For a travel writer navigating the world with anxiety, the choice of destination can transform a trip from restorative to draining. Following a period of personal upheaval in 2023, the writer embarked on a global journey, ultimately identifying three locations that provided profound calm and one whose intensity had the opposite effect.
The search for environments conducive to relaxation led to discoveries across Italy, Malaysia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, contrasting sharply with an overwhelming experience in Vietnam. This personal account highlights how urban pace, natural setting, and cultural atmosphere directly impact mental well-being for travellers with anxiety.
Vieste: An Italian Coastal Sanctuary
In the Puglia region's Gargano National Park, the coastal town of Vieste offered a reprieve from Italy's more crowded destinations. Its relative isolation—requiring a five-hour drive from Naples—contributed to a slower, more peaceful rhythm. Days were defined by simple pleasures: morning espresso, afternoons on the beach, and evening strolls along white limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
The writer identified the daily sunset, where "pinks and purples painted the sky," as the highlight, emblematic of the town's serene escape. This experience positioned Vieste as one of the few remaining places in Italy offering such a consistently tranquil atmosphere.
George Town: A Gentle, Creative Hub
On the Malaysian island of Penang, the capital George Town presented a "gentler, welcoming pace" compared to other chaotic Southeast Asian cities. Its UNESCO-listed core, described as an "open-air museum," blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and British colonial influences into a unique, multicultural vibe.
Over five days, the writer found a perfect balance between activity and leisure, exploring historic temples, vibrant street art, and colourful shops without feeling overwhelmed. The city's offerings, from Penang Hill to nearby beaches and café-lined streets, provided continuous discovery within a manageable framework.
Mostar: A Lesson in 'Ćejf'
A two-month journey through the Balkans led to a profound experience in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beyond the iconic Stari Most bridge, peaceful exploration extended to sites like Blagaj Tekke and Kravica Waterfalls, where nature and spirituality felt intertwined.
The writer embraced the local concept of ćejf—a mindset centred on slowing down and savouring life's simple pleasures, such as lingering over coffee with friends. This philosophy, focused on doing things purely for joy, offered a lasting lesson in mindful appreciation.
Ho Chi Minh City: Sensory Overload
In stark contrast, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, proved overwhelmingly stimulating. The constant stream of traffic, incessant vehicle honking, and congested streets made simple navigation a challenge, with sidewalks often acting as extensions of the roadway.
By night, the intensity escalated on party streets like Bui Vien, where loud music and aggressive club promoters created a high-alert environment. For the writer, this culminated in sensory overload during a three-day visit, making it difficult to manage anxiety despite the city's appeal for nightlife enthusiasts.
The writer's journey demonstrates that for travellers with anxiety, a destination's pace and sensory environment are critical to a positive experience. While cities like Vieste, George Town, and Mostar provided refuge through nature, culture, and philosophy, Ho Chi Minh City highlighted how urban chaos can exacerbate psychological strain, underscoring the importance of intentional destination choice for mental well-being.