Canada Joins Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica as Top ‘Calmcation’ Destinations—Here’s Where You Should Travel This September

Published on
September 14, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Canada joins Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica as top ‘calmcation’ destinations this September, offering the perfect getaway for those seeking rest and relaxation. These countries stand out for their focus on wellness, quiet retreats, and stunning natural landscapes, making them ideal for a restorative vacation.

Whether you’re drawn to Canada’s peaceful lakesides, Italy’s tranquil coastal resorts, Greece’s serene beaches, or Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, each destination provides a unique escape from the stresses of daily life. The September ‘calmcation’ trend encourages travellers to unwind without the rush of typical vacations. With fewer crowds, affordable prices, and a focus on wellness, this fall is the ideal time to reset. If you’re craving a slow-paced, restorative trip, these destinations are waiting to welcome you.

Looking for the ultimate escape focused on rest and rejuvenation? A new study reveals that Canada, Italy, and Greece are the top destinations for a ‘calmcation’ this September, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and wellness. This growing travel trend emphasizes slow-paced, restorative getaways designed to recharge your mind and body, far from the hustle of everyday life.

Whether it’s Canada’s serene landscapes and wellness-focused resorts, Italy’s tranquil coastal retreats, or Greece’s peaceful beaches and spas, these countries stand out for their ability to offer a truly restful experience.

The study considered factors like the availability of spas, beaches, and affordable accommodations, ranking destinations based on their ability to provide a peaceful and safe environment for travellers seeking to unwind.

So, if you’re looking for the ideal place to slow down and reset this fall, these destinations should be at the top of your list.

Canada: The Ultimate ‘Calmcation’ Destination

Canada has been ranked as the best destination for a restorative ‘calmcation’ for Americans in September 2025. With a score of 64.74 out of 100, the country stands out for its tranquil environment, affordability, and availability of wellness options. Canada offers an impressive number of spas and wellness centers, with 37.7 available per 100,000 international arrivals. This figure is over 220% higher than the study’s average. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to relax, from quiet accommodations to serene, natural surroundings.

Canada’s low crime rates and high safety make it a stress-free destination. With only 1.64 homicides per year, well below the global average, travellers can enjoy their stay without concern. In addition, the affordability of flights, averaging $392 for a return ticket, adds to the appeal. Canada’s abundance of quiet villas (21.56 per 100k international arrivals) offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to unwind. The balance of affordability, safety, and wellness makes it the top contender for the perfect restorative escape.

Italy: A Haven for Relaxation and Scenic Beauty

Italy ranks second with a score of 63.49, offering a wonderful balance of relaxation and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy 6.72 beaches per 100,000 international arrivals, surpassing the global average by 58%. Known for its spas and wellness centers, Italy offers 10.68 wellness options per 100,000 visitors. With return flights averaging $507.73, Italy is a great option for those looking to unwind without breaking the bank.

What sets Italy apart is its combination of scenic beaches, charming accommodations, and rich culinary heritage. The nightly hotel rate is $119.06, offering comfortable stays for visitors. Additionally, the country’s low conflict risk (0.02 on the INFORM Risk Index) ensures a peaceful experience. For those seeking a serene destination with cultural richness, Italy remains one of the best choices this fall.

Greece: Tranquil Beaches and Stress-Free Travel

Greece follows closely behind, scoring 61.16 out of 100. Known for its stunning beaches, Greece offers 6.69 beaches per 100,000 international visitors, making it a top beach destination for those seeking relaxation. The availability of spas, although slightly lower at 3.80 per 100,000, still provides ample opportunities for wellness activities. Despite being slightly more expensive than Canada and Italy, Greece’s return flight costs average at $664.41, and nightly hotel rates are set at $110.01.

Greece also offers affordable dining options, with 6.47 cheap dining choices per 100,000 visitors, making it an excellent destination for both relaxation and budget-conscious travellers. Its low conflict risk (0.01) adds to its appeal as a peaceful escape. Greece is ideal for visitors who want to combine their restorative vacation with a cultural exploration of historic landmarks, making it a perfect destination for a ‘calmcation.’

