Most of the travel agents or companies who are selling tour packages do not sell wellness packages rightly. Wellness travel is not just about yoga, spas, or health resorts, they are part of it, maybe a small percentage, but not the full package. Then the other problem is the wellness packages are expensive. Since wellness travels are fully customizable they do tend to go expensive. However, affordable wellness travels are possible if you understand what wellness means. I have heard so many people say that they were more tired after coming from vacation. They said they need another vacation which rather defeats the purpose. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness tourism as a travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s wellbeing.
Wellness tourism is a travel to promote health and well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities.
One other thing, wellness travel is not medical travel. On medical travel you go and get a treatment, let’s say a lot of Americans come to India for dental problems since it is cheap. It is then combined with tours and recreational activities that become medical travel. On the other hand, wellness travel is about becoming healthier, happier, and energetic. You have a feeling of peace when you come back from vacation. Now, since you know what are wellness tours let’s see how you can make it affordable for you.
Since you will be customizing your travel, know the ingredients and then look for them too. The good hotel property is a must. If you are going to a hotel go for the one which is not touristy. Choose wellness-centered hotels that can provide better sleep and which can help you in your regular fitness activities. Resorts are good options but they usually are expensive and are out of the city. You get bounded by them for everything. Look for the one which is closer to the city. If you are at a hill station look for cottages that are secluded from the main tourist area.
The second most important ingredient is the food. Don’t go for the buffet pay extra to the hotel and custom made it as per your dietary needs. Choose hotels that serve healthy, organic local cuisine. You will be surprised at what length the hotel can go to make you stick to your diet plan. You can even get a meal plan from your coach/doctor and send the same to us we will make it happen. If you don’t want to spend too much search for restaurants that are near your hotel. It will be cheaper than a hotel for sure. You can also search this website they tell all about vegetarian and vegan food. Here’s another thought if you are a non-vegetarian why not become a vegetarian for this wellness vacation. After all, we need to energize and restart our bodies. I would say no alcohols too!
You should get early and exercises go for cycling, trekking, running or just walking. If you don’t want to do that do yoga, a morning massage will do wonders. If you are in Bangkok go to Lumpini Park between 6-8 AM and do Tai Chi. Well if you have a medical condition and you can’t do any of the above why not just get up early and get the fresh air. See the sunrise if it’s a beach property or gets the fresh air if you are in the mountains. One thing more, if you are a couple, family or friends everybody needs to do it together. Everybody needs to participate and get out of bed. Togetherness is important for wellness travel.
Know the country see cultural shows; go out for shopping where locals go, but keep the activities light. Each country has something unique in wellness to offer see the reference chart below.
This is the most sorted out category when we talk about wellness travel. It is just not about going to a gym. Let us connect with nature while we achieve our fitness goal. You can go for a walk/run in the jungle or even a secluded beach. But rather than finishing the trail faster why not enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity. Enjoy the peace and new sounds of the jungle and ditto for a mountain hike. You can even go with your gym buddies you can achieve wellness in large groups as well.
Companies are providing `Love Wellness Tours’ for couples who are medically fit but are not able to have a baby. There are wellness tours for PMS and even menopause issues. People who want to eliminate their carbon footprint. Some people want to know about the products that they buy were made in an environmentally friendly manner. The nature lovers want to reduce the damage to their stay as much as possible.
The best thing you can do on a wellness tour is – do nothing! Just sit and relax with your family or friends or your better half. Sit in the pool but don’t start playing in the pool, sit on those wooden planks in the forest – just chill! Smiles and giggles are welcome but no heavy discussion. Do note wellness travel is still a developing experience but companies are ready to take challenges.
As Jean-Guy de Gabriac says, wellness should be about Sleep, Nutrition, Vitality, Serenity, and Sense of Purpose/Commitment.
Eccentric Blogger, Traveler and Consultant.
