Whether you want to rest, relax, recharge, give back or just find a bit of balance, here are 5 trip ideas focused on health and wellness.
1. Visit a Happy Country
According to the United Nations annual World Happiness Report, Finland is the world’s happiest country for the second year in a row.
You can actually “Rent a Finn” where you can travel to the country and meet a citizen who will be your “Happiness Guide”. They will share everything they know about the country and show guests how to connect with nature and find their calm. Sweating it out in a sauna, walking through a forest, swimming in a hole in the ice, berry-picking and watching the Northern Lights are all a part of the happy Finnish way of life so expect to add some of these experiences into your trip.
Finland was followed by its Nordic neighbors Denmark, Norway, and Iceland with The Netherlands coming in fifth in the World Happiness Report. So, if you’ve already experienced Finland, there are plenty of other happy countries to visit!
Photo Credit: Visit Finland
2. Find the Right Balance
Mix a little bit of physical activity in with a delicious, locally sourced meal and add a bit of pampering to get the most out of your wellness break.
Greoux les Bains in Provence is relatively untouched by tourism and makes a memorable wellness getaway. One of our itineraries with Exodus Travels includes a stay at Hotel des Alpes in the heart of the town. You’ll explore the region with easy guided walks during the day directly from the hotel or following a short private bus transfer. You’ll enjoy the smell of fields of lavenders and poppies and all views the region has to offer. Relax poolside or at a spa and then top off the day with an incredible meal at a restaurant that serves all the flavours of the region. You’ll love getting away from fun-leeching diet regimes or boot camp hardships and enjoy the balance that comes from a trip like this.
3. Do Good, Feel Good
Giving back and making an impact on someone’s day is something that makes us feel good about ourselves and helps us learn about other people.
Crystal Cruises has a program called “We Care, You Care” which allows passengers to give back during their trip. From playing games, reading, and dancing with the elderly and children at the Grantitos de Paz Foundation in Cartagena, Colombia to assisting with the care of animals at the Samui Animal Shelter in Koh Samui, Thailand, helping at the Mustard Seed Food Bank in Victoria, British Columbia; and planting trees at the Heidmork Natural Reserve in Reykjavik, Iceland, guests have the opportunity to share in Crystal’s commitment to “bettering the lives of those we meet on our journeys and preserving the beauty of the oceans, rivers and lands in which we travel.“
4. Experience Forest Bathing
Forest bathing refers to soaking in the essence of a forest or nature. You can do this by taking a slow guided walk through nature and incorporating yoga or meditation to elevate your sensory immersion. This idea originated in Japan in the 1980’s and is called Shinrin-Yoku. Studies have revealed the many health benefits of immersing yourself in nature which include reduced stress hormone production and improved feelings of happiness as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, a strong immune system, and accelerated recovery from illness.
Forest bathing is available at L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona, Mohonk Mountain House, overlooking the Hudson River in New York, the Blackberry Farm, tucked into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and the Tucker House Inn on the San Juan Islands.
5. Blissful Exploration
Explore adventurous regions at a slower pace with one of our itineraries from G Adventures. With a focus on mindfulness, movement and nourishment, you can explore Patagonia, Iceland, Thailand, Nepal and other destinations with wellness at the forefront.
You’ll enjoy activities like yoga and stand up paddleboading in picturesque settings, and food options that are prepared with healthy, local ingredients that cater to different diets.
There are so many options when it comes to travelling with wellness in mind. Let one of our travel advisors know what you’re looking for in your trip and we will come up with the perfect itinerary for you. Contact us here.