Wellness Travel: Enhancing Journeys

“Travel is a journey that fills your heart with joy”-Rumi

In an era of technological advancement and corporate dominance, the need of humans to take a break to rejuvenate has become even more important. Thus, Wellness Tourism has gained popularity across travel and social media platforms. Wellness extends beyond treatment of ailments. It is a proactive measure that can be undertaken to promote optimal health and focus on positive emotions. 

The principles of wellness can be traced back to the ancient cultures of Asia, Greece, and Rome, where practices related to Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and prevention of disease through healthy lifestyle choices began to be promoted. The Greeks and Romans constructed the first thermal springs, sanctuaries, and thermal baths at Epidaurus (Greece) and Bath (UK). These historical customs have had a lasting impact on the contemporary wellness movement. 

What is a Wellness Vacation?

Wellness Vacation refers to travelling for the purpose of enhancing one’s spiritual, physical, or psychological well-being. Spiritual travel can transform one’s perspective of life, encouraging new ways of being rooted in faith and offering the time to ponder solutions to challenges in one’s life. Physical wellness can be enhanced by choosing destinations that provide opportunities for hiking or sport-related activities, keeping in mind one’s interests and capabilities. Seeking new experiences or calm retreats can enhance mental well-being, helping alleviate stress and create happy memories. 

People may opt to travel solely for the purpose of focusing on their well-being, or they may try to supplement work or leisure trips with practices that help them thrive. It is important to remember that every destination has a rich blend of cultures, traditional practices, and local food options that one can immerse themselves in. Thus, determining the purpose of your visit and choosing destinations that align with your agenda gains utmost importance. Here are some ways that one can proactively plan trips to incorporate health and well-being into travel experiences.

• Choosing a Destination: The first step in planning a wellness vacation is determining its purpose. Do you want to recalibrate in solitude or connect with new people? Would you like to take long walks in nature or wander in a vibrant city, looking for new experiences? Reflecting on your needs can help you choose your destination with an aim, helping you gain what you hope for through a vacation.
• Mindful Packing: Ask yourself what you want to do on this holiday. Reading a book, immersing yourself in art or photography, or engaging in outdoor activities are some activities that can be undertaken on wellness journeys, and they require you to pack accordingly. Making an action plan that aligns with your aspirations and leaving space for spontaneous activities can help you maintain comfort while being open to new experiences.

• Digital Detox: A digital cleanse during your journey can ensure that you are present in the moment to enjoy simple pleasures, like the sound of birds chirping or the feeling of being witness to a beautiful sight. Disconnecting from the stressors of everyday life can help you rejuvenate and recharge your energy. 
• Enjoying Local Food: Exploring new cuisines and flavours can fill you with joy and wonder, and even help you take inspiration for dishes to try at home. Engaging in local experiences enables one to imbibe the culture of a place and provides a sense of interconnectedness. Being mindful of how the environment affects eating habits can also make you notice how we are intertwined with nature on a deep level. 

• Mindfulness: Being present fully in the moment can enrich travel experiences. Taking time to appreciate the sights you visit, interacting mindfully with people, and taking the opportunity to create new memories can lead to appreciation and gratitude. It can also help deal with the inherent stressors of travel, helping you find calm within the bustle of public spaces and noises. 

• Journalling or Reflecting: Penning your experiences down at the end of the day or the journey can help you remember and reconnect with positive feelings. It can also serve as a reminder to inculcate such experiences into everyday life. Journalling can provide a blueprint for effective travel practices and reflecting on how the expedition affected your well-being can help you plan further. In all, this experience can help retain the magic of travelling and carry wellness well beyond the journey. 

Exploring new places, near or far, can greatly enrich life. Wellness Travel offers opportunities for growth and renewal. To fulfil needs related to enhancing well-being, it is important to evaluate how travel impacts our mind, body, and soul. Being intentional and thoughtful about planning, taking proactive steps to connect with surroundings, and immersing in the experiences that travel brings, one can create a deeper connection with themselves. 

Let us know some memorable travel moments which have contributed to your sense of wonder and well-being!