Costa Rica: Nature and Wellness in Harmony

Costa Rica scores 60.69 out of 100, making it one of the top contenders for a peaceful, restorative getaway. Known for its natural beauty and wellness offerings, Costa Rica boasts 22.13 spas and wellness centers per 100,000 international arrivals, one of the highest on the list. Visitors can enjoy an abundance of beaches (6.04 per 100,000 international arrivals), making it a prime destination for nature lovers seeking rest.

The affordability of Costa Rica is also a big draw, with average return flight costs of $425.53 and nightly hotel rates of $89.43. Its peaceful environment is enhanced by its stable safety record and low crime rates. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for those who want to experience tranquility in a beautiful, tropical setting.

New Zealand and Australia: Wellness in the Pacific

New Zealand, scoring 59.89 out of 100, is a beautiful and peaceful destination for a ‘calmcation.’ The country boasts the highest number of spas and wellness centers, with 48.52 per 100,000 international visitors. Its beaches, however, are fewer than those in Canada or Italy, at 13.61 per 100,000 international arrivals. Despite its higher cost, with return flights averaging $1,147.88, New Zealand remains a top choice for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation.

Australia, scoring 56.75 out of 100, offers 50.57 wellness centers per 100,000 international arrivals, which is even higher than New Zealand’s. The beaches, at 11.19 per 100,000 international visitors, offer plenty of opportunities for rest by the sea. Although the return flight cost of $1,121.37 may seem high, Australia’s low crime rates and peaceful environment make it a great choice for those willing to spend a bit more for a relaxing vacation.

Jamaica: A Caribbean Paradise for Rest and Tranquility

Jamaica scores 55.62, making it an excellent Caribbean destination for relaxation. Known for its stunning beaches and wellness offerings, Jamaica features 3.83 spas and 2.14 beaches per 100,000 international visitors. Visitors can enjoy an affordable getaway, with return flights averaging $227.65 and nightly hotel rates of $108.27. Jamaica’s peaceful atmosphere and low crime rates make it an excellent destination for those seeking rest in a tropical setting.

United Kingdom: A Restorative Getaway with History and Culture

The United Kingdom follows with a score of 55.61, offering a serene atmosphere alongside rich history and culture. The UK has 22.51 spas and wellness centers per 100,000 international arrivals and 3.17 beaches per 100,000 international visitors. Its return flight costs average $614.90, and nightly hotel rates are relatively high at $121.49. Despite these costs, the UK’s peaceful environment and historical charm make it an ideal choice for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Brazil and Japan: Popular Destinations for Restorative Escapes

Brazil scores 55.41, offering an impressive 69.78 beaches per 100,000 international visitors, making it one of the best beach destinations. With 54.79 spas per 100,000 international arrivals, Brazil provides ample opportunities for relaxation. However, the average return flight cost of $640.26 and the nightly hotel rate of $65.21 may be off-putting to some. Despite this, Brazil’s natural beauty and wellness options remain appealing.

Japan, scoring 55.15, offers 30.34 wellness centers per 100,000 international visitors, with 4.44 beaches per 100,000 visitors. The higher cost of flights, averaging $819.12, and the nightly hotel rate of $89.67, make Japan a more expensive choice. However, its cultural richness and peaceful environment make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking both relaxation and a deeper cultural experience.

The Worst Destination for a ‘Calmcation’: Pakistan

At the bottom of the list is Pakistan, with a score of 25.70. This is largely due to the instability in the region, including a high conflict intensity score and the highest projected conflict probability (0.99). The country also faces a high malaria risk, with 98.3% of residents being vulnerable. Despite the country’s beauty, the high-risk factors make it the least suitable destination for a peaceful and restorative ‘calmcation.’

Key Takeaways: The Best Destinations for a ‘Calmcation’

The study has provided valuable insights into which destinations are most suited for a ‘calmcation,’ with Canada, Italy, and Greece leading the way for their peaceful, relaxing environments and wellness offerings. Whether you are looking for quiet accommodations, stunning beaches, or a wealth of spas and wellness centers, these destinations offer the ideal settings for a restorative trip this fall. For those seeking to unwind and reset, these are the top places to consider. On the other hand, travellers looking for serenity should avoid higher-risk destinations like Pakistan. As the study highlights, a successful ‘calmcation’ requires careful planning, considering both relaxation factors and safety.

Source: Rustic Pathways