The "Reset Travel Trend": Trips That Change How You Feel, Not Just Where You Go
- Christianne Klein
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
When most people think about travel, they think about destinations: Paris, the Grand Canyon, a white-sand beach in the Caribbean. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed a new kind of travel emerging- one that isn’t about where you go, but how you come back feeling. I call it Reset Travel.
After months (or in some cases, years) of nonstop work, school schedules, and the lingering stress of a world that never stops, my family and I have started asking a different question before we pack our bags: “What do we actually need from this trip?” Not more photos. Not more sightseeing. But time to reconnect, rest, and reset.
Why Families Are Choosing Reset Travel
We’ve all had vacations where we come home more exhausted than when we left (it took almost a full month to recover from our two months overseas). Reset Travel flips that script. It’s intentional. It’s slow. It’s restorative. And for families, it’s about creating space to actually be together without the distractions of work, screens, and schedules.
For my family, that might mean a quiet cabin tucked into the mountains, where mornings are for reading or stretching, afternoons are for long hikes, and evenings are for cooking together and telling stories. No rush, no itinerary that dictates the day, just time to breathe- and to notice each other.
The Four Types of Reset Travel
Through my own experiences and conversations with families around the world, I’ve noticed four main categories of Reset Travel that make these trips so transformative:
1. Family Connection Resets Trips designed to bring families closer. Think tech-free mornings, long meals (or in our case, cooking together), and multi-generational storytelling. Instead of asking, “What did we see?” you ask, “How did we connect?”
2. Mental Wellness Resets Not just luxury spas- these are escapes that calm the mind. Silence, slow mornings, mindfulness, journaling, or simply getting outside. Nature, in particular, works like a reset button for the brain and spirit.
3. Physical Health Resets Travel can be restorative for the body too. Hikes, bike rides, kayaking, or swimming- not as chores, but as joyful movement. Even kids get a boost in confidence and energy when they play outdoors instead of scrolling.
4. Purpose & Identity Resets Some trips are about answering bigger questions: Where do we come from? Who are we? What matters most? Heritage journeys, volunteering experiences, or hands-on educational adventures give families shared purpose and stories they’ll carry for years.
Why It Works
Reset Travel works because it shifts the focus from doing to feeling. It reminds us that vacations aren’t just about crossing things off a list- they’re about reclaiming energy, rebuilding bonds, and creating space to reflect. And the best part? These trips don’t need to be expensive or exotic. Even a nearby weekend getaway with intentional boundaries around screens and schedules can reset your family in ways a luxury resort can’t.
When we returned from a slow week exploring a coastal town, I noticed something almost magical. We were able to be still, calm down, and have fun in a new setting as a family.
Reset Travel is about coming back to your everyday life feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. For families, it’s not a trend. It’s a lifeline.
So this year, before you book your next trip, ask yourself: “Where do we need to reset?”
Because sometimes, the best destination isn’t a place at all- it’s a way of feeling.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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