Travelling for wellness is one of the fastest-growing travel trends with many of us wanting to enjoy a relaxing holiday without compromising our physical and mental health and fitness. With a little creativity and research, you can come back from a trip away feeling fresh, energised and better than when you left.
Whether it’s practising yoga on the beach at sunrise, exploring new hiking trails, soaking in hot springs, or immersing yourself in nature through forest bathing, there are countless ways to nourish your body and mind during your travels.
So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots and prepare for a rejuvenating wellness adventure.
Free wellness classes
Many hotels and hostels, especially those with a wellness focus, offer free fitness classes for their guests. From yoga and Pilates to stretching sessions, meditation classes and running groups, these can be a great way to add exercise to your day.
When deciding where to stay, look for hotels that promote wellness and get in touch with them before booking to see what’s included for free. Another idea is to choose accommodation that’s in nature so you can walk out the door to hit a hiking trail, beach or lake.
Join a walking tour
Walking is a great way to explore a new destination, maintain your fitness and get over jetlag. Joining a walking tour will help you uncover more about a destination than you could on your own and help you meet new people.
Hotels, hostels or even town councils often offer free walking tours for visitors – the more you know about a place, the more you’ll enjoy it, and the longer you’ll stay. Either ask at your accommodation or search for free walking tours online. You’ll be surprised how many steps you’ll get in in one day.
Book an activity holiday
If you’re feeling burned out and thinking of a fly and flop holiday, remember that adding a few activities could boost your wellness as well as being fun. Throw in some hiking, cycling, or skiing to combine fitness with outdoor exploration.
Plus, exercising is a great way to recharge, get those endorphins going and clear your mind. Most national parks offer free or low-cost entry if you want access to hiking trails. Bike rental is widespread, and if you’re a skier, choosing shoulder season and avoiding the popular resorts will keep down the cost of lift passes and gear rental.
Wellness retreats around the world
When you think of a wellness retreat, you probably also think of a hefty price tag. But you can find cheaper options in lesser-known or more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Countries such as Thailand, Mexico and Bali, as well as Central America and parts of Eastern Europe offer retreats focusing on yoga, meditation, detoxing, and overall wellbeing, often at more affordable prices.
Sharing accommodation, looking for smaller family-run businesses and preparing your own food in places with a lower cost of living can also help make a wellness retreat more affordable.
Before you go, research your destination to learn about the safety and infrastructure. Not all safety standards are equal around the world.
Try forest bathing
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersion in nature to improve wellbeing. It’s easy to do, and of course it’s free, because all you have to do is walk into a forest or other natural space, such as a national park, beach or botanic garden and just be quiet and still. You might want to lie down, close your eyes and take in all the sounds, smells and textures of what’s around you.
Studies have shown that forest bathing can lower stress, reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. You could research if there is a forest bathing group near where you’re staying if you don’t want to try it alone.
Natural hot springs
Enjoying the therapeutic benefits of soaking in natural hot springs is a centuries-old practice and is known to relieve stress, relax muscles and boost immunity. In countries such as Japan, Iceland, New Zealand and Costa Rica, on the so-called Ring of Fire, there are plenty of budget-friendly or free natural hot springs.
Plus, hot springs^ tend to be in beautiful locations, such as mountains or forests, adding an extra dose of wellness and relaxation to the experience.
Cold water immersion and swimming^
This popular Scandinavian activity is a wellness practice gaining popularity globally for its ability to boost circulation, reduce muscle inflammation and lower stress. Any safe lake, river, or coastal water will do, as long as it’s cold enough, and is often enjoyed with the promise of a sauna or hot spring when you’re done!
Swimming in cold water is a great way to awaken your body and get your blood pumping, and it’s absolutely free. Go on – you know you want to!
^Always speak with a health care professional before deciding if an ice plunge, sauna or hot springs are right for you. The information on this page should not be considered medical advice, you should seek the advice of your doctor.
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