Quietcation: A Quiet Holiday as a New Way to Travel

Not every trip has to be packed with excursions, dozens of locations and plans for every hour. Sometimes you want something completely different: to wake up without an alarm, have breakfast without rushing, walk through the forest and spend the evening in a peaceful atmosphere.

This type of travel has given rise to the term quietcation (from the English words quiet and vacation). It is a holiday where the main goal is not the number of places visited, but a comfortable pace, peaceful surroundings and the chance to get away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Here is what makes quietcation special, who this type of holiday is suitable for and how to choose a hotel for a peaceful getaway in Ukraine.

What is quietcation and how is it different from a regular holiday?

Quietcation is a type of trip without a packed programme that you have to follow. Instead of trying to see as much as possible in a few days, travellers choose one location and spend time there at their own pace.

For example, instead of daily excursions, you can plan a morning walk, a leisurely breakfast, a few hours by the pool or reading a book on the terrace.

This format has several distinctive features:

• Fewer plans. There is no need to move from one activity to another every hour.
• Peaceful surroundings. Forests, mountains, small resort towns or locations away from busy roads are preferred.
• Personal space. You can spend time alone, be with someone close to you or simply avoid constant communication.
• A flexible schedule. There is no need to fit your wake-up time, meals and walks around a busy timetable.

Importantly, quietcation does not necessarily mean completely giving up your smartphone or the internet. Digital detox can be part of such a trip, but the main idea is broader: to create the conditions for a holiday without unnecessary noise or haste.

Who is a quietcation holiday suitable for?

This format has no age or group-size restrictions. What matters more is the pace of travel you personally want.

People with busy work schedules. If most of your day is filled with meetings, messages and deadlines, a trip without a packed programme can help you break from your usual routine.

Couples. Quietcation can be organised as a peaceful weekend for two: a shared breakfast, walks, SPA and an evening without having to rush anywhere.

Solo travellers. There is no need to coordinate plans with others or find company for every activity. You can decide for yourself how to spend the day.

Parents. A short trip without constant household tasks and the usual routine can be an opportunity to spend time with your family in a different environment.

Where to enjoy a quiet holiday in Ukraine?

For quietcation, the atmosphere of a place matters more than its distance from home. Even a short trip out of town can bring a different pace if there is nature around and no need to keep travelling from place to place.

The Carpathians: mountains, forests and walks

The Carpathians are ideal for those who want to combine a peaceful holiday with natural scenery. You can spend more time outdoors, explore the surrounding routes and choose activities according to your mood.

For this type of getaway, consider Ribas Karpaty in Bukovel. The hotel has a SPA complex with a swimming pool, sauna and hammam, as well as a restaurant and a space to relax after walks in the mountains.

Polyana: a peaceful wellness getaway

Polyana in Zakarpattia is known for its resort atmosphere, mineral waters and mountain scenery. It is a destination for those who want their trip to centre on relaxation rather than constant travelling.

WOL.GREEN Polyana by Ribas offers a SPA area with pools, saunas, a hammam and massage rooms. The property also has the GORI restaurant and an open area for walks and relaxation.

Kyiv region: peace among pine forests

You do not have to travel far to change your usual surroundings. For a short trip, you can choose a location outside a major city.

Mandra Petrichor in the village of Zabuiannia, Kyiv region, is surrounded by pine forest and located away from the road. The houses blend into their natural surroundings, while minimalist paths have been arranged around the property instead of paved walkways. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and parking.

This option is especially suitable for those looking for a peaceful place without a long journey from Kyiv.

How to choose a hotel for quietcation?

Not every hotel with beautiful views is automatically suitable for a quiet holiday. When booking, it is worth paying attention to several details.

1. Location. Check whether the hotel is near a busy road, a tourist centre or venues for mass events. A location surrounded by nature or a little further from the centre may be a better choice.

2. Atmosphere and facilities. Find out what relaxation areas are available on the property. These may include terraces, a pool, a SPA, a garden or places to go for walks.

3. Room features. If peace and quiet are important, check the room's location. For example, rooms near the lift, restaurant or children's area may be less quiet.

4. How busy the hotel is. Weekends, public holidays and peak-season periods often attract more guests. For a quieter atmosphere, consider weekdays or less popular dates.

5. On-site relaxation options. The more of the services you need are available in one place, the less you will need to plan additional trips.

How to plan the perfect 2–3-day quietcation?

You do not need a complicated itinerary for this type of trip. Simply choose a hotel, decide on a few activities you would like to do and leave plenty of free time.

Day one: arrival, check-in, exploring the property, a light walk and dinner. It is best not to plan too much immediately after the journey.

Day two: a leisurely breakfast, a walk in nature, SPA or time by the pool. In the second half of the day, you can read, relax in your room or visit one interesting place nearby.

Day three: breakfast, a short walk and departure. There is no need to try to fit in five more locations before heading home.

The main idea is not to fill all your free time with activities. Leave room for decisions made once you are there.

Quietcation and digital detox: do you need to give up your phone?

These concepts are often associated with each other, but they are not the same.

Digital detox involves consciously reducing screen time or temporarily giving up digital devices. Quietcation primarily concerns the overall format of the trip: a peaceful location, fewer plans and no constant rush.

You can use navigation, take photos of the scenery, reply to important messages and still enjoy a quietcation holiday.

If you would also like to try a getaway with minimal digital distractions, read our article about digital detox in nature.

How much does a quiet holiday cost?

The budget depends on the destination, dates, room category and range of services. For a quietcation, you do not have to book the most expensive room or order a full package of additional activities.

When planning, take into account:

• accommodation costs;
• travel to the chosen location;
• food;
• SPA and other additional services, if you plan to use them;
• personal expenses for walks and leisure.

To avoid spending your budget on unnecessary services, first decide what matters most for your holiday.

Is quietcation worth trying?

Quietcation is not a separate type of hotel service or a trip with strict rules. It is a way to organise your holiday so that you do not have to keep rushing anywhere.

You can spend two days in a pine forest, choose a SPA hotel in the Carpathians or simply head to the nearest natural location. The main thing is to choose a place that matches your expectations and not overload the trip with plans.

You can view hotels for a peaceful holiday in the Ribas Hotels catalogue. Choose a destination, check the available rooms and plan a few days at your own pace.