How do you feel when the hustle and bustle of the holidays comes to an end? If you are left feeling stressed and tired, you are not alone! Luckily, we know just how to combat the stress and exhaustion that the holidays can bring— take a trip! Keep reading as we discuss the best places to de-stress and recharge after the holidays.
New Jersey
Did you know that New Jersey is home to eight scenic byways? This includes six national scenic byways and two state scenic byways. A byway showcases the distinctive characteristics of a region including its archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities.
A great way to experience New Jersey while stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by taking a scenic drive through one of New Jersey’s distinct regions. The charming towns and diverse landscape along any one of its scenic byways make New Jersey the perfect place to de-stress and recharge after the holidays. Its scenic byways include the following:
- Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway
- Delaware River Scenic Byway
- Millstone Valley Scenic Byway
- Palisades Scenic Byway
- Pine Barrens Scenic Byway
- Western Highlands Scenic Byway
- Upper Freehold Scenic Byway
- Warren Heritage Scenic Byway
Pine Barrens Scenic Byway
Pine Barrens is New Jersey’s longest byway spanning 130 miles. A trip through the New Jersey Pinelands includes the Shore, Southern Shore, and Greater Atlantic City Regions. It is a place to take in the wilderness and the waterfronts while also respecting the many animals and plants that call it home, including 43 threatened or endangered animals and 92 threatened or endangered plants. With a number of scenic stops, we recommend taking your time and making it an overnight trip.
Traveling a scenic byway is a great way to experience the unique qualities of each of New Jersey’s distinct regions. A scenic byway road trip also makes for a great weekend getaway. The scenic byways provide plenty of opportunities for restful stops, tasty cuisine, and local sights.
Now is the perfect time to start planning your post-holiday New Jersey scenic byway getaway! Request your free print and downloadable New Jersey Travel Guide today.
Saratoga County, New York
Have you experienced the charm and beauty of Saratoga County, New York? Centrally located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Saratoga County is the perfect place to de-stress and recharge after the holidays.
Dr. King Celebration Weekend
Saratoga County is a great place to visit in January, especially during the annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend. The 2025 Dr. King Celebration Weekend theme is “We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.”
Dr. King Celebration Weekend is the ideal time to reflect and focus. The annual celebration is held in honor of the remarkable civil rights leader. In 2015, its programming expanded to an entire weekend and in 2017 MLK Saratoga began offering events, workshops, and gatherings throughout the year.
If you want to explore more of Saratoga Springs’ history of People of Color, then we recommend that you check out OURstory Treasure Hunt. The interactive treasure hunt includes maps and hints that take you through hidden treasures that were lost or forgotten. The Treasure Hunt can be accessed throughout the year.
Saratoga Chowderfest
Winters can be dark and cold. If you want to warm your belly and put a smile on your face then we recommend visiting Saratoga County for the 26th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest on February 8th, 2025.
The Chowderfest, as its name implies, is a celebration of all things chowder. During the event visitors can sample dozens of savory soups and chowders served up by local restaurants and caterers. The flavors are sure to delight even the most discerning taste buds and include the following: seafood, Reuben, traditional, chicken, and red meat. There are even vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. In addition to countless chowder options, the event offers live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Are you ready to experience Saratoga County? Order your free print and downloadable Discover Saratoga Guide today.
Greater Zion, Utah
Did you know that the decreased sunlight during the holidays can actually alter your mood? A reduction in sunlight can cause a reduction in your body’s production of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps to determine mood. When you miss out on sunlight, your brain’s balance of melatonin can also be impacted. Melatonin helps to regulate sleep patterns, impacting your health and mood.
If you are feeling the winter blues after the holidays and want to instantly boost your mood, then you should recharge in a place with over 300 days of sunshine! Greater Zion boasts 300+ days of sunshine! This warm and colorful adventureland is the ultimate destination to de-stress and recharge after the holidays. Especially if you recharge best in the sun! Did we mention Greater Zion has more than 300 days of sunshine?!!
Zion National Park
One of the best ways to de-stress is to get in touch with nature. Greater Zion is home to Zion National Park, one of the most visited parks in the United States. Greater Zion is a place to explore and recharge. This national gem is full of natural wonders including massive sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons. Greater Zion is home to countless other parks including Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs, Sand Hollow, and Quail Creek. During the winter months these parks tend to be less crowded than the summer months and provide a peaceful escape.
Greater Zion Golf
Did you know that Greater Zion is also home to 14 golf courses within a 20-mile radius? It is truly a golfer’s paradise! The courses are challenging and beautiful, set against a backdrop of red rock cliffs and sandstone buttes. Which of the following courses are you going to play during your Greater Zion golf getaway? You have the following courses to choose from:
- Black Desert Golf Course
- Bloomington Country Club
- Copper Rock Golf Course
- Coral Canyon Golf Course
- Dixie Red Hills Golf Club
- Entrada at Snow Canyon
- Green Spring Golf Course
- Sand Hollow Golf Club
- Sky Mountain Golf Course
- Southgate Golf Club
- St. George Golf Club
- Sunbrook Golf Club
- SunRiver Golf Club
- The Ledges Golf Course
Are you ready to recharge in Greater Zion? Request your free print and downloadable Greater Zion Official Visitors Guide and Greater Zion Golf Guide today!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Do you know where to go to de-stress after the holidays? We recommend taking a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, where you can leave your worries behind!
Fairbanks, Alaska is a magical destination no matter when you visit. During the summer months it basks in the midnight summer sun. From August through April, it comes alive with the dancing northern lights during Aurora Season. In fact, Fairbanks is considered one of the best places to see the northern lights. From local vantage points to dog sled adventures, there are no shortages of opportunities for aurora viewing.
Fairbanks has plenty more to offer beyond the northern lights. It is home to beautiful landscapes and the gateway to unlimited outdoor adventures. Fairbanks also boasts a brilliant art scene, many unique museums and visitors centers, and theater and music events.
Fill your cup with a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. Start by requesting a free print and downloadable Fairbanks Visitors Guide.
Take a Trip!
The holidays can be filled with friends, family, fun, and food. The holidays can also increase stress and exhaustion. What can you do when you’ve done too much? Take a trip! Traveling is a great way to de-stress and recharge. Even a weekend trip can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Use our free travel guides to start planning your post-holiday getaway today!