Have you ever returned home from a trip claiming you “need a vacation to get over your vacation?”. You wouldn’t be the only one! And that's why we've decided to share what you need to know about wellness travel.

Traveling for your physical or mental health isn't a new concept, but it might have you thinking about enforced exercise, strict diets, or engaging in activities you're just plain not interested in.

Except for wellness travel is one of the fastest growing areas in tourism and that means the possibilities are expanding too.

But what exactly are we referring to when we talk about wellness travel, and why should you give it a go?

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What is wellness travel?

Wellness travel promotes your health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, through activities that you do during your trip. The goal is, check out feeling healthier and better than when you checked in!

While there’s nothing wrong with a fly and flop on the beach sort of vacation, the demand for trips with benefits that continue after the tan has faded is growing, and we think you should jump on board!

Ever go hiking or surfing on a trip? Partake in the luxury of a spa vacation? Been on a yoga retreat? All of these activities are part of wellness travel.

With the growing trend for staying healthy while you travel, you can make your entire trip an adventure to feeling better in both body and mind.

If wellness travel makes you think of spartan facilities and strict bland diets then you’ll be happy to know that things have come a long way. There are plenty of wellness retreats in five-star accommodation and options for as little or as many restrictions on your diet as you like.

Whatever your health and fitness goals, it’s likely there's a wellness holiday out there for you.

What benefit does wellness travel have for you?

Vacations are often an exercise in overindulgence, which can lead to feelings of guilt when we return home. How good would it feel to enjoy what a new destination has to offer, without the negative consequences? That's what wellness travel is all about; reenergizing, rejuvenating and finding balance.

Taking part in physical activity while you’re away can teach you how to incorporate it more into your daily life at home.

A wellness trip might include eating and culinary events to tantalize your taste buds, but it will likely also involve physical activities like hiking, paddle boarding, yoga, surfing, or even running.

You might learn about new, healthier food and recipes that you’ll take away with you, or be inspired in new ways on group outings.

While wellness travel could help with weight loss, it’s not the primary focus. Stress reduction and your overall physical and mental wellbeing are what’s important, and any weight loss benefits are a bonus!

But wait, isn't it expensive?

Wellness travel has also traditionally been linked to luxury spa holidays and therefore more expensive vacations, but that's not the only option anymore.

You can organize your own group trip with whatever budget you like, join a yoga retreat that's affordable for you, or plan your own wellness adventure entirely!

Your travel budget shouldn't inhibit your ability to incorporate wellness into whatever trip you want to take next.

Where can you find wellness trips?

Planning a wellness vacation is as easy as signing up for a group trip, or it can be done on your own if you make the commitment. If you’re not sure where to start with searching for a wellness trip then think about the kind of place you want to go and the activities you might enjoy.

Yoga in sunny California, or maybe in the unspoiled nature of Costa Rica? Hiking in Spain? A week in a wellness spa? Kayaking in Sweden? Cycling in Portugal? Running in alpine Italy?

The possibilities really are endless! You can plan your own group trip, or join an already established one, WeTravel has plenty!

Warmer destinations are always popular for wellness travel, since having nice weather to get out and explore the new surroundings can make it seem easier. But don’t discount colder destinations where you could enjoy amazing health spas in secluded destinations, or hike through mountain ranges when it's not so hot.

Think about wellness travel as a pause in your everyday life, that's more than the average vacation. It should be a trip that has all the elements of a break that you'll enjoy, but in a way that won't have you going home feeling exhausted and in need of a second holiday.

Wellness travel is a vacation that focuses on putting you first, and it'll help you to come back feeling refreshed and in a better frame of mind, rather than marking your vacation as just another check on the long list of things to do this year. So where to next?