5 of the healthiest holidays you can take

Wellness holidays your body and soul will thank you for.

You might think this type of vacation isn’t really for you, but taking an active holiday doesn’t necessarily mean good times fall to the wayside. It’s a great way to work on your wellness both physically and mentally. Here are five of the healthiest holidays you can take that are as rejuvenating as they are fun.

This one is a classic. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge the batteries with guided meditation, daily yoga practice, or even a massage at the spa.

A yoga holiday will help to improve your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and we can guarantee that you’ll come back feeling like a million bucks. There are yoga retreats on offer in wellness hotspots like India, Bali and Thailand for all sorts of abilities.

If the thought of a yoga retreat doesn’t quite do it for you, hitting the hiking trails of New Zealand will give you a shot of nature you didn’t know you needed. Hiking (or ‘tramping’ as the Kiwis call it) is one of the best ways to see NZ’s beautiful landscapes – and it’s not only for experienced hikers. So, grab a backpack and some walking boots and start planning your travel itinerary.

Ranging from 30 minutes to three hours to multiple days, both the North and South Islands have something on offer for every fitness level.

Vietnam is known for its incredible scenery, interesting culture, picturesque beaches and yummy food. It’s a sensory overload in every way, and a perfect place to travel to for a wellness escape if you’re trying to leave the winter blues behind.

An easy way to stay fit during a trip to Vietnam is to do as the locals do and hire a bike. Cycling is the main mode of transport for locals in particular areas of Vietnam (like Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue) and is often the most effective way to get around. There are multiple tour operators offering multi-day cycling trips around this stunning country, so book your ticket and get pedalling!

When we think about the Himalayas, Mount Everest is front of mind. But for the average person it’s not realistic to think we could jump on a plane and casually climb the world’s tallest mountain. It also wouldn’t be a very relaxing holiday.

The Annapurna Circuit is a great alternative. Situated in central Nepal, this scenic trek takes between 12–20 days to complete, depending on how you’d prefer to do it. Taking you through rice-terraces and up steep mountain passes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will leave you feeling fit and fulfilled.

Closer to home, the Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk National Park is a stunning place to explore. And one of the best ways to explore it is in a kayak along the Katherine River. There are a number of guided tours available.

It’ll give your arms and core a solid workout, but the physical demand is totally worth the effort. Paddle through the network of red rock gorges, waterfalls and sandy banks and take in the beauty of