Vacations are supposed to be a chance to switch off, but crowded attractions, busy traffic and noisy surroundings can sometimes make getting away feel anything but relaxing. For people with hearing loss, these environments can present an additional challenge, with background noise potentially making conversations and everyday sounds more difficult to follow.
For travelers looking for a calmer escape, the surroundings can make a real difference. A relaxing getaway might mean waking up somewhere away from heavy transportation noise, enjoying cleaner air, spending the afternoon on a scenic walking trail, or finding plenty of opportunities to slow down with a yoga class, spa treatment or other wellness activity.
So, where in the US offers the best escape from the noise and pace of everyday life?
To find out, the team at ReSound analyzed 30 vacation destinations across the US, comparing them across four key areas that can contribute to a calmer getaway: exposure to transportation noise, air quality, wellness amenities, and the number of walking trails available.
San Juan Island is America’s most relaxing vacation destination
Each destination was scored out of 40 to reveal the places offering the best combination of quieter surroundings, cleaner air, opportunities to unwind and access to the outdoors, helping uncover the most relaxing destinations for travelers, including those living with hearing loss.
For travelers looking to truly get away from it all, San Juan Island, Washington, takes the top spot, earning an overall relaxation score of 32 out of 40.
The island stands out for its peaceful surroundings. Just 1.15% of the area within 10 miles is exposed to transportation noise of 45 dBA or above, making it an appealing choice for travelers with hearing loss who may find busy, noisy environments more challenging for communication and relaxation.
There are plenty of opportunities to unwind, too. The destination also recorded 40 wellness amenities, including 29 spas, alongside 49 walking trails, offering ways to enjoy the destination without relying on crowded or high-noise attractions.
Whether your idea of switching off means heading out on a walk, booking a spa treatment, or simply enjoying some quiet, San Juan Island offers a balance of relaxation and activity in a way that helped it claim the number one spot.
Sedona, Arizona, ranks as the second-most relaxing vacation destination in the US, scoring 31.42 out of 10.
Already well known for its dramatic red-rock landscape and wellness scene, the data shows why Sedona lends itself so well to a restorative getaway, including for travelers with hearing loss looking for ways to unwind away from typically busy vacation activities.
The destination recorded 138 wellness amenities, the highest number in the study, including 73 spas, nine bookstores and 56 yoga and Pilates studios. It also boasts 273 walking trails, more than any other destination analyzed, giving visitors plenty of options for quieter, slower-paced activities.
Sedona also recorded the second-lowest PM2.5 figure in the study, further contributing to its strong overall relaxation score.
Taking third place is Taos, New Mexico, with an overall relaxation score of 30.87 out of 40.
Taos recorded the lowest annual PM2.5 level of all 30 destinations analyzed, earning it the maximum air quality score.
The destination also offers 55 wellness amenities, including 44 spas, alongside 30 walking trails, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy a slower-paced trip.
Lake Placid and Boulder complete the top five
Lake Placid, New York, ranks fourth, scoring 30.66 out of 40. The destination combines low transportation noise exposure of 2.37% with 121 walking trails and 30 wellness amenities.
Meanwhile, Boulder, Utah, completes the top five with 30.11 out of 40. Just 1.35% of the surrounding area is exposed to transportation noise of 45 dBA or above, while its 260 walking trails give visitors plenty of opportunities to escape into the outdoors.
Best for escaping the noise
If peace and quiet are a priority, Monhegan Island, Maine, stands out as the quietest destination in the study.
The data recorded 0% of the area within 10 miles as exposed to transportation noise of 45 dBA or above, the lowest figure among all 30 destinations analyzed and enough to earn the maximum noise score.
Cumberland Island in George is another peaceful option, with just 0.51% exposed to this level of transportation noise, followed by Seeley Lake, Montana, at 0.69%.
For travelers whose idea of relaxation starts with getting away from traffic and the soundtrack of everyday life, these quieter destinations could provide a welcome change of pace, particularly for those who find noisy environments more challenging.
How can travelers with hearing loss enjoy a more relaxing vacation?
For people with hearing loss, a relaxing vacation isn’t only about choosing somewhere peaceful. Busy airports, crowded restaurants, unfamiliar environments and constant background noise can all make listening and communicating more demanding, so a little planning can help make time away more enjoyable.
- Think about noise when choosing where to stay. A hotel or rental away from busy roads, nightlife and other sources of transportation noise may provide a quieter environment for relaxing and communicating.
- Plan for busy environments. Airports, stations, restaurants and popular attractions can be particularly noisy. Choosing quieter travel times, requesting a table away from speakers or kitchens, or visiting attractions outside peak hours can help reduce background noise.
- Prepare your hearing aids before you travel. Check that hearing aids are working properly before leaving and remember essentials such as chargers, batteries and cleaning supplies. Keeping these in hand luggage can help ensure they’re easily accessible throughout the journey.
- Make use of hearing technology. Depending on the hearing aids you use, features designed to help in noisy environments or compatible accessories can make conversations easier to follow while you’re away.
- Build quieter moments into the itinerary. A packed schedule can mean spending long periods in challenging listening environments. Mixing busier activities with walks, wellness activities, or time somewhere quieter can give you opportunities to recharge.
Methodology:
The study analyzed 30 US vacation destinations across four relaxation factors: transport noise, air quality, wellness amenities and walking trails.
Transport noise was based on exposure to noise of 45 dBA or above, air quality on annual PM2.5 levels, wellness amenities on the number of spas, bookstores and yoga/Pilates studios, and walking trails on AllTrails listings.
Each factor was scored out of 10 and combined to give each destination an overall relaxation score out of 40.
