another frequent mistake is being too rigid with plans. Having a flexible attitude and welcoming serendipity is lauded as essential by the co-founder and CEO of Tripscout. In Thailand, locals often remind travelers to “mai bpen rai” (never mind) when plans go awry—a cultural mindset supporting psychological studies that show openness to surprises often makes leisure more restorative (Thai Health Promotion Foundation).
In today’s hyper-connected world, checking work emails while lounging poolside has become a new form of self-sabotage. The article highlights that reading work notifications can ruin the sense of escape, re-engaging the brain with workplace responsibilities. Work-life balance remains a challenge for Thai professionals as well, with mental health experts such as those at Thailand’s Department of Mental Health recommending digital detoxes during holidays (DMH).
Social comparison is another silent vacation stressor. The explosion of travel photos on Instagram and Facebook can trigger stress and inadequacy, especially when comparing personal trips to the curated highlights of peers. Experts suggest building “no-photo periods” into the day, supporting findings from the Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Psychology that digital overload can cause anxiety—contradicting the very purpose of taking time off (Chula Psychology).
Conversely, the report cautions against underplanning. Arriving somewhere with no idea of what to do can backfire, especially for those used to structure in daily life. Striking a balance—making a shortlist of must-sees without micromanaging every hour—can help travelers avoid waking up with dread at the lack of activities, a problem even for native Thais traveling domestically to locations like Chiang Mai or Koh Samui.
Another overlooked stressor is abandoning personal self-care routines. For Thais who maintain daily practices such as morning meditation, light exercise, or even regular herbal tea, discarding these habits during vacation risks cumulative stress. Psychotherapists recommend adapting routines to the destination—such as trading early morning gym visits for gentle walks on a new beach.
For many, the allure of the cheapest travel deals is hard to resist, but travel experts warn that “blindly booking the cheapest flight and hotel can lead to a terrible experience.” This may ring true for Thai families taking interprovincial trains during the Songkran festival, where cramped and uncomfortable conditions are common. Instead, carefully considering comfort and convenience—without breaking the bank—can strike a healthy balance, as repeated by tourism advisers (Tourism Authority of Thailand).
Budget mismanagement is another hidden source of stress. Experts recommend pre-planning major expenses and deciding in advance where to splurge, whether on accommodation, local specialties, or unique experiences. According to Bangkok Bank reports, impulsive spending remains a challenge for younger Thai travelers, often leading to anxiety upon return (Bangkok Bank).
Perhaps the most undervalued source of vacation stress is unrealistic expectations—about both travel logistics and group dynamics. “Your mother won’t suddenly become ‘easy’ because she’s in the Caribbean and not in her kitchen in New York,” quipped a psychotherapist quoted in the study. The same wisdom applies for Thai family outings, where intergenerational holiday habits can clash.
Coordinating group travel is also a minefield of mismatched desires and routines. According to market research from the Tourism Council of Thailand, a growing number of domestic travelers cite group disagreements as their primary travel annoyance. Open communication and willingness to “split up” for certain activities are recommended by global travel therapists and align with evolving Thai approaches to hospitality and personal autonomy.
A subtle but common stressor is pressuring oneself to relax—a paradox that the owner of Playa Vista Counseling compares to the pitfalls of trying too hard to meditate. Thailand’s Buddhist culture, with its emphasis on letting go of attachment and expectations, offers useful lessons for these situations (Wat Mahathat Meditation Center).
The experts cited also argue for building buffer time into vacation schedules. “It can be so stressful to try and finish all the things right before you leave, so maybe have a day dedicated as a buffer before and after your trip,” they advise. Such counsel echoes traditional Thai wisdom, where transitions and rituals—including prepping offerings before a trip or taking a day to “reenter” normal life—are integral to travel routines.
Even after a successful trip, many experience post-vacation blues as the dopamine high fades. Mental health professionals recommend looking back on pleasant memories, sharing stories with travel companions, and even starting to plan the next holiday, all of which help maintain a sense of wellbeing and anticipation.
Looking ahead, the new research highlights actionable ways to make holidays more restorative for Thai travelers. First, resist the temptation to overplan or underplan; opt instead for a “just right” approach with flexibility built in. Prioritise your self-care routines, unplug from work and social comparison, and communicate openly with travel companions. Finally, savour the process by building transitions before departure and easing back into daily life on your return.
For Thai readers, these insights underscore the importance of sabai sabai—taking it easy and enjoying the moment—both at home and on the road. Implementing even a few of these recommendations could transform not only vacations but also the year-round pursuit of happiness.
For more guidance, mental health professionals at organizations such as the Department of Mental Health and leading travel advisers can be consulted, and readers are encouraged to draw from Thailand’s own cultural wisdom when planning their next escape.
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