It’s more than having a moment. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s most recent data, the wellness travel sector is growing more than twice as fast as tourism overall, and it’s on track to hit US$919 billion by 2022.
A 10-day Patagonia trek is one of many “wellness-forward” trips on offer. Image by Intrepid Travel
Part of the appeal is surely escapist. As more and more travelers grapple with burnout, recently classified an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organization, destinations offering relief and restorative measures have an increasing appeal, and the industry is stepping up its offerings accordingly.
Surfing at Taghazout is a highlight of the Morocco itinerary. Image by Intrepid Travel
On June 10, adventure tour operator Intrepid Travel launched a new hub to highlight its slate of wellness tours, “providing a one-stop shop for travelers who are actively searching for a tour that has a balance of healthy experiences and captivating destinations,” says Michael Edwards, Intrepid Travel’s managing director of EMEA and the Americas. “Now, our travelers can easily pick from a range of wellness tours that fit their preferences, without having to scroll through all our tours.”
Eat your way around India with a deep-dive into the country’s vegan cuisine. Image by Intrepid Travel
Divided into three categories, mindfulness, movement, and nourishment, the tours – handpicked hundreds of employees across 40-plus locations worldwide—represent a mix of “rejuvenating activities, must-see attractions, and healthy and local cuisine,” Michael says, that aim to nourish and soothe the overstimulated modern-day traveler. Trips with mindfulness experience include the Mountains & Mystics of India itinerary, which includes a visit to the home of the Dali Lama and time in a number of temples, while movement-oriented options include a hiking, biking, and horseback-riding journey through Morocco. Explore the cuisine of South Korea or the vegan offerings in India, Italy, or Thailand, or opt for cultural tours of far-flung locations like Iran, Israel, Greece, and even Tasmania that touch on food in a broader historical context.
Get your om on in Bali, where the waterfalls will clear the head and refresh the spirit. Image by courtesy Intrepid Travel
“Over the last few years, we’ve watched wellness travel continue to grow externally as travelers want to disconnect from their daily lives and recharge, and, as a result, we’ve seen great success in our multi-active and wellness-focused tours,” Michael says. “Whether travelers want to meditate in India or hike and bike through Bali, this hub is now home to myriad wellness-forward tours, suitable to all styles of travelers.”
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