“It’s better to travel well, than to arrive.” – Buddha
The very essence of travel is healing. It takes us out of our daily routine, relieves stress, stimulates creativity and is even good for brain health. After traveling to 105 countries and working as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea in cruise ship spas, I know a thing or 2 about wellness travel trips or wellness tourism. Wellness Retreats, Digital Detox Retreats or Wellness Vacations are becoming more and more common. We all need that time away to reset and recharge in a therapeutic setting.
Sometimes, the healing comes from giving or volunteering abroad for a social cause. Or maybe you discover a medicinal herb at a botanical garden. There are no rules or limits to how travel brings wellness. Even more, you don’t need to travel far and spend a lot of money for a healing adventure. A road trip, day at the beach or walk in the woods can do wonders. During my travels, I always keep an eye open for how to turn travel into a healing experience, and these articles share this sentiment.
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Wellness Travel Trips
Fascinating Fiji Kava Ceremony on Dravuni Island
Doing a Fiji Kava Ceremony should be on everyone’s Bucket List. I got the opportunity when visiting the exotic Dravuni Island. Kava is an herbal medicine to drink during a…
My Frankincense Healing Quest in Salalah, Oman at Al Haffa Souq
On the Frankincense Trail, Salalah is the ultimate destination to explore the healing magic of frankincense. With only one day to enjoy this port-of-call, I had one thing in mind: …
American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patients, Part 2: Being Primary Care Practitioners
https://www.flickr.com/photos/185512555@N02/50201251707/in/dateposted-public/ Nepal’s rural Acupuncture Relief Project follows a clinic model, where Acupuncture Physicians act as primary care practitioners. They utilize kits with the medical tools to make these primary care…
My Healing Pilgrimage to Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, Canada
The Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupre is the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Near Quebec City, Canada this basilica is known for inspiring healing miracles for its pilgrims. …
Life Changing Nepal Walking Tour in Agricultural Communities
Imagine an idyllic setting a hundred years ago in traditional farmlands. There are no tractors, no Monsanto, no combines, no corporate farming or no John Deere. Just the land, the…
Iceland’s Healing Blue Lagoon Highlights for a Spa Day
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations, known for its healing wonders. Nestled in the black lava fields near Reykjavik, this geothermal spa is a splendid place…
10 Tech Free Travel Ideas for a Digital Detox Vacation
Sometimes you just need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and your health. A digital detox vacation can be the ideal solution for a reset. Taking a trip…
American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patient, Part 3: Common Health Problems in Nepal
As one of Nepal’s Acupuncture Volunteers, I learned firsthand about health issues and care in this impoverished country. Nepal rates as the 12th poorest (economically) in the world as a…
American Acupuncturist Meets Nepali Patients, Part 1: Medical Interpreters & Hindu Customs
“Namaste, from the top of the world!” The radio speakers blasted at 8 am, outside the Acupuncture Relief Project (ARP) Clinic in the farming village of Bajra Barahi, Nepal. 20…
Curacao’s Den Paradera: Native Herbal Medicine Garden Ecotourism
Curacao’s Den Paradera is a gem, off the beaten path of the popular tours. Amidst sparkling turquoise waters, Curacao, the Dutch Caribbean Island is visibly north of Venezuela on a…
Curacao’s Curaloe Ecotourism and Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Curacao’s Curaloe Aloe Vera Plantation offers sustainable ecotourism. When travelling in the southern Caribbean islands, Aruba and Curacao, one can easily lose themselves in the Trade Winds that take you…
Rotorua’s Unique Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa Tour
Hell’s Gate of Rotorua is the hotspot of New Zealand’s dynamic geothermal region. It’s the only park in New Zealand offering both walking tours and mud spas. Overall, I enjoyed…
A Fascinating Taiwanese Tea Tour & Health Benefits
