Tired? Here’s How Travel Can Actually Help You Sleep Better

Changing Your Scenery = Resetting Your Sleep Cycle

Science says our brains love routine, but sometimes, routine is exactly the problem. Staring at the same four walls night after night, keeping the same erratic bedtime—it’s easy to fall into a sleep rut. Traveling, on the other hand, shakes things up in a way that forces our bodies to adjust.

A great place to reset? Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in the quaint and quiet town of Vero Beach, Florida. The boutique resort is steps from the Atlantic, where the sound of crashing waves does what no white noise machine ever could. Plus, a little time spent lounging on the sand might just tire you out enough to sleep like a rock.

Spa Treatments That Knock You Out (In a Good Way)

If you’ve ever nearly dozed off during a massage, you know the power of a good spa treatment. Certain therapies—like hot stone massages and warm soaks—don’t just relax muscles; they signal to your nervous system that it’s time to wind down.

Case in point: The Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach Shores, where their 100-minute treatment is basically a sleep cheat code. It starts with a 20-minute chamomile-infused soak (because if tea can make you drowsy, imagine what an entire bath can do), followed by an 80-minute Hot Stone Massage designed to melt every last ounce of tension. The result? You’ll be so relaxed, you might start nodding off before you even make it back to your room.

Sleeping in a Treehouse (Yes, Really)

Sometimes, the best sleep comes from feeling totally disconnected. And what’s more disconnected than sleeping in an actual treehouse?

At Skamania Lodge in Washington’s Columbia River Gorge, you can do just that. Their luxe treehouses sit high among the evergreens, giving you the full “retreat into nature” effect without having to sleep on the ground (because, let’s be real—camping isn’t for everyone). With nothing but fresh air, towering pines, and zero city noise, this is the kind of setting that makes eight solid hours feel like a given.

Water Has a Sleep-Inducing Effect

You know how babies fall asleep to lullabies? Well, water is the grown-up version. Whether it’s waves, a trickling stream, or the gentle lapping of a lake, being near water has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

That’s what makes the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland, such a dreamy spot for sleep. Nestled on the Chesapeake Bay, this waterfront retreat practically hums with tranquility. Between the fresh bay breeze and the rhythmic sound of boats rocking in the harbor, you’ll be lulled to sleep faster than you can say “melatonin.”

For those who prefer mountains over the coast, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa in California offers a similar effect. The quiet lakefront setting, combined with crisp alpine air, makes for the kind of deep sleep you can usually only get after a long hike (or, let’s be honest, a glass of wine by the fire).

The Bottom Line? Travel Can Be the Best Sleep Remedy

Sure, jet lag is real, and no one’s saying a red-eye is good for your circadian rhythm. But when done right, travel can actually be the perfect cure for restless nights. Whether it’s soaking in a spa, listening to the waves, or falling asleep in a treehouse, the right trip can leave you not just relaxed but actually, finally, well-rested.

And that’s worth packing a bag for.

Explore destinations where you can rest and relax across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio.