Exploring Wellness Travel Trends in a Post-Pandemic World Laurie Baratti - Travel Pulse
go to original January 27, 2022

It's unsurprising that, in the pandemic’s first year, consumer values shifted toward personal health protections across the board, but especially when it came to traveling amid COVID-19. But, by the end of 2021, people’s shared concept of “health” had expanded to encompass more than just the absence of bodily illness.

A broadened definition of “wellness” emerged - due to global populations adapting to life in lockdown, with the sudden absence of social interaction, lack of accessible outlets for stress and the loss of long-held daily routines. Self-care, in its many forms, is now increasingly seen as something that’s necessary, rather than as a personal indulgence.

One of the ways that people are caring for their mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing is by traveling, whether it’s relatively close to home or across the globe. And, the criteria by which they’re judging the value of their travel experiences are also changing with the times.

Ahead, we take a look at several trends in wellness travel that are set to make their mark in 2022 - from digital detox escapes and outdoor adventures to psychedelic wellness stays and retreats that rely on animals to aid in healing humans.

Travel as Self-Care

People have widely begun to view travel as a means of self-care during an era in which ever-fluctuating travel restrictions and COVID-19 levels around the globe have made it difficult to attain. With remote work and schooling trends keeping people largely at home, they need a change of scenery and the opportunity to “switch off” more than ever. Read more...

Digital Detox

While waiting out lockdowns, we’ve all spent far too much time sitting in front of screens, whether it’s for work or school, scrolling through social media or searching for the ideal post-pandemic getaway. With a renewed appreciation for the experience of mindfully fully soaking in their travel destinations, people are consciously putting some distance between themselves and their digital devices while on vacation. Read more...

Animal Encounters

The pandemic has proven the therapeutic effects of animal interactions to many people firsthand, with pet adoptions and purchases skyrocketing in 2020 after many folks transitioned to working from home. More and more, people are bringing their pets along on road trips, and seeking out pet-friendly accommodations and experiences. Read more...

Nature Immersion

After enduring prolonged stay-at-home orders and almost two years of spending an inordinate amount of time in front of TV and computer screens, more people are viewing outdoor escapes as a privilege to be pursued. And, appreciating the healing power of nature in re-balancing mind, body and spirit. Read more...

Community Engagement

While there will always be vacationers who prefer more cookie-cutter vacations purely for personal relaxation, today’s travelers are increasingly looking to have more meaningful experiences during their getaways. Read more...

Psychoactive Medicine

Alternative medicine and natural healing methods are nothing new within the wellness arena, but there has lately been a rise in both the acceptance of the use of natural psychoactives for purposes of helping to heal mental and emotional afflictions. Increasingly, wellness programs are being offered that incorporate plant-derived indigenous therapies - such as ayahuasca, peyote or cannabis, as well as psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) - to aid in the treatment of psychological and emotional issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction. Read more...

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