How long does it take you to feel truly rested?

From my relaxing, sometimes exciting short trips, island flair and tropical expanses

Sometimes a walk by the water is enough for me. Sometimes it has to be an Italian island. And sometimes I need nothing less than a tropical paradise to really recharge my batteries.

One thing is certain: the length of a trip is an individual decision and can change everything.

Because the length of a trip influences how we switch off, how far we take ourselves out of everyday life and how much we start dreaming (again).

Today I'm taking you on three of my favourite trips, all of which have to do with water and music. Each one is an invitation to relax. And perhaps you will find out how much time you need to relax, immerse yourself in foreign cultures, discover new music and gather new strength and energy.

2 - 3 days: Hamburg - when I just need to get away for a while

You know how it is: your head is full, your diary is too tight, your eyes are tired. Sometimes there's only one thing to do: get away. Not far and not long, just a short getaway.

Hamburg is my personal favourite short trip.

A walk along the Elbe, barefoot across the sand near Övelgönne. Waves lapping against the shore, ships leisurely passing by. The wind blows the daily grind out of your head.

And then: the Elbphilharmonie. It's especially beautiful with a ticket, but even without a ticket I'm always drawn back there. The plaza is always a destination, pure joy and pleasure, with a far-reaching view and the gurgling of the Elbe...

If you like it a little more urban, follow the trail to the Kulturbunker in St. Pauli. BBB, concrete, beats and encounters. This is where Hamburg shows its creative, raw side.

Short trips are like little breaks in music, not long, but full of impact.

And yes, sometimes a short break is enough: several mini-breaks throughout the year help to regularly reduce stress levels. Especially if they are consciously designed, with real changes of location and switching off at new or familiar favourite places.

8 - 12 days: Pantelleria - I find some of my favourite hideaways in the Mediterranean on the island: The Dammusi

If I want to take more than just a short breather, but don't want to completely disappear from the world just yet, then an eight to twelve-day tour is just the thing.

Not too short, not too long, just right to really switch off.

From a scientific point of view, this is even ideal:

Finnish researchers have discovered that maximum recovery sets in from the eighth day of your holiday.

Why? Because we first need a few days to let go of everyday life, to settle in, to really switch off. After that, deep regeneration begins for body, mind and soul.

For me, Pantelleria is an island straight out of a picture book.

It is wild and gentle at the same time, with steaming hot springs, the Lago Specchio di Venere (‘Mirror of Venus’), a volcanic crater lake fed by hot springs (approx. 35-58 °C), which is particularly known for its healing black mud. It's unbelievable how quickly this black mud soothes your skin and relaxes you as soon as you've overcome yourself to take a dip...

And then there are the charming dammusi: traditional stone houses with their very own character.

These unique accommodations are ‘my’ hideaways. They offer not only comfort, but also a special connection to nature, almost everywhere on the island with a sweeping view of the sea, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and caper fields.

And because there is only a very small, manageable selection of music events here on Pantelleria, the black pearl in the Mediterranean, your own playlist is a very good companion, whether at sunset on the terrace, looking at the waves or under the clear starry sky.

I'm ‘on it’ and preparing, I'll soon be sharing my playlists with you.

By the way, travelling for 8-12 days is a gift because it gives you time to dawdle through the day and discover new destinations at the same time... And best of all: the effect of such a trip lasts... longer than you think.

21 days: La Réunion - When I really want to get out, discover new things and immerse myself in a foreign, unique culture and landscape

Sometimes a week, a short holiday or a long weekend isn't enough.

Do you know that? Then you want to get out, really get out, discover the world and experience concerts for three weeks or more.

La Réunion is my insider tip for this.

An island in the Indian Ocean, a French overseas territory with a tropical flair. Volcanoes, rainforests, vanilla plantations, black sand, Creole markets and a pace of life that slows down whether we like it or not.

Hiking through the Mafate basin, swimming in natural waterfalls, listening to unique bird calls. Wow, unfamiliar sounds, and somewhere between the palm trees and the Piton de la Fournaise, smartphones no longer ring.

Not because there is no network, but because it is simply no longer needed.

This kind of trip changes me - time and time again, because such journeys give me space for a change of perspective and for real regeneration.

Incidentally, studies show that the regeneration effect of longer trips lasts significantly longer. No wonder, not only do you let go, but you also arrive somewhere completely different.

And if I also experience music on such a tour, very informally in a beach bar, live and in colour, or downtown on an open-air stage, then it really resonates well and for a long time back home...

I keep realising that whether it's a few days or a few weeks, what matters is what we need, what is possible and what we make of it.

Some years, many short trips spread out over the year are just the right thing. In another year, one ‘big’ trip leads to a great rush of relaxation. And yet another year I need both, sometimes a quick getaway, sometimes a long journey.

It is scientifically proven:

8 to 12 days are considered optimal for really good recovery.

The body starts to regenerate noticeably from the eighth day onwards.

Taking several short breaks throughout the year helps you to stay more balanced in the long term.

But beware, the individual factor counts:  Stress level, everyday life and type of traveller.

My conclusion: the ideal length of trip is the one that is good for me.

It can't always be planned, but it is (almost) always possible. Sometimes I just need to think carefully about what I need, what is possible and what I allow myself.

And you know what, whether it's a short trip, an island or a tropical adventure, take the time you need.

A quick trip to Hamburg? A week in Pantelleria? Or three weeks in La Réunion?

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