wellness travel

At first look, New York City might not seem like the ideal spot for a wellness getaway – it’s fast and frenetic, more concrete than green, and bursting with indulgent dining options. Ask a local, though, and you’ll hear that living in this high-octane, competitive environment makes it more important than ever to find balance.

Can increasing your connectedness to nature have positive psychological and biological effects? According to mounting scientific evidence, yes. But while it’s easy to get in touch with Mother Nature in the summer months, how do we keep it up through the winter?

Over the last year, new projects and partnerships in sustainable tourism have set the pace for a promising 2016. From new ecotourism trails in Trinidad and Tobago, to a 100% solar-powered hotel in Dubai, there has truly been a global push for responsible travel and a commitment to sustainability.

Voluntourism – a combination of travel and volunteering – has been around for many years, but, of late, the tourism niche appears to be gaining momentum and the travel industry is doing its part by making philanthropic opportunities more easily available to travelers.

In every issue, we ask wellness travel experts, contributors and partners how they stay healthy and calm when they travel. This time around we’ve got advice on everything from jet lag to running shoes.

Forest bathing anyone? Spafinder Wellness 365 recently released its top ten global spa and wellness trends for the $500 billion wellness travel sector, compiled here by EcoWanderlust.

If you’re a fan of yoga, delicious food, and communing with nature, then a yoga retreat might be the perfect getaway to deepen–or recommit to–your practice, or just take a much-deserved breather from the everyday.

A look at the Culinary Adventure Co’s signature day-long wine tour series featuring a tasting of renowned Prince Edward County wineries and a five-course gourmet picnic.

Getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing something new is the best way to change the way you feel. Wellness travel company Pravassa recently ran an Instagram campaign called #ChangedByTravel that asked visitors to explain how travel had changed them.

Looking to be inspired, challenged and rejuvenated? Then it’s time for a real adventure, to immerse yourself in local customs and culture and return home changed by the experience.