A therapist offers her tips on limiting electronics and work stress in order to have a more peaceful, fun vacation. Try these ideas before you go away on your next trip.

In our work-obsessed world, it can be difficult to unplug and stay present when we travel, but it’s essential in order to give our nervous system a well-earned break. Brianna Paruolo, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Director and Founder of On Par Therapy, based in New York offers these tips for living in the moment when you go on vacation.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Be realistic about the time you can actually step away and disconnect from work and technology. “I often find that wanting to go cold-turkey with a habit can have a rebound effect of engaging in the habit you’re looking to kick even more intensely when you return,” says Paruolo. What are the structures and dynamics set up at work that make it easy or difficult to truly disconnect during travel? Will there be real repercussions from going offline, or is it more perfectionism and control-driven anxiety? Start small if complete disconnection feels overwhelming. Maybe it’s checking emails only once in the morning and evening, or designating certain hours as completely offline. The goal isn’t to prove something to yourself or others, but to genuinely recharge and be present for your travel experience.

Setting Boundaries

Set thoughtful out-of-office email responses that include when you’ll be back and who to contact for urgent matters. Communicate to your direct team your true availability – not what you think they want to hear, but what you can realistically maintain while still enjoying your time away. Get clear with yourself about your “why” around the desire to disconnect. Is it burnout? FOMO? The need to prove your dedication? Understanding your motivation helps you stay committed to the boundary. “Remember that a boundary is a conversation, not a demand, and certainly not something someone else has to automatically respect,” says Paruolo. “The only person in charge of respecting a boundary is yourself, so be clear about how you’d like to implement it and what sticking to it actually looks like in practice.” This might mean turning off work notifications entirely, using a separate device for personal use, or scheduling specific check-in times rather than being reactive all day.

Calming Down Our Nervous System

Constant connectivity keeps our nervous systems in a state of low-level activation – we’re always waiting for the next notification, email, or crisis to respond to. This chronic state of alertness prevents us from truly resting and processing our experiences. When we unplug, we allow our minds to wander, make connections, and actually integrate what we’re seeing and learning during travel. “Unplugging also helps us reconnect with our own internal rhythm rather than being driven by external demands,” says Paruolo. Many people discover they’ve lost touch with what they actually enjoy or find interesting when they’re not constantly consuming other people’s content and responding to others’ priorities.

Setting Up a Plan

Sometimes the best unplug is a forced unplug – when there’s no WiFi or cell service to connect to, the decision is made for you. If it feels safe and doable, try sticking to airplane mode and only connecting to WiFi when it’s available and free, rather than actively seeking out connectivity. Consider unplugging during the activities or experiences that drew you to travel in the first place. “If you’re hiking, exploring a new city, or having dinner with travel companions, that’s not the time to be documenting everything for social media or checking work emails,” says Paruolo. The most meaningful moments of travel often happen when we’re fully present rather than thinking about how to capture or share them.

Preventing Anxiety

Preparation is key to making unplugging feel sustainable rather than anxiety-provoking. Download offline maps, entertainment, and any essential information before you leave. Let people know your communication plan ahead of time so you’re not fielding questions about your availability while you’re away. Create systems that make reconnection easier when you return. Maybe that’s scheduling focused work time for your first day back to catch up, or asking a colleague to sort through emails and flag only the truly urgent ones. “The fear of returning to chaos often keeps us tethered to work during vacation, so addressing that proactively helps you actually disconnect,” says Paruolo.

Overcoming Challenges

Fears around structures at work falling apart, no one else being capable of getting the job done, or receiving pushback from co-workers if you step away. These fears are often rooted in control issues and the belief that our worth is tied to our indispensability. Says Paruolo: “There’s also FOMO, both professionally and personally. What if something important happens and you miss it? What if everyone else is documenting their travels perfectly and you’re not keeping up? The irony is that the constant documenting and checking in often prevents us from having the experiences worth sharing in the first place.”

Another challenge is the physical habit of reaching for our phones. We’ve trained ourselves to fill any moment of quiet or transition with scrolling. Being in new environments can actually trigger more phone-checking as we seek familiar comfort, so having alternative coping strategies ready, like bringing a book, journal, or simply practicing sitting with unfamiliar feelings, can be helpful.

Longest road in the world: Roads are crucial for modern transport, trade, and connecting regions globally. Many nations have developed extensive road networks to improve travel and connectivity. Check out the top 5 longest roads in the world.

Longest roads in the world: Roads are one of the most important parts of modern transport. They help people travel from one place to another, support trade, and connect cities, countries, and even entire continents. Over the years, different nations have built long road networks to make travel easier and improve connectivity. Some of these roads stretch for thousands of kilometres, passing through deserts, forests, mountains, coastal regions, and busy cities.

