Wellness travel: hottest travel trend you need right now
Whether you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life or seeking a new experience that will rejuvenate your physical, mental and spiritual well-being, wellness travel offers something for everyone.
Wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. If 2020 taught us anything is that investing in self-care is crucial to our well-being. Seeking solace in nature and disconnecting from our busy lives has never been more critical. Read on to find out more about this growing trend in travel.
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What is wellness travel?
Wellness travel, sometimes referred to as holistic travel or healing travel, is a type of getaway that focuses on wellness and well-being. It encourages individuals to take time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate to feel healthier both physically and mentally. The aim of most trips is generally aimed at helping travellers discover what makes them happy so that they can carry this feeling back into their everyday lives.
Wellness travel can include various activities such as yoga and meditation retreats, spa breaks and wilderness tours. It encourages people to take time out to relax and rejuvenate both physically and mentally by taking part in various treatments or excursions that promote well-being.
This trend also promotes exploring our inner selves through healthy eating plans (such as the raw food diet), self-reflection sessions (such as meditation) and physical fitness classes like Pilates or Yoga. The main idea behind wellness tourism is getting away from busy schedules, daily routines and stresses, allowing yourself some ‘me’ time to help you rejuvenate.
The benefits of wellness travel
There are several advantages to wellness travel, including getting rid of anxiety, stress, or fatigue. Wellness tourism is also a great way to disconnect and rejuvenate. It’s all about a personal journey, fulfilment and rediscovery.
Massage therapy, herbal teas, aromatherapy, and meditation are all part of well-being treatments to improve your mental and physical health. If you’re feeling tired and listless due to busy work schedules, taking time off for some self-care might be precisely what you need.
What are the different types of wellness travel?
The Wellness Tourism Association defines wellness travel as the type of travel that “allows the traveller to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of well-being.” It can be a self-directed experience or a guided exploration at a wellness retreat.
Here are some examples of popular retreats for wellness tourists:
Yoga retreats
A yoga retreat is ideal if you enjoy low-impact physical activities. These types of retreats combine nature with well-being and are set in remote locations. Participants enjoy yoga practice combined with meditation, mindfulness and healthy eating (like organic fruits and vegetables). The aim here is to disconnect and focus on yourself.
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can be very beneficial both physically and mentally. You’ll feel refreshed and recharged, ready to take back all your positive energy home. It’s also an opportunity to connect with new people and explore new destinations while taking care of your body and spirit.
Spa retreats
Spa retreats are one of the most popular types of wellness travel. You can choose from a vast range of treatments to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for relaxation or rejuvenation. The best thing about spas is that they are everywhere, and you can travel to another destination or stay closer to home.
Spas are great for individuals, couples and a group of friends so that you can partake in this activity with others. The best part about spa retreats is that you can do them in a few hours or over a weekend without taking too much time away.
Meditation and Spiritual retreats
Meditation retreats are great for people who want to take some time out in a quiet place for self-reflection, often in remote locations surrounded by nature. These types of retreats help people learn meditation and even self-hypnosis techniques to encourage relaxation and focus. Think of staying with Buddhist monks at a monastery for a few days.
Spiritual retreats focus on a spiritual journey and opening your horizons. They are geared to those seeking deeply profound experiences and are great for those who believe in God or any higher power. Like meditation retreats, they are set in remote locations, and there are different retreat options.
Adventure retreats
Adventure retreats are great for those who love to engage in physical activities and enjoy the outdoors. They are all about fun, adventure and new experiences. These types of retreats include anything from cycling tours, rock climbing expeditions, hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding, to name a few.
If you’re looking for a way to stimulate your mind and body, then adventure retreats are for you. Choose your adventure based on your fitness level and abilities. You’ll come back re-energized and ready to face the world.
Why we all need wellness travel
Wellness travel is a great way to discover new destinations while taking care of your health and well-being at the same time. After all, we all need to disconnect and recharge at some point, and incorporating some self-care into your travel is just the cure.
There are many wellness retreats to suit every taste and interest. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, spirituality or cultural immersion while combating stress and burnout, there is a retreat made for you.
