Travel impacts the mind and body in many ways: It can inspire, renew, and refresh us. It can also shake us up and even challenge our own perspectives. These trips aren’t called “transformative” for nothing!
Many people seek spiritual or wellness journeys that give them a sense of direction and purpose.
For some, it’s about rediscovering themselves; for others, it’s about discovering something completely new.
It can also be a response to drastic life changes (grief, milestone celebrations, overcoming adversity, etc.) or simply out of genuine curiosity.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a spiritual person, there are many ways to take this type of travel, depending on what you’re interested in.
For example, some people may go on a wellness vacation to focus on their physical health by going to a spa or resort that offers health and fitness activities.
Others may travel to a destination that offers mental and emotional health activities, such as yoga or meditation retreats.
There are so many different ways you can plan your spiritual/wellness vacation. To help guide you, we have listed seven of some of the most popular spiritual/wellness travel options.
Walking Pilgrimage
The poet Gary Snyder said, “Walking is the great adventure, the first meditation, a practice of heartiness and soul primary to humankind.”
Perhaps there’s no better proof of this than the ancient tradition of taking a walking pilgrimage.
Sometimes silent and often lasting days or even weeks, these journeys offer a unique opportunity to quiet the mind and soul, be in nature, take a much-needed break from screen time, challenge the body, and experience the warm hospitality of strangers along the way.
For the devout and non-religious alike, pilgrimages often prove to be powerful, transformative undertakings.
I can attest to this from my own life from my journey on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela several years ago.
For me, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It’s influenced me both on a personal level and in the way, I run my travel consultancy business. Read about my experience here.
A Wellness Getaway
A good vacation should restore your soul, give you a deep sense of inner peace and enhance your well-being.
And that’s exactly what wellness retreats offer.
Health and wellness retreats aim to rejuvenate and transform your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
You should look for a mix of traditional and modern, innovative treatments. For example, a combination of yoga, meditation, spa therapies and nutrition in a serene environment will allow you to relax and find balance in your life.
Whether you prefer to stay at a scenic beach or winter resort, take a luxury cruise, head off to secluded hideaways or unwind in a lakeside lodge, there is definitely something for you.
Most of the places I recommend to my clients offer fantastic health and wellness packages.
Some even offer healthy living classes on a variety of topics (such as stress management and smart grocery shopping) and have an onsite golf course for even more fun and relaxation.
Local Wellness Traditions
But a trip to a foreign destination alone isn’t enough. The key is multicultural engagement, immersion and adaptation.
The good news is that people are passionate about sharing their cultures and travelers are passionate about learning new ones.
So look for opportunities to engage with the local culture and people. Better yet, treat yourself to a little self-love today by trading the anxiety and stress of the modern world for the happiness and wellness traditions practiced in your travel destination.
The philosophy of coorie (embracing the outdoors) in Scotland, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in Japan, and passeggiata (night walks) in Italy are just a few examples of wellness traditions you can immerse yourself in all over the world.
Plant Medicine Retreats
Plant medicine has been around for thousands of years and has long been praised for its healing properties. But only recently has it gained popularity in the West.
Generally, plant medicine retreats usually take place in places where herbal remedies such as ayahuasca, psilocybin, or the San Pedro cactus are legal to use.
The use of these substances is often done in a ceremonial setting, under the guidance of a shaman or other indigenous healer.
Plant medicine can offer a wide range of benefits, from physical healing to mental and emotional clarity. That being said, it’s important to note that everyone responds differently to these healing techniques.
If you’re considering a plant medicine retreat, be sure to do your research and consult with a professional to see if it’s right for you.
Weight Loss Vacation
For those who want to escape the grind of everyday life, a weight-loss vacation offers a great opportunity to unwind and recharge.
These trips offer a unique chance to focus on your fitness and health without the distractions of work and everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive fitness and diet plan, a spa treatment, or a medical program to help you reach your goals, a weight loss vacation is the perfect solution.
These trips offer a unique and immersive experience that can help people reset their fitness goals and jumpstart their weight loss journey.
Spa Retreats
You can enhance your next vacation with a retreat to a spa resort. In most cases, these are luxurious spa treatments with mood lighting and pleasant aromas that help you feel calm and relaxed.
The best part is that at most spa resorts you can book these treatments from the comfort of your hotel suite, in the spa or maybe even by the sea in a cabana.
But in addition to massages and full-body facials, you can now enjoy treatments like mud therapy and Watsu (a water therapy that involves stretching, massage and acupressure in warm water) and many others.
As people realize their benefits, these treatments are becoming more popular and are being incorporated into many trips.
Trends in the spa industry are constantly evolving, and there has never been a better time to enjoy a bespoke spa retreat.
Spiritual Tour
“Yes, you must live life beautifully and not allow the spirit of the world that makes gods out of power, riches, and pleasure make you forget that you have been created for greater things: to love and to be loved.” —Mother Teresa
While this type of spiritual retreat is more common for people who practice a particular religion, it can also revolve around people you deeply admire or who’ve had a major impact on your life.
This type of vacation is about broadening your spiritual horizons and deepening your spiritual practice.
It’s a wonderful way to connect with the real stories, history, and cultural context of the spiritual figures you look up to.
For example, it might be visiting places of significance to Jesus, Buddha, Rumi, Mother Theresa, St. Francis, or any other spiritual figure.
These kinds of spiritual vacations have become increasingly popular, with many travelers specifically planning trips to sacred sites such as cathedrals, shrines, ancient temples, mosques, or mountaintop monasteries.
Mindfulness and Meditation Retreats
“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
The goal of a mindfulness and meditation retreat is to achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation through various techniques such as meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), yoga and emotional release.
The best retreats are usually held in some of the world’s most coveted locations, such as the quiet European countryside or the exotic beaches of the Caribbean islands.
Many offer the opportunity to learn from renowned teachers and spiritual guides while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
You’ll enjoy daily yoga, guided meditations and mindful movement sessions.
In the afternoons, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the town and surrounding countryside, or simply relax by the pool or go on beach strolls (depending on where you are ).
How To Plan Your Wellness Vacation
So how do you go about it? First, set your wellness agenda and choose the wellness activities of your choice.
The next step is to incorporate those activities into your vacation.
Sound like a lot? Sometimes it can be!
There are many factors that go into planning the perfect wellness vacation (from choosing accommodations to making travel arrangements).
If you go about it the wrong way, you’ll spend the entire trip fretting that everything did not turn out the way you imagined.
To get the most out of your trip, you want to work with an experienced travel consultant. And not just any travel advisor but one who specializes in wellness travel.
Like me! I’ll do all the heavy lifting as you focus 100% on your vacation and rejuvenate. I would love to help you plan your ideal wellness vacation. Let’s talk.