In Taiwan the tea ceremony is a spiritual practice or meditation. Being in one takes you to the roots of this ancient tea culture. Taiwan offers authentic ways to explore…
Fiji’s Tifajek Mud Baths for a Rejuvenating Spa Day
An authentic way to immerse yourself in the Fijian culture is through the popular Tifajek or Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs. It offers a rejuvenating day of healing travel. …
Life Lessons on Nepal’s Panchase Teahouse Trek: Paradise, Leeches & Breaking my Arm
Eagerly starting off on my first Nepal teahouse trek, little did I know that I was stepping into one of the most tragic experiences of my life. After 2 years,…
My Life-Changing Cherry Blossom Tours in Japan
In spring Japan’s cherry blossoms light up, as a prism from which to refract the essence of this Buddhist country. Being there during Cherry Blossom (aka Sakura) Season opened my…
Volunteer Opportunities for Healthcare Practitioners with Acupuncture Relief Project in Nepal
Volunteering for Nepal’s Acupuncture Relief Project (ARP) was one of the most joyous and rewarding experiences of my life. In the spring of 2018, I lived in rural Nepal, about…
Hong Kong’s Legendary Ko Shing or Medicine Street
https://www.flickr.com/photos/185512555@N02/50354284868/in/album-72157716019769927/ Hong Kong’s Medicine Street aka Ko Shing Street is a traditional sanctuary, among this city of skyscrapers. For 100 years, in Sheung Wan near the pier, Ko Shing Street…
A Healing Experience at Kagoshima’s Unique, Geothermal Sand Spas
One of the most unique experiences of my life was getting buried in the Kagoshima sand spas. And yes, thankfully my head was not included. It’s believed that the geothermal-heated…
Amazing La Fortuna – The Heart of Costa Rican Wellness Travel
Surrounded by tropical forests and volcanoes with geothermal hot springs is a wonderful blend for a healing destination. La Fortuna offers a plethora of mineral-rich hot springs, resorts, spas, gardens…
El Salvador’s Revival of Natural Indigo for Ecotours and a Sustainable Future
El Salvador is making a comeback on the production of what the Mayans called “Blue Gold.” As the largest producer of natural indigo dye in Latin America for centuries, it…
Lungshan Temple & Herb Lane in Taipei’s Historic Manka District
https://www.flickr.com/photos/185512555@N02/50646170767/in/dateposted-public I set off for Lungshan Temple in Taipei, along with the nearby Herb Lane on a warm, sunny day in March. Firstly, my journey begins as Taipei’s tallest building,…
Wellness Travel in a Treehouse at Earth Lodge near Antigua, Guatemala
When planning my trip to Antigua, I excitedly reserved my stay at the Earth Lodge treehouse. This boutique eco lodge has a lot to offer as a Wellness Resort. It…
Forest Bathing in San Francisco’s Muir Woods, Exploring the Unique Redwoods
The Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument is the ideal day trip from San Francisco, to genuinely connect with the trees and forest-bathing. The coastal conditions of northern California are…
Historic Key West, Florida Sponge Market and Health Benefits
Key West Sponge Market is at the heart of a historical landmark, Mallory Square. Seeing this first caught my attention when visiting Key West this year. This is a perfect…
Taiwan’s Stunning Volcanic Landscapes & Geothermal Spas
Taiwan’s volcanic landscapes & spas make wonderful day trips near Taipei offering wellness travel and eco-tourism. First, I explored the steamy crater of Mt. Qixing at Yangmingshan National Park. Then,…
Wellness Travel Tips
Affordable Wellness Travel Ideas to Reset Health
Wellness Travel is trending to become one of the fastest growing areas in travel. So, what is it, really? Essentially, it is defined by each person’s individual pursuit for well-being through travel. One…
5 Reasons Why Gen X’ers Are Great at Solo Travel
Generation X is abuzz online, calling attention to their cultural tribe. They are uniting on social media, especially TikTok, with follow trains filled with nostalgic music and photos from the 70’s – 90’s. …
9 Life-Changing Solo Female Travel Benefits for Well-Being
Solo female travel is a popular trend that is gaining momentum worldwide. More and more women are venturing out independently to explore our amazing planet. As a middle-aged woman, I have traveled solo…
Motion Sickness Natural Remedies and Tips for a Healthy Journey
