It’s safe to say that trends in all spheres of life change on a regular basis. However, after the year and a half we’ve all had, it’s not unusual that our lives have been transformed in a dramatic fashion. A global pandemic helped us all realize what our actual priorities should be and we’ve shifted our focus onto our health. We’ve started taking more care of ourselves and, for the most part, started avoiding situations that could put us at risk of infection.
Moreover, travel has also been affected by the pandemic and exploring the world is no longer as simple as booking a plane ticket to a faraway destination. We have to ensure we are in good health, that the location we are going to is safe, and learn more about the various procedures that make travel possible.
However, as the vaccine is increasingly available, more and more places are making travel a possibility. While wellness tourism has been popular even before the world found itself in these circumstances, traveling in order to maintain or improve our wellbeing is expected to become even more in demand.
So, what trends can be expected to arise in the field of wellness and travel? Keep on reading to learn more.
Steering clear of electronics and social media
Although the pandemic made it necessary to stick to our screens and devices in order to stay in touch with our loved ones, keep up with work and school, and get pretty much everything else done, we can’t say that we haven’t been addicted to smartphones well before we found ourselves in this situation. We’ve become so used to scrolling our feeds from the moment we wake up to the moment we close our eyes when we turn in for the night that it’s starting to interfere with our health, in more ways than one. For instance, sitting in front of a computer or being hunched over a phone can lead to various physical ailments such as back and neck pain while the blue light that’s emitted from the screens can affect our quality of sleep. Moreover, constantly being exposed to negativity online can take its toll on our psyche as well. On the other hand, seeing seemingly perfect lives that others present online can also make us feel bad about ourselves. With all that in mind, digital detox holidays have started to catch on. These types of vacations can help individuals ground themselves by enjoying sounds, smells, and sights of nature or immersing themselves in an interesting book. Whether it’s going to a meditative retreat or working on an off-the-grid ranch, there are various ways you can avoid the digital world for a week or two.
Looking for stress relief retreats
It’s not just social media that can put our mental health at risk. The global pandemic made us worry about our health and those dear to us and put us through long periods of isolation. Moreover, we might have lost loved ones or work. All of these circumstances can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Some individuals saw their symptoms aggravated while other developed conditions. Constantly living under stress is no way to enjoy life, which is why many retreats started offering workshops that teach individuals how to meditate and various activities facilitated by in-house counselors that can help us get rid of stress and improve our mood.
Opting for active holidays
The beginning of the pandemic also came with the closing of gyms. Those that can work out without the guidance of a personal trainer turned to online tutorials but there were also those that just couldn’t stay motivated on their own. Once countries started opening up again, these individuals were on the lookout for active holidays that can help them lose those extra pounds they packed on while sitting at home scrolling social media. What is more, even those that managed to keep up with their fitness routine were in search of something different that would allow them to change their environment. Active holidays range from hiking in nature to exploring cities on cycling tours, so there is something for everyone.
Escaping into nature
While escaping into nature to recharge our batteries is nothing new, after spending so much time indoors, it’s getting more popular as we can all benefit from leaving the busy cities behind for a few days. Fortunately, our options abound. For example, when searching for something relaxing, we can look for remote mountain lodges, resorts with private beaches, and all sorts of other retreats. Then, there is also the option of combining this escape into nature with staying active. Many people opt for interesting hiking tours that will allow them to fill their lungs with fresh air and see some majestic sights. Alternatively, those that are looking for a bigger adrenaline rush can take mountain bicycles and explore the great outdoors. In addition to helping us get in touch with nature and have a better appreciation for life, being outside in secluded locations can lower the risk of getting infected.
Practicing self-care
Something else people realized is the importance of self-care. As it comes in many shapes and forms, it can be done no matter one’s preference. For example, opting for an active holiday in the form of hiking or mountain biking is a great way to get more physical exercise, which is essential for our mental wellbeing. Then, booking a spa weekend is a simple way to pamper ourselves. Many retreats understand this demand for self-care so they started offering yoga and meditation retreats and all sorts of treatments and activities led by experienced professionals that can help us feel better about ourselves and the world. Probably the best part about self-care is that it can be done at home, in a nearby spa, or at a remote destination.
Being eco-conscious when traveling
Although the pandemic has been on everyone’s mind lately, we cannot overlook the other big changes the planet has seen recently. From floods and droughts to wildfires, climate change is becoming more apparent with each passing day. With that in mind, when traveling, thinking only about our own wellbeing is not enough. We also need to keep doing our best to protect the environment. As there are many ways to be eco-friendly when traveling, everyone is trying to do their part. For instance, some people have decided to stop using planes and visit only those places that they can reach in a sustainable manner. Others are minimizing their impact at their destination by exploring by bike or opting for accommodation that uses alternative power sources.
Communicating with agencies
Lastly, when it comes to travel trends, we can expect that agencies will communicate much more with their clients. While the current safety protocols will probably not be in place forever, they will surely change the approach of travel agents in terms of keeping their clients updated on the latest news. Furthermore, we can expect operators to make revisions to their terms and conditions as well as deposit and cancelling policies, which should protect both parties.
The current wellness and travel trends have been impacted by the global pandemic that is still not under control in many places. How the world will change and what trends we can expect in the future remains to be seen.
