Wellness breaks have become more common. As stress levels rise, more and more people are choosing vacations that actively encourage and promote rest, relaxation, and self-care. We tend to think of spas and luxury hotels and resorts when talking about wellness breaks, but there are lots of ways to enhance well-being on your travels. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple, effective ways to put wellness at the center of your next vacation.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost well-being is to spend time in nature. Research suggests that natural environments have a soothing, calming impact. They ground us, give us a sense of perspective and provide a welcome distraction from stress and sources of anxiety, worry or unease. On your next break, try to devote as much time as possible to exploring the great outdoors and enjoying the peace and tranquility of lakes, waterfalls, forests, meadows, mountains, glades, national parks, nature reserves, gardens, and beaches. 

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Move at your own pace

Most of us take vacations to relax, unwind and enjoy ourselves, but organizing trips and sticking to itineraries can increase stress levels. Moving at your own pace is a simple way to reduce stress and make the most of your break. You don’t want to get back from your trip feeling like you need another vacation to get over it. Road trips, visiting remote destinations and opting for breaks with open itineraries are excellent options to slow the pace and enjoy greater freedom and flexibility. 

Hitting the roads in a car, motorhome or RV enables you to travel at a speed that suits you and plan a personalized itinerary with no deadlines to worry about. You can even take advantage of modern RV parks and contemporary cabins if you want to enjoy the outdoor life with the added luxury of creature comforts. You could also camp or book a hotel or an apartment off the beaten track to escape it all. 

Indulge your interests and passions

Indulging your interests and passions has an incredible effect on your mental health. Studies show that having a hobby can boost confidence, improve social skills, reduce the risk of loneliness and improve well-being. Next time you’re organizing a trip, look for ways to incorporate hobbies and activities that you either enjoy or want to try for the first time. From outdoor pursuits, yoga and cooking to creative workshops, dance classes and learning about history or music, tailor your itinerary to suit your passions. 

Prioritize sleep, movement and nutrition

Good-quality sleep, regular exercise and a healthy, nutritious diet are pillars of wellness. If you’re on a mission to enhance health and well-being next time you go away, prioritize rest and recovery, take advantage of opportunities to enjoy physical activity, and eat well. Search for locations, accommodation options and activities that make it easy to make healthy choices. 

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Wellness breaks have become hugely popular in recent years. While it is possible to book trips to wellness resorts, there are multiple ways to put health and well-being at the center of your next trip. Examples include spending as much time as possible in nature, traveling at your own pace, including your interests and passions, and prioritizing sleep, movement, and nutrition.