For health-conscious individuals, finding a way to travel that fits into their lifestyle is important. Often when we go on holiday, we tend to indulge. We forgo our regular activities and diets for relaxation and excess. While we’re all for spoiling ourselves every now and then, there are still plenty of healthy activities you can do while travelling! You don’t even have to visit a fancy wellness retreat to enjoy a health-conscious escape.
Wellness travel has seen an incredible rise in popularity in recent years as travellers become more aware of personal and environmental health. Like most industries, the wellness industry (in particular, wellness retreats and resorts) took a serious knock during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is predicted to make a massive comeback in 2022! Of course, many health concerns developed as a result of the pandemic but more than that, this period forced many travellers to pause and reflect on what is really important. This has shown in 2022 travel trends which display a desire for self improvement and more meaningful travel.
From getting back to nature and exercising to relaxing and reflecting, there are so many ways to make your travels healthier! In honour of World Health Day, Expat Explore has put together a list of top wellness activities around the world for you to try on your next trip!
Take a bath
Hammams in Turkey
Visiting a Turkish bathhouse, or hammam, while in Turkey is a highly recommended cultural activity. Popular with both locals and tourists, hammams are said to cleanse both the body and the soul. Turkish baths are usually found near mosques. Historically, men would visit the baths to wash before service. Today, everyone is welcome but certain hammams have separate time slots for men or women only. Most Turkish bath packages include 45 minutes of washing, a body scrub, foam wash and massage. It’s a luxurious experience that is sure to make you feel refreshed and revitalised!
Related: Here are a few facts you should know about Turkey!
Thermal baths in Hungary
Hungary and in particular its capital city, Budapest, is world-famous for its thermal baths. Known as the City of Spas, Budapest is home to natural springs which are said to contain healing properties. Many doctors even prescribe spa visits to their patients as a form of physiotherapy. Aside from soothing sore muscles, the baths are said to fight inflammation, improve digestion and aid circulation. Read our guide to Budapest’s best thermal baths here!
Onsens in Japan
Japan is a country of overwhelming natural beauty and there are few better ways to experience this than with a dip in an onsen. Onsens are natural hot springs that are fuelled by volcanic activity. There are two types of onsens: rotenburo, an outdoor onsen, and sento, indoor bathhouses. Sento are visited more regularly while rotenburo are seen as more of a treat due to their resort-like atmosphere. Often, onsens are attached to charming inns and situated amongst gorgeous natural sights. Much like the thermal baths in Hungary, Japanese onsens increase blood circulation, relieve pain and also reduce stress and treat skin problems.
Travel tip: Visiting a traditional onsen requires a certain amount of etiquette. For example, swimsuits are not allowed. That means that you will have to be comfortable with going in naked – usually with other people. Your hair should also be tied up and put in a shower cap. Tattoos are generally not allowed (private and more modern onsens are more open to tourists with tattoos). You will also have to bathe before so that you are clean when entering the onsen.
Head to the mountains
Marvel at the Swiss Alps
The majesty of the Swiss Alps is a sight to behold. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, adrenaline junkie or just appreciative of natural beauty, it’s a must-visit European destination. The views from the mountains within this region showcase year-round snow, magical glaciers and quaint Swiss towns. For avid hikers, the beauty is truly unmatched. For something a little more… “extreme”, take a trip to Interlaken! This is the adventure capital of Switzerland and a dream destination for thrill seekers. Here, travellers can enjoy a range of adventure sports such as snowboarding, skiing, paragliding, skydiving, canyoning and more!
A visit to one of the most famous mountain peaks in all of Europe, Jungfraujoch, should be on the bucket list of any traveller. The Jungfrau region is home to exceptionally beautiful alpine peaks, impressive waterfalls and luscious green valleys. You can reach the top of Jungfraujoch by train where you’ll arrive at the highest train station in Europe! Here, play in the year-round snow, admire the marvellous vistas and see the magical ice palace carved out of the glacier.
Related: Enjoy the option of visiting Jungfraujoch, our number one optional experience, on any of our tours that visit Switzerland!
Take stairways to heaven in Norway
Hiking is one of the most beloved pastimes in Norway! With exceptional natural beauty in the form of glorious fjords, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers, it’s no wonder that Norwegians prioritise friluftsliv (the concept of open-air living) above all else! Hiking has been proven to boost cardiovascular health, aid weight loss and ease stress. It’s also one of the best ways to get back to nature and have a “digital detox”. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or challenging trail, mountain, seaside or evergreen valley views, you’ll find it in Norway.
To preserve the country’s gorgeous nature, man-made steps have been constructed for over 300 mountains around Norway! Not only do these “stairways to heaven” make it safer to hike, they also provide a killer workout! Popular cities like Bergen and Oslo, Norway’s capital, are in close proximity to many amazing hiking trails. This means that even during a city break in Norway, nature will never be far away.
Hike the Inca Trail in Peru
Home to Machu Picchu, one of the seven ancient Wonders of the World, Peru is a bucket-list destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and history buffs. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences on the planet. Aside from breathtaking mountains, you will see ancient ruins, cloud forests and plenty of llamas! The Inca Trail usually takes about four days to complete and ends at the unbelievable Sun Gate viewpoint. The Sun Gate looks over the whole of Machu Picchu, allowing you to look back proudly on your impressive trek. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult overall with the longest day of hiking being about 10 hours. However, trust us, it is worth it!
Go for a swim
Ice swimming in Scotland
Ice swimming, or cold water swimming, has become increasingly popular within the wellness community. Athletes have become fond of dipping into chilly waters due to proven health benefits. Ice swimming is said to boost your immune system, activate endorphins, increase circulation, burn calories and reduce stress! If you can get past that initial shock of freezing water, it’s an ideal way to improve overall health!
