Everybody needs a break, and there’s no better way to spend it than going on a vacation. Of course, getting away from work is not the only possible aim for such an endeavor. It could also be beneficial for your health.
Wellness vacations can come in many forms: a trip to the beach, a day at the spa, or even a few days’ worth of staycation. If you’re headed to one of these places, you can turn any regular holiday into a wellness-centered retreat with the following tips:
1. Choose your destination wisely.
Location is “king” not only in real estate but also in health-centered vacations.
Sure, you can transform even the most mundane day at home into something more fitness-focused. But if you’re headed out anyway, why not choose a destination that is designed for that very purpose?
That said, you must first consider your purpose for the trip when choosing a destination.
Dig deep and be honest about what you like to do on your vacation. Don’t force yourself to go trekking if you’re not really an outdoorsy person.
If you’re into a calming holiday, a few days in a quiet staycation resort is perfect for you. You may even find a place with some yoga and meditation classes to get the Zen feeling going.
While it’s okay to get out of your comfort zone, you shouldn’t risk potentially ruining your vacation by going somewhere that could make you feel low instead of taking the stress away.
2. Set your wellness goals.
As mentioned before, you need to know your goals if you are to transform your vacation into a wellness-focused one effectively. This isn’t to put undue expectations on the trip but rather to ensure that you get what you need out of it.
Wellness vacations incorporate a wide range of services for all kinds of health objectives. These include:
- yoga retreats
- fitness camps
- medical spas
- sleep clinics
A good thing to remember when deciding is to focus on what makes you feel most relaxed and reinvigorated by the end of the trip. This differs for every individual, though.
For example, if your body is aching from all sorts of stress, it may be high time for a reflexology massage to release your pent-up tension. But if you’re someone who feels more relaxed after engaging in cardio exercises, hiking, and other rigorous activities, then you need a more adventure-like health trip.
3. Book your trip ahead of time.
Planning early helps reduce the stress you may feel when preparing for the vacation, so you better book your trip ahead.
As a bonus, you may even get better pricing for the wellness retreat of your choice. This isn’t just limited to the destination itself. In most cases, advanced booking also helps with frustrating last-minute flight reservations. Plane tickets and rooms booked early also come at a much more agreeable price.
Having your wellness vacation locked in several weeks early also helps you prepare your mind and body for the better.
For instance, if you’re headed to a meditation retreat and can’t go without your daily coffee, you need to detox your body gradually before you go. This will prevent caffeine withdrawal symptoms that could ruin your entire trip.
4. Disconnect from the world.
Sometimes, all it takes is to disconnect from everything to get your health in perspective. You can do just that on your vacation if you make the necessary preparations and adjustments.
According to studies, 40 percent of millennials work during the entire length of their vacation. Because of this, it’s no wonder why people still come out exhausted and stressed even after spending some “time off” from work.
In fact, even the promise of using smartphones just for pleasure is not enough to keep work out of a holiday.
Experts believe that every ring, ding, and bright blue light can take you out of what could’ve been a much-needed relaxing moment. It may even leave you spending most of your vacation time explaining that you’re not working.
If this is the case, going on a holiday becomes moot. To avoid this whole scenario, it would be best to go tech-free on your wellness retreat. Disconnecting with the world of work allows you to reconnect with yourself or your love who is with you on your retreat.
5. Don’t skimp on sleep
If you go on vacation quite rarely, you might be tempted to squeeze in as many activities as possible during a rather short period. But doing this can defeat the purpose of the wellness trip.
Instead, make sure you get as much sleep as you need.
This could be a bit challenging, especially with a combination of excitement, jet lag, and nervousness, but it is imperative that you don’t skip this part. Even a few extra minutes of shuteye will be worth it.
If you’re having a hard time falling asleep, try the following techniques:
- Wear your most comfortable sleepwear.
- Use a sleep mask. Lavender-scented ones can help induce relaxation.
- Pack your favourite stuffed animal or pillow for you to hug as you fall deep in slumber.
6. Relax with your sense of smell.
Scents play a critical role in a wellness retreat not only in easing the mind but also in promoting relaxation through warm and familiar memories.
You see, certain odors that remind you of a time of happiness and ease – like the smell of baking cookies with grandma or that cinnamon-pine-and-peppermint scent of a well-loved holiday morning – could be more effective than medicine in easing pain and alleviating signs of stress. Wherever you choose to spend your vacation, make sure you bring aromas you love. This can come in the form of candles, mists, or essential oils. You can also choose your food or drinks according to how they smell.
7. Know your hosts.
Whether you’re going on the trip alone or with friends, make it a point to get to know your hosts.
When researching your destination, look for the necessary certifications and licenses to verify their qualifications in offering wellness services. This applies to relaxation sanctuaries, spas, fitness classes, and wellness clinics.
It is also a good idea to ask about the specifics of what they offer. In many cases, some of the most important information is not presented on their websites. It also pays to read client reviews from independent or third-party platforms.
Also, determine whether certain medical conditions or medications could affect your experience, especially if you’re going to a medical gym or fitness center or undergoing beauty therapies.
Every vacation can become a wellness retreat.
You just have to know what to look for and prepare for it well.