Wellness travel, voluntourism, sustainable travel. Especially in a post-pandemic world, we are hearing these kinds of buzzwords more and more as we were forced to slow down, connect in different ways, and shift our focus. But what really is wellness travel?
According to the Wellness Tourism Association, wellness travel is travel that allows a traveler to maintain, enhance, or begin a healthy lifestyle. It sup[ports or increases your sense of well-being, both mentally and physically. This is achieved through the experiences you have while traveling. The goal and benefit are to feel energized and rejuvenated.
Some of the most common wellness travel styles include spa retreats or spa enhancements, fitness trends like certain hotel brands adding Peloton spin bikes to their gyms and adding physical activities to a vacation that supports a healthy lifestyle.
People are often described as primary or secondary wellness tourist. The primary wellness tourist is a person that creates a trip around the idea of wellness while the secondary wellness tourist includes wellness activates while traveling.
There is no one size fits all in wellness travel. To feel energized, relaxed, and have a sense of joy in your travels, consider some of these activities for your next vacation.
Hiking offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Some studies have shown that hiking can improve focus and problem-solving skills.
Yoga is a staple in wellness travel. Most resorts and wellness getaways have yoga available throughout your stay. This holistic practice combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness to promote overall well-being.
Massage therapy is a great form of wellness travel for both primary and secondary wellness travelers. Massage therapy is renowned for its ability to reduce stress and induce relaxation. It helps lower the body’s production of stress hormones like cortisol; leading to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. Massages have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by triggering the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Look into adding a hydrotherapy circuit to your stay. Hydrotherapy involves a series of water-based treatments that alternate between hot and cold temperatures, along with therapeutic elements, to provide health and well-being. The combination of hot and cold in hydrotherapy can stimulate the body’s detoxification process. The heath induces sweating, which helps release toxins from the body through the skin. The cold contracts blood vessels and can aid in flushing out waste products.
Many travelers that try these activities, and more, while vacationing tend to disconnect from technology more, feel reduced stress, and notice improved moods. Are you looking to go on a wellness retreat or include wellness activities in your vacation? Let’s get in touch!