These long highways do much more than carry vehicles; they support economic growth, link remote areas to major towns, and give travelers a chance to explore different cultures and landscapes.

Understanding these long and significant roads helps us learn how countries stay connected and how transport systems play a major role in development.

Top 5 Longest Roads in the World

Below is a list of the top 5 longest roads in the world:

1. Pan-American Highway

The Pan-American Highway is the longest road network in the world. It stretches from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska (USA) to Ushuaia in Argentina. Covering around 30,000 miles (48,000 km), it passes through several countries in North, Central, and South America. This road crosses different climates and terrains and plays a vital role in connecting the Americas.

2. Highway 1, Australia

Australia’s National Highway 1 circles the entire continent. It connects major cities and small towns, covering 14,500 km (9,000 miles). The highway passes through coastlines, deserts, forests, and rural areas, making it one of the longest and most important road routes in the world.

3. Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia

The Trans-Siberian Highway runs across Russia from St. Petersburg in the west to Vladivostok in the east. It spans over 11,000 km, crossing multiple time zones and showcasing Russia’s diverse geography and cultural regions.

4. Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway spans from the west coast to the east coast of Canada. It spans 7,821 km (4,860 miles) and traverses all 10 provinces. It connects major cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, offering scenic views of mountains, lakes, and forests.

5. Highway 10 (G10 Expressway), China

The Beijing–Shanghai Motorway, also known as G10, is one of China’s major road routes. It stretches for about 4,100 km (2,550 miles) and connects the two major cities, Beijing and Shanghai. The motorway supports heavy trade and travel across several Chinese provinces.

Paris, Bali, New York or any popular destination is considered when international travel is planned. But a different kind of adventure awaits where crowds are scarce and untouched landscapes still reign. For those who are curious, and want to explore places that are less crowded, this list can be their reference point. As per the data from the CEOWORLD magazine, these are the places where silence, solitude and discovery defined the travel experience, if you’re willing to seek them out.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu tops many lists as the least visited country in the world. The country is disappearing fast due to climate change, prompting residents to leave their homes. This tiny Pacific nation is threatened by rising sea levels, so if you can make it fast, you might still be able to visit this destination before it’s gone already.

Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands recorded around 6100 international visitors, and is scattered across the central Pacific. Despite offering world-class diving opportunities, and showcases remnants of World War II history, it usually remains less touristy, and less crowded too.

Niue Island

Niue’s dramatic limestone coastline and crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and exploring caves. Limited flights and its remote location keep tourist numbers low, making it a quiet retreat for nature lovers.

Kiribati

Another Pacific gem, Kiribati encompasses dozens of low-lying atolls, including the huge Kiritimati (Christmas Island). Its marine biodiversity and untouched reefs remain virtually undiscovered by the mainstream travel crowd.

Micronesia

Made up of hundreds of islands across the western Pacific, Micronesia continues to see only a small number of tourists. The region’s historic shipwreck dives and vibrant local culture offer unique experiences for adventurous travellers.

Montserrat

Montserrat, a British territory in the Caribbean, remains little visited largely because volcanic eruptions in the 1990s displaced many residents and structures. Today, its lush green hills and dramatic volcanic terrain provide an adventurous, peaceful escape.

Solomon Islands

With little infrastructure in place for tourists, this archipelago of some 1,000 islands has magnificent jungles and genuine cultural experiences to boast of. For travellers seeking genuine seclusion, the Solomon Islands are still off the usual route.

São Tomé and Príncipe

A hidden paradise of rainforests, volcanic peaks, and pristine beaches, São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s second-smallest country by land area. Visitor numbers are kept low by its relaxed pace and few aircraft connections.

Comoros

The Comoros is an archipelagic nation comprising three islands in southeastern Africa. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, with coral reefs, aromatic spice plantations, in terms of offerings has remained mostly under the radar. But, political challenges, and limited flights make this place relatively unexplored by tourists.

Guinea-Bissau

It borders Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south, while its Atlantic Ocean coast features the Bijagós archipelago, with 88 islands. Guinea-Bissau is a place that beautifully blends the natural beauty of the Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, along with the rich indigenous culture and Portuguese colonial past. Visitor numbers are usually low due to political unrest and slow tourism growth.

Retirement feels like the first time in decades when life slows down enough for you to think about yourself. For many Indians, this stage arrives after years spent managing jobs, families and responsibilities, leaving little space for leisurely travel.

Retirement feels like the first time in decades when life slows down enough for you to think about yourself. For many Indians, this stage arrives after years spent managing jobs, families and responsibilities, leaving little space for leisurely travel. With more time in hand and a growing desire to see the world, international holidays begin to feel both exciting and achievable. The reassuring news is that global travel does not have to empty your savings, especially if you look at destinations that offer comfort, safety and meaningful experiences at reasonable costs. Whether you enjoy quiet lanes, blue coastlines, lively markets or serene countryside views, many countries suit the pace and comfort of senior travellers. Here are six affordable international destinations that bring together culture, nature and ease, making them excellent choices for your post-retirement years.

6 International Destinations You Must Visit After Retirement:

1. Vietnam

Why retirees love it: Vietnam appeals to seniors who enjoy a relaxed rhythm and warm interactions. Cities like Hanoi and Hoi An feel lively without feeling rushed, and Indian travellers often appreciate how locals treat older visitors with genuine respect.

Budget and stay: Vietnam remains one of the most affordable choices for Indian tourists, with reasonable stays and friendly guesthouses.

Ease of travel: Public transport is steady, taxis are inexpensive and walking routes are comfortable for most seniors.

Local food: Pho, banh mi and gentle flavoured broths suit travellers who prefer simple meals.

As you move from Vietnam to Europe in this list, the focus remains on countries that offer cultural comfort and scenic calm without overwhelming your schedule.

2. Portugal

Why retirees love it: Portugal offers slow mornings, pastel houses, gentle hills and a peaceful pace that many Indian travellers find soothing. Lisbon and Porto feel vibrant but never chaotic.

Budget and stay: Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in Europe, especially outside peak months.

Ease of travel: Trams, buses and trains are easy to navigate, and English is widely spoken.

Local food: Fresh bread, seafood and simple desserts are widely available, with vegetarian alternatives in most neighbourhoods.

Moving from Portugal to Thailand takes you back to Asia, where affordability and warm interactions make travel even smoother for seniors.

3. Thailand

Why retirees love it: Thailand suits travellers who enjoy colourful markets and calm beaches. It is familiar to many Indians, which removes the anxiety of navigating new places late in life.

Budget and stay: Accommodation is reasonably priced across cities and islands, which makes longer stays possible.

Ease of travel: Thailand remains highly senior friendly, with good transport options and polite taxi services.

Local food: Mild curries, rice bowls and fresh fruit work well for travellers who prefer lighter meals.

From Thailand, the list returns closer to home with Sri Lanka, which offers scenic comfort without long flights.

4. Sri Lanka

Why retirees love it: Sri Lanka balances beaches, hills and historic sites in a compact radius, which means less travel fatigue for seniors. Its warm cultural atmosphere often feels familiar to Indian guests.

Budget and stay: Costs remain reasonable, and homestays offer personalised care that seniors appreciate.

Ease of travel: Distances are short, and local drivers are known for patience and politeness.

Local food: String hoppers, coconut dishes and mild curries suit many Indian palates.

From Sri Lanka, the journey shifts to a vibrant long haul option for seniors who enjoy culture, colour and slow travel.

5. Mexico

Why retirees love it: Mexico offers historic charm, friendly locals and scenic coastal towns that suit slow paced holidays. Merida and Oaxaca are especially popular with older travellers who seek culture over crowds.

Budget and stay: Hotels and local transport remain affordable outside the main tourist corridors.

Ease of travel: Many areas are walkable, and guided tours help seniors navigate comfortably.

Local food: Soft tortillas, mild stews and roasted vegetables are widely available.

The list closes with Greece, a Mediterranean favourite that feels calm, scenic and comfortable for seniors.

6. Greece

Why retirees love it: Greece balances history, clean beaches and relaxed towns in a way that feels soothing for retired travellers. Islands like Crete and Naxos offer gentle landscapes and quiet days.

Budget and stay: Costs remain manageable during off season months.

Ease of travel: Ferries, buses and local taxis support easy mobility.

Local food: Fresh salads, olives and warm breads are easy to find, with many vegetarian choices.

Tips to Remember

• Travel during the off-season to save on flights and accommodation.
• Compare hotel and homestay prices for the best deals.
• Keep your medical documents and travel insurance handy.
• Choose destinations with good public transportation for easy mobility.
• Take regular breaks during sightseeing to avoid exhaustion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these destinations safe for senior travellers?

Yes, all the listed places are generally safe. However, staying in well reviewed accommodations and avoiding isolated areas at night is recommended.

2. Which destination is best for budget travel?

Vietnam and Thailand are among the most affordable, offering excellent value for accommodation, food and transport.

3. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is essential for retirees, as it ensures medical support and financial protection during emergencies.

4. Which season is best for travelling after retirement?

Off season or shoulder seasons are ideal because they offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and cheaper prices.