Your weekends feel so hectic. It is high time to leave the work and plan a weekend trip to get some respite. For such a trip, I prefer a Caribbean island. This isn’t your normal vacation where you run around all the time. Instead, you can ditch your phone for something much better. You’ll find real peace and quiet.

Choosing Your Island

Picking the right island is important. The one you choose needs to feel right for you. Here are some things to think about when you pick.

Getting There Should Be Easy.

It is up to you to either plan a short getaway or a long weekend cruise with a reputable company like Celebrity Cruises. Look for islands where you can fly right from your city. Or maybe you can find a cruise that won’t make you wait at airports for ages. Time is a big deal when you only have a few days.

What Vibe Do You Want?

Some islands have parties all night long. Others are very quiet. You know what is best for you to be calm and happy. Do you want to spend your time meeting people or prefer to be alone?

What Are the Activities That Let You Unwind.

Many Caribbean islands offer yoga and spas. But some are much better for wellness than others. If you dream of doing yoga on the beach or getting a massage, make sure your island has these things.

Nature Adventures.

Maybe you want to swim with colorful fish. Or hike in a jungle. Some islands even have hot springs. Each place offers different outdoor fun. Figure out what you like most.

What’s Your Budget?

You don’t need a super fancy place to have a peaceful trip. But you should know how much money you want to spend. Some people love special little hotels. Others like resorts where everything is included. You can go with your liking and the available finances. 

The Best Islands for a Weekend Reset

Lots of islands are out there. But these are the ones that are really great for a peaceful weekend trip.

St. Lucia: Where Nature Meets Wellness

Visit St. Lucia to enjoy the scenery and participate in wholesome activities. BodyHoliday and Jade Mountain let you perform yoga, tai chi and guided walks. Spa treatments are also a part and parcel.

The hikes around Soufrière give a very good feeling. Try the Tet Paul Nature Trail. People call it the “Stairway to Heaven.” You will definitely love the picturesque views of the Pitons mountains and chill in the mineral-rich Sulphur Springs.

The food is fantastic too. You’ll find local places serving fresh, farm-to-table Caribbean-Creole food. Orlando’s in Soufrière is good. So is 5 Fingers Restaurant at Fond Doux Eco Resort. Want something fancy? Book a table at Dasheene at Ladera Resort.

Barbados: A Laid-Back Island Life

This island nation may not have a lot of wellness retreats. But the beautiful views and chill vibe make up for it and there are still so many things to check out in Barbados.

The sunrises here are magic. You could go for an early morning walk on Rockley Beach, kayaking in Carlisle Bay and find hidden spots. Andromeda Botanic Gardens let you enjoy a slow, peaceful walk.

The evenings are for you if enjoy nightlife activities. St. Lawrence Gap has most of the bars. Holetown is known for stylish lounges.

For food, go to beachfront cafés. You’ll find things like plant-based bowls, grilled fish, and desserts with local rum. Try Café à la Mer and Café Luna Barbados. Champers Restaurant has a great terrace with an ocean view.

Dominica: The Ultimate Nature Island

Dominica, the Caribbean’s “nature island”, is ideal to absorb peaceful landscapes.

Need time to think? Go into the rainforest. Hike part of the Waitukubuli Trail. It’s the longest hiking path in the Caribbean. Wotten Waven and Trafalgar Falls are great spots to relax in sulphur pools. They are surrounded by tropical plants.

Try snorkeling at Champagne Beach. Volcanic bubbles come up through the water there. It’s very cool. Don’t like hiking or water? Take a boat ride on the Indian River. The silence under the trees is something you won’t forget.

When you’re hungry, check out Keepin’ It Real or Pagua Bay Grill. The fresh seafood is so good. Many eco-lodges near Secret Bay grow their own food if you want a farm-to-table meal.

Grenada: The Spice Island Experience

Grenada, the “Spice Island”, is for you if you need to recharge. The best things to do in Grenada happen in or near the water.

You must see Molinere Bay. It has an underwater sculpture park! With simple snorkeling gear, you can explore the statues and marine life. For relaxing, go to Grand Anse and La Sagesse Beach.

You can’t leave Grenada without experiencing what the island is best known for – the spices! Take some time to visit a few spice and chocolate estates where you’ll get to taste local nutmeg, cinnamon, and cacao. It’s amazing for your senses! Go to Belmont Estate and Laura’s Herb & Spice Garden.

Food lovers should try Fish Fridays at Dodgy Dock in Gouyave. You can take a local cooking class and eat some incredible food.

Aruba: Desert Island Wellness

Aruba doesn’t have a ton of wellness spots. But the resorts that do have them are very good. Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort know what they’re doing.

They have daily yoga and meditation on Eagle Beach. They also offer wellness classes and healthy food near calm waters. Arikok National Park is best for easy hikes and seeing wildlife. The park covers almost 20 percent of the island. You’ll see cacti, caves with old drawings, and awesome coastal views.

Aruba is perfect for a peaceful trip. But you can still have fun if you want. Palm Beach and downtown Oranjestad have bars, clubs, and tasty cocktails.

For good food, try The West Deck and Elements Restaurant at Bucuti & Tara.

Nevis: Quiet Luxury at Its Best

Nevis is all about being private and quiet. You’ll find small inns and old plantation houses that have been fixed up. Chef-made meals allow you to fully enjoy local ingredients and herbs.

Visit the Botanical Gardens and the Nevis Peak foothills for walks and watching birds. A boat ride in Pinney’s Beach lagoon is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

The food on Nevis is meant to be enjoyed slowly. You can really savor the local ingredients. Luna Restaurant and Bananas Restaurant have a relaxing feel with amazing food. For history with your meal, try Montpelier Plantation & Beach. It serves fancy food in an old sugar farm.

Antigua: Warmth and Natural Charm

Antigua welcomes everyone with its warmth. This peaceful island naturally makes you want to take a deep breath and relax.

Many places offer sunrise yoga and pilates. Curtain Bluff Resort and Carlisle Bay are two popular places to stay.

Want to connect with nature? Walk through Fig Tree Drive rainforest to treat your eyes to banana trees, wild mango trees, and hundreds of tropical birds. A kayak is accessible at the shore to check the mangroves at North Sound Marine Reserve.

For food, the best bet is Catherines Café in Pigeon Point. Their Mediterranean-Caribbean food with seasonal ingredients is a good choice. Papa Zouk Fish and Rum is known for its fresh fish and creative island spices.

How to Plan Your Peaceful Weekend

A peaceful weekend is about slowing down all the way. You want to be fully present and not try to fit everything in. You would want to go back home with fresh feelings.

Weekend travelers would really find the following tips handy.

Don’t Pack Your Schedule.

I know you want to see every attraction you have never been to. But this is the opposite of relaxing.

Take your time instead and visit a maximum two peaceful activities for each day. Leave a lot of time with no plans. This space lets you really relax, wander, or take those naps you’ve been wanting at home.

Start and End with Purpose.

When is the last time you were alone, really alone, with your thoughts only? Or think about your life? Or just exist without doing anything?

Start mornings with gentle practices like yoga or writing in a journal. This can change your whole day. You can do these things in the evenings too. Just 20 minutes a day makes a difference.

Pick Wellness Experiences.

Try to choose places to stay that already offer wellness things. Or at least stay somewhere close to these activities.

When you are close to spas, hiking areas, and water activities, it is easier to relax. This makes these things a large portion of your trip, rather than an afterthought.

Use Food to Heal.

One of the best aspects of traveling is trying new food in new islands. Another way of being mindful during your short trip is to enjoy local flavors slowly.

Find out about food options in your area of stay before you book. Also, search local restaurants. Find restaurants that cook with local and fresh ingredients to get the most authentic and healing food.

Put Your Phone Down

It is difficult to prevent looking at our phones. However, unplugging is something you should aim at in case you want to be mindful.

You do not need to keep your phone off throughout the weekend. Checking it once a day will give you the chance to feel the island. You will also be more conscious of what you think.

Find Time to Yourself.

In case you are accompanied by a partner or a friend, make time to be alone. Mindfulness is highly individualistic. A short period alone will make your journey even better. Even a 15-minute individual stroll will do miracles.

Your Island State of Mind.

A peaceful weekend is all about taking every step slowly and absorb the surroundings. The Caribbean lets you do that. You only need to find an island you are more attracted to. Don’t bring too much stuff. Make a plan with a goal. Let your island remind you how nice it feels to be right there in the moment. Your perfect Caribbean weekend is waiting! All you have to do is slow down to find it.

Greece will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first international destination my (now) husband and I visited, nearly a decade ago—and, just last year, it’s where we went on our honeymoon. On the former trip, we visited Athens, Santorini, and Crete; on the latter, we spent two gorgeous weeks island hopping from Paros to Milos and then on to Sifnos. 

Visiting three Greek locales requires a foolproof packing list to ensure that every activity, terrain, and climate is accounted for. I also highly recommend sticking to a carry-on bag if you can (at least, that’s my preference, especially when navigating the narrow streets of Greece). Below, explore the 15 non-negotiable travel clothing and accessory essentials I relied on that deserve a spot in your suitcase when visiting the Greek Isles this summer. 

Best Overall Deals

A staple button-up

A solid button-up blouse — ideally in linen, cotton, or silk — is at the top of my summer vacay list. I personally packed this Quince Washable Stretch Silk Blouse on my trip, and it’s one I often take on any vacation because it’s so versatile and easy to wear. Not only is it super lightweight and breathable (a must in a warm climate like Greece), but it also takes up virtually no space in your suitcase. 

Plus, this top is the ultimate clothing chameleon: Pair it with casual shorts and sneakers, wear it with a skirt and heeled sandals, or toss it over your swimsuit as a classy cover-up. I personally own it in white (and find that’s the most versatile), but it also comes in a number of other lovely colors.

Lightweight shorts

For days of visiting beaches or exploring Cycladic towns, I always reach for an easy-to-wear pair of shorts. On extra warm days, I’m a fan of wearing a loose-fitting linen option like these Quince European Linen Shorts, which I packed for my last trip to Greece. I own them in black, but they’re also available in a number of pretty colors and patterns to suit any preference. 

For something a bit more structured, you could opt for these classic Madewell Bermuda Shorts. Either of these neutral options could easily mix and match with any of the tops in your luggage, so there’s no need to pack more than one pair in your carry-on. 

Linen pants

A gorgeous pair of linen pants is a must for any Greek vacation. I’ve been obsessed with the Australian fashion brand Dissh’s elastic linen trousers for travel, but if you’re looking for something at a lower price point, you can’t go wrong with this $40 wide-leg pair from Halara. Whichever route you choose, you’ll have a wrinkle-free, space-saving option that goes with everything, whether you’re exploring the city or hanging by the beach. 

A maxi dress

Let’s be real, when we’re packing for vacation—especially somewhere as scenic as Greece—you’re going to want to bring at least one standout, picture-worthy outfit. My personal favorite: a statement dress, like this stunning floral one from ASTR the Label. It’s worth noting that while a maxi dress may take up a bit more space than its shorter counterpart, it’s a one-garment outfit, which is ultimately a space-saver.

Any dress with a vibrant pattern or unique design will make you feel like an ethereal Greek goddess, in my opinion. However, you can still go bold with something understated like this smocked maxi dress from Amazon-loved brand PrettyGarden. Personally, I packed this Favorite Daughter linen dress on my last trip to Greece, and it was a chic hero piece for my vacation wardrobe. 

Functional sandals 

On a trip to Greece, you’re going to need sandals that are well-suited for wearing to the beach, walking along cobblestone paths, and maybe even hiking down into secluded coves (yes, this came up while I was in Milos). For that reason, I’d recommend packing a pair of sandals that are well-suited for any active adventure, like the Teva Hurricanes or Merrell Speedfusions.

A casual cover-up

When I’m headed to a coastal destination like Greece, I love packing a simple dress like Dissh’s Lotus Linen Dress that I can toss on with a pair of sneakers and head out for a day exploring, or slip over my swimsuit before heading to the sea. It embodies that effortless Greek style, hardly takes up any packing space, and creates a complete outfit with just one easy-to-wear piece. For something a bit more budget-friendly, I found this linen dress at Amazon that achieves the same vibe at a fraction of the price. 

Reliable walking sneakers

While you’ll most likely spend your days ambling around Greece in a pair of sandals, it’s always a good idea to bring at least one pair of closed-toed shoes on any trip (especially for when the temps drop at night). For the purposes of a Greek vacation, I’d keep it simple with a pair of white sneakers. On our trip, I opted for classic Reebok Club Cs, whereas my husband packed a pair of white and navy Nike Killshot leather shoes. Pro tip: I’d wear these on the plane to save space in your bag. 

A cute bathing suit

A trip to the Greek Isles means plenty of time swimming in pools and the sea; therefore, a chic swimsuit is a must. For lounging by the pool at Andronis Minois Paros, I packed the LSpace Hazel Ribbed Bikini Top and matching bottoms, which I adored because both are super comfortable, offer a decent amount of coverage for a two-piece, and also the white piping gives the classic black bikini a more unique design. 

However, if you’re not a fan of bikinis, then check out the Baewatch Colorblock Trim Ribbed One-piece Swimsuit, which has a similar style, or Cupshe’s ultra-flattering one-piece that’s only $40 at Amazon. 

A waterproof bag

Hopefully, your Greek isle itinerary includes plenty of time at the beach and on the water, which means your valuables might be in danger of getting wet or sandy. That’s where a waterproof bag like this one from Amazon (which has thousands of five-star reviews) can come in handy. Simply slip in your phone and then enjoy the Aegean Sea stress-free. 

Dressier sandals 

While you can get away with dressing pretty casual in Greece, I like to have at least one pair of sandals that feel elevated enough to wear to a nicer dinner, which is why I packed the Nisolo Platform Sandals for my trip and absolutely loved wearing them. Not only do they have incredible support for long days on your feet, but they also work just as well with a pair of shorts as they do with a more elegant dress. 

A wind-resistant jacket

Even though Greece gets quite warm in the summer, temperatures can drop at night,  especially if you’re visiting one of the windier islands like Milos. I recommend packing at least one jacket, like this insulated option from Vuori, which is one of my go-tos for just about any trip—it features a lightweight yet warm construction and neutral colorway that goes with everything. 

A versatile cardigan

Speaking of layers, a cardigan is another great option for when the temperatures dip come nightfall. A few of my favorites include the Jenni Kayne Murphy Cardigan, which you can wear on its own as a sweater or draped over a dress (it came in handy when we ferried over to Sifnos, where we experienced the incredible cuisine and meandered about the breezy cliffside towns). Over at Amazon, you can achieve the same look with the Verdusa cropped cardigan ($30) or the Amazon Essentials V-neck Cardigan Sweater that’s on sale for $17. 

A chic little scarf

One of my favorite accessories to pack is a silk scarf. It takes up virtually no room in your luggage, but can completely transform an outfit by adding a splash of color to an otherwise simple ensemble. Most of the scarves in my collection are either passed down from my mom or sourced vintage, but I spotted a couple that would be a great addition to anyone’s collection, like this pretty blue and white option from Kurt Geiger, bold printed Nordstrom one, or even this silky floral-adorned option from Amazon that’s on sale for $13. 

Signature sunglasses 

An iconically shaped pair of sunglasses is a great space-saving accessory that can elevate your entire outfit while also protecting your eyes. I packed these fun cat-eye sunglasses from Maui Jim for my last trip to Greece, and I love these sunnies for their vintage style, along with the fact that they feature polarized lenses, a must when walking around Greece or relaxing by the pool at our sophisticated yet understated hotel, Verina Astra. For a lower price point option, I’d recommend Goodr’s no-slip, no-bounce Circle G shades for $25. 

Cooling pajamas

When I’m enjoying a dreamy adventure abroad, I want my sleepwear to rise to the occasion. I am currently obsessed with the silky-smooth pajama sets from Eberjey, which feel truly luxurious on my skin. The breathable fabric also stays fresh and clean after multiple wears, reducing the need to pack excessive sleepwear. My other favorite summery shorts sets (both on vacation and at home): Cozy Earth’s bamboo PJs, Quince’s 100% European Linen PJ set, and Old Navy’s $40 Poplin Pajama Short Set.  

Statement jewelry

Another small accessory that can make a big impact: jewelry, of course. For a Grecian vacation, I love this Pavoi coin necklace at Amazon, which only costs $17, or this layered set from Aritzan Joyeria, both of which help upgrade even a simple outfit. I’m also a fan of these lovely Gorjana braided earrings for the same reason. 

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