Sometimes you just need to escape daily life. To slow down and tend to yourself. To experience some peace & quiet. Know what I mean? If so, it’s time to plan your next wellness weekend getaway.
The pressures of modern life can sure build from time to time. Making it essential that we make time to de-compress and take care of our well-being.
Thankfully, the change of scenery that travel affords is an easy & accessible way to hit the reset button.
Moree importantly, a wellness trip doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars, include a retreat, or take you to exotic destinations. You can recharge your mind, body, & spirit right in your back yard.
Even if you only have the weekend!
Wellness belongs to us all.
It’s a proactive approach we can take re-balance our high-paced and often overworked lives. It’s a way to tune-in & reset. At heart it’s about stringing together lots of small habits to make our lives more balanced and fulfilling.
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that’s what we’re is all about, wellness travel. Learning to thrive & transform through travel. To become a better you.
Travel has transformed my life in deep and meaningful ways, so I’m passionately committed to sharing all I’ve learned through the many resources here at Travel to Well-Being.
Travel is truly one of the best forms of self-care out there & you can’t go wrong with a weekend away from it all!
Planning a Wellness Weekend in 7 Simple Steps
With just a few simple steps and some intentional planning, you can craft a mindful weekend away, to reboot the mind & body.
If energy, sanity & calm are what you’re looking for, these steps for how to plan a wellness weekend will get you exactly where you want to be.
Even if you lean towards more spontaneity in life, taking time to plan means there’s a better chance you’ll create the weekend you desire. Making it well worth the time and energy.
So when you sit down to use this framework…make the most of the process by putting on some good music, grabbing a glass of wine, and finding a favorite corner to plan your wellness weekend getaway!
1. Figure Out What Your Mind & Body Need
There are lots of reasons why we need a good weekend away every once in a while.
To escape, to disconnect, or even to get some much needed rest & relaxation. Think of it as a concentrated time to focus your self-care while traveling.
When planning a weekend to recharge the batteries, it helps to start by evaluating your own health needs.
Decide what your mind & body need, so you can plan a destination that better suits those needs.
Here’s a simple wellness travel planning question to start with:
What does my mind & body need the most right now?
Because needs are ever-changing, asking self-reflective questions is really the starting point for any wellness getaway. Whether you’re taking a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or better yet a vacation!
2. Make A Trip Intention
An intention is a guiding principal for how you want to show up in the world. It helps you make decisions about how to spend your time.
Having a clear intention for your weekend can help you stay grounded and connect with what matters most.
Start by asking yourself what you’d like to experience or what you’d like to align with for the weekend. It could be a simple word that focuses on how you want to feel like “calm” or how you want to act, like “immerse”.
Here’s a helpful tip: writing your intention in your travel journal or screenshot it to your phone…it’s a good visual reminder to keep you rooted in what matters.
3. Choose a Destination That Speaks to You
Choose a destination that will make you happy and match what your health needs.
You could pick an event or activity first, like a spa experience or a day hike, and then brainstorm location options. Or, if a location is really calling your name, follow your intuition first and then choose your activities.
Whichever way you go, don’t forget to factor in travel time.
That’s because logistics wise, some destinations may make more sense than others, especially if are looking to really relax & unwind. You might find a few options may mean spending too much of your time in transit. Strike the balance that works for you.
4. Find Accommodation Supportive of Well-Being
Why not up your accommodation game and consider lodging that has something special to offer your well-being.
Maybe you want to properly rest & relax at a resort. Or wake up to the sounds of the ocean waves. Or escape to the peace & quiet of a cabin in the mountain.
Your comfort and surroundings can make a big difference in how you experience the weekend. So, find something that matches what you need.
5. Plan Activities That Nourish The Mind & Body
Time away offers lots of new opportunities to recharge, as well as time to sink into the oldies but goodies that may already be a part of your self-care routine.
So, dive into the activities and experiences that will really support your mind & body.
Activities both large and small can make a big difference in the feel of the day.
Simple things like reading a magazine and lingering over coffee can seem like a splurge compared to the typical weekday morning rush.
While other activities like paragliding or attending the theater can leave you inspired for days!
Related:
A Morning Routine for Travel
The Self-Care Travel Guide
6. Schedule in Soulful Moments
The more you nurture your soul, the happier you’ll feel.
Get quiet and pray or read a spiritual book. Journal, draw, or take photos. I know a mindful photo walk always sets things right in my world!
Don’t forget, nature is another ideal way to nourish your spirit.
For me, A good hike in The Dolomites is a regular way I commune with nature. Why? Because I ALWAYS come back feeling better.
7. Be Sure to Relax & Unplug
Take some time away from phones, tablets, and computers. Give your brain a break and instead fill it up with other creative endeavors that you enjoy.
Spend time with your travel companions, talk, laugh, & connect on a heart level. You can’t go wrong with digitally detoxing and spending some time outside because it offers a great change of scenery from our mostly indoor daily environments.
Give yourself the gift of time in the living world, simply to connect to other living things.
Free time is a precious commodity, so get out there and enjoy yourself!
The key to purposeful travel is planning a bit, and then letting the rest simply unfold. Embrace the small things that add happiness to your day and make some new memories.
You’ll be glad you prioritized the time and space to tend to yourself.
I hope this motivates you to plan a wellness weekend getaway soon! And if you know someone else who could use a break, share this & support their wellness journey.
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
More Inspiration:
A Girls’ Weekend in The Dolomites
50 Things To Do On A Wellness Day Trip
Wellness Things To Do In Edinburgh
Self-Awareness: A Travel Adventure Away
