South Carolina’s Sea Islands achieve a level of peace and quiet not easily replicated. Your goal this vacation will be to transfer that feeling from a large scale to a smaller one; meaning that the noise in your head must be exorcised and replaced with genuine tranquility and well-being. You’ve tried it before with yoga and meditation, but the best way to succeed is to invoke the powers of the ocean.

Get started by renting a vacation property whose silhouette strikes a chord within you at first glance. As you drive up the road and devour it with your eyes, you’ll begin to feel the bundles of stress in your back and shoulders immediately start to lessen, and a giddy, Christmas morning type anticipation will grab hold. Unlock the door and explore your new digs, being sure to savor every little detail.

Vacation rentals have found their way into many people’s hearts due to the ample and out of the ordinary amenities that they provide. Many hotel rooms get the job done, but every now and then you want your vacation to rise to the next level. Especially if you plan to stay in the Beaufort area for more than just a quick weekend, you’ll love having homey accommodations.

For example, cathedral ceilings, picture windows facing the sea, hardwood floors, and furniture that has been tastefully chosen and elegantly arranged will all bring a smile to your lips. Also raising the bar is your whirlpool tub and roomy closet, plus little details like a toaster, spice rack, microwave, gas grill, extra towels, and a DVD player will all aid in making you feel pampered. Travelers who go this route tend to end up “nesting” a bit, as having everything you need to cook intimate meals and socialize with your companions in an inviting setting will definitely keep you close to home.

There’s no shame in living a quiet life, isn’t that the whole point of this vacation? A walkway to the beach will give you plenty of ocean time; stroll or jog along the shore, rent a surfboard for a few thrills, or just lay back under your straw hat and take a breather. Whatever book you’re reading will take a backseat to just staring out over the open water, so bring plenty of sunscreen and become reacquainted with the outdoors. After the initial shock of seeing so much space, you’ll wonder at how you’ve managed to stay away this long.

Downtown Beaufort is a designated historic region and is brimming with restaurants, boutiques and museums. The surrounding areas offer golf courses, tennis courts, and nature tours via sailboat and kayak. From old Spanish forts to modern military facilities you’ll find plenty to see and do, should you find the strength to tear yourself away from your comfortable beach bungalow, that is. Your home away from home will become more pleasant each day, and you’ll understand why many properties end up being visited again and again by the same people. You’ll never have to worry about keeping it maintained or paying a mortgage, but having made memories here will make it feel as if it’s at least partially yours.

If this idea appeals to you and if the understated elegance of Beaufort sounds like it would fit your style, then start preparing to set yourself free from schedules, meetings and the like. A wooden cottage or oceanfront villa awaits you, so don’t delay any longer.