Are vacations relaxing?

We just got back from a week-long vacation to Kauai.  It was amazing!  We had a relaxing time and I am now at home feeling restored and recharged.  My understanding is that this is what vacations are supposed to do, and if that is true for you, I am so happy for you!  But, honestly, it is not the way that vacations have historically made me feel.  We went on vacation to the exact spot we went on vacation 3 years ago, but the experience was completely different.