Today's Growing Health and Wellness Travel Experience

A vacation in a beautiful, often exotic setting wrapped up with all the benefits of a health and wellness-geared getaway is quickly becoming the perfect travel combination. Each day, vacationers feel both relaxed andfull of life, choosing physical fitness options from mountain biking to kayaking, healthy gourmet meals and stress calming amenities such as spa services and yoga.

Health, wellness and fitness travel growing in popularity

Wellness travel or “wellness tourism” may have started with spa services but has expanded way beyond just a relaxing massage. Travellers whether on vacation or business don’t just want to believe they are on a wellness vacation—they want to experience it. Many are looking to stay fit while away from home, or jumpstart a fitness or wellness program on vacation. A full health and wellness experience covers all aspects of fitness and health: nutritious meal options, specialized spa services,numerous workout and sports choices.

Market researchers tell us that the global market size of the wellness travel industry is growing faster than travel in general. Its value is expected to reach $678.5 billion in 2017 (compared with $438.6 billion in 2012) and wellness travel is all the talk in the travel industry. A panel of experts at the annual International Travel Mart in Cannes, France, predicted that by 2040, 90 percent of luxury tourism will include some aspect of health and wellness.

What to expect in wellness travel trends

The growth in wellness travel is not surprising given the age and wealth of health-conscious, active baby boomers looking for a vacation that integrates their daily healthy routine with traditional aspects of travel. But baby boomers aren’t the only ones who want to combine travel and health. The market for family as well as health-minded business travellers is also expected to continue to grow.

Tourism professionals are responding to the growing demand by adding innovative wellness and fitness features to vacation packages. Men seem to prefer the emphasis on fitness through sports and working out; women are looking for health, diet and relaxation options. In the months ahead, expect to see more choices such as vegetarian and vegan meal plans, a wider range of spa and fitness services, yoga vacations and an emphasis on popular activities such as hiking, cycling, paddle boarding and kayaking. Some are even promoting specialized detox, weightloss,mindful mediation and sugar free holidays!

We’ve always known that a yearly vacation is invaluable because of benefits that lower stress levels as well as improve cardiovascular health. With the emergence of health and wellness travel, travel today just keeps getting better —and now, even healthier.