Motion sickness natural remedies can save a fun vacation from going bad. Planning ahead with certain remedies on your wellness travel packing list can help prevent a misadventure. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea on cruise…
10 Tech Free Travel Ideas for a Digital Detox Vacation
Sometimes you just need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and your health. A digital detox vacation can be the ideal solution for a reset. Taking a trip or vacation allows…
100+ Travel Health Hacks and Packing List Tips
Have you ever heard yourself saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation”? Whether you’re on a meditation retreat or hiking the Himalayas realizing these travel health hacks can enhance your travel experience…
14 Important Do’s & Don’ts for Travel During Mercury Retrograde
The planet Mercury governs travel, so it’s especially important to be aware of Mercury Retrograde Cycles when travel planning. Mercury Retrograde (MRx) affects everything approximately 12 weeks/year, so it’s essential to know how…
14 Therapeutic Ways Travel is Healing
The very essence of travel is healing. It takes us out of our daily routine, relieves stress, stimulates creativity and is even good for brain health. After traveling to 105 countries and working…
SE Asian Exotic Fruits’ Health Benefits to Live and Travel Well
The delicious and healthy fruit of Southeast Asia is one of the best things about travelling in this region. The Asian markets provide a healthy odyssey for travelling foodies. The fruits with protective…
Dog Bite Tips and Why Manuka Honey is in my First Aid Kit
Getting attached by a dog on Marshall Islands was a life-changing experience. I painfully realized the importance of knowing the dog culture in foreign lands and even more, the therapeutic steps to take…
Fish Spa’s Health Benefits and Risks with Ethical Questions
Fish Spa’s health benefits & risks are important to consider before getting one. Also known as “Fish Pedicures,” these experiences have become increasingly popular worldwide, as a way to exfoliate the skin. In…
Helpful Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips
You don’t have to be climbing the summit of a mountain to get altitude sickness. After my horrible experience with altitude sickness in Cusco, Peru I vowed to never let this happen again. …
Seven Health Tips for Holistic Sunscreen Care
Proper sunscreen application is a holistic topic not only for you, but also our planet. The best individual sunscreens are also “Reef Safe.” Skin is your largest organ, where signs of premature aging surface…
Top 10 Self-Acupressure Points for Travel Wellness Tips
Acupuncture and acupressure have been around for thousands of years. And it’s still with us in the modern times because they’re so effective. Any person can stimulate the acupuncture points on the body…
Ten Hiking Essentials for a Safe & Enjoyable Adventure
As a member of Mountaineers in Washington, bringing my ten hiking essentials has become second nature for my outdoor adventures. Taking overall precautions and planning for safety ensures an enjoyable outing, knowing you…
9 Jet Lag Travel Tips for a Healthy Trip
There’s nothing worse than being in a beautiful destination on vacation and feeling lousy from jet leg. This can delay or shorten your quality vacation time. The good news is that there is…
Travel Poems – Creating Art from Your Adventures
The novelty and adventure of travel takes us to our best moments. In a sense, discovering a new place that dazzles us is like falling in love. This levity naturally inspires. So, why…
More on Healing Travel…
Being an avid traveler, I consider travel the ultimate spiritual practice and therefore, healing. There are reasons why the great spiritual masters from many cultures were on some kind of quest or pilgrimage. The common theme of all of these journeys is that ultimately this external quest is actually more about being internal. While travel is healing in numerous ways, it also can take its toll.
Our routine is disrupted, and we undergo unique circumstances, such as, motion sickness, germs and dry air from airplanes, different foods and drinks, sunburns and more. Therefore, it’s good to plan and assess your itinerary, climate, foods and transportation. With this in mind, you can bring wellness travel essentials to counterbalance the effects of travel. Then, when returning home, you won’t need a vacation from your vacation.
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