One of the top destinations for ice swimming is Loch Lomond in Scotland. This freshwater lake in Southern Scotland was the site of Scotland’s first ever Ice Swimming Championship! Loch Lomond is the largest loch in the United Kingdom with a length of 36km! It is also a popular spot for watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, wake surfing and water skiing. The loch is surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna as well as picturesque rolling hills.
Related: Experience the incredible beauty of the Scottish highlands on our Scotland Rail Express!
Surf in South Africa
Did you know that the Ice Swimming Association was established in South Africa? South Africa is home to both the Indian and the Atlantic ocean meaning that certain beaches have particularly chilly waters! However, there’s another watersport that you should definitely try out when in sunny South Africa: surfing! With over 2,500km of coastline featuring diverse landscapes, surfers are truly spoiled for choice in South Africa. If you’ve never surfed before but would like to give it a try, you can join a surf school! Muizenberg beach in Cape Town is home to warmer waters and surf schools, as well as spots to rent boards and wetsuits.
Experienced surfers can brave Dungeons Beach near Hout Bay in the Western Cape. This extreme surf destination is the venue for the Red Bull Big Wave Africa Contest. Advanced kitesurfers simply have to visit Blouberg Beach in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs for wild winds and quirky, colourful kites. South Africa is also home to the Marine Big 5: whale, shark, dolphin, seal and penguin. It is particularly common to see seals and dolphins from popular beaches and surfers often get up close and personal! However, to avoid any unfortunate run-ins with sharks, be sure to stick within the designated areas.
Related: Read our quick guide to South Africa, the Southernmost country in Africa!
Float in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is not technically a sea but a salt lake. It is located in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. It is world-famous for its unusually high saline levels which allow people to float and drift around in the water, rather than swim or sink in it! This is an incredibly cool and novel experience but aside from that, floating in the Dead Sea is fantastic for your health.
The Dead Sea is one of the most nutrient dense bodies of water in the world and thousands of people visit every year to heal health conditions. People with skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne see an immense improvement after a soak. Likewise, these salty waters provide great relief for joint pain and arthritis. It is also an extremely relaxing experience, hence why salt and mud from the Dead Sea are used in spa products at wellness retreats and resorts all over the world!
Eat healthy cuisine
Live the Mediterranean lifestyle
The Mediterranean diet is consistently named the healthiest diet in the world. This is largely attributed to the fact that people living in this region live longer, have a high quality of life and are at lower risk of heart disease. Mediterranean diets contain plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains and healthy fats. The best place to taste the Mediterranean? Greece! Greek cuisine contains many of the ingredients that make the Mediterranean diet so healthy. Olive oil, yoghurt, fresh fruits and vegetables are present in almost every Greek meal. The Greek island of Crete is actually where the Mediterranean diet was actually said to have originated.
You can also get your fill of Mediterranean dishes in Spain where fresh seafood, vegetables and tapas (small plates) are enjoyed. You may be surprised to learn that the Italian diet is also an example of a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle! That’s right, pizza, pasta and plenty of wine can contribute to a long life. As long as it’s in moderation and enjoyed slowly along with fresh vegetables, seafood and olive oil. Unlike Italian American cuisine, authentic dishes in Italy contain almost no processed ingredients.
Related: Don’t leave Greece without trying these Greek drinks and dishes!
Discover the fresh flavours of Asia
Coming a close second to the Mediterranean diet, Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. In fact, Japan has the highest average life expectancy in the world! When you think of Japanese food, the first thing that likely comes to mind is sushi. Not only is sushi delicious, it is extremely healthy. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fermented soy sauce is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. Japanese meals are usually well-balanced with protein, vegetables and small portions of carbohydrates like rice or noodles.
Likewise, Vietnamese cuisine is loaded with vitamins and minerals making it one of the world’s healthiest and most well-balanced cuisines. Most traditional food in Vietnam is gluten-free and low in fat and sugar. Soups like pho contain vitamins C, B, iron, magnesium and more as well as plenty of herbs, spices and lean protein. Vietnamese salads offer another great way to get your daily vitamins and often contain unique, local fruits like papaya. Be sure to try local dragonfruit, rambutan and kumquat too!
Related: Try some healthy Japanese cooking at home with these recipes.
Spice up your life in the Middle East
Much like Mediterranean cuisine, meals in the Middle East incorporate lean protein, healthy fats, vegetables and grains into pretty much every dish. What sets Middle Eastern dishes apart from European dishes, however, is their use of rich spices, seeds and herbs. This adds an immense amount of flavour to the dishes without adding any empty calories, sodium or sugar! Middle Eastern cuisine is also one of the best cuisines for vegetarians as plenty of dishes are completely meat-free.
In Turkey, eating a traditional Turkish breakfast is a must. Usually served on a rooftop terrace, Turkish breakfasts feature an array of fruits, vegetables, dips, breads, eggs, cured meats and cheeses. All over the Middle East, from Egypt to Jordan and Israel, you’ll find delicious and healthy dishes. Some must-try healthy Middle Eastern eats include falafel, tabbouleh (a salad of chopped tomato, mint, parsley, onion and bulgar wheat), shakshuka (eggs and spicy tomato) and lentil soup.
Related: Discover our top vegetarian foods around the world!
Are you ready to start travelling while staying healthy? You can enjoy many of these wellness activities on our tours from Europe to Asia, Africa and South America! Have a look at our upcoming tours and book your next adventure with Expat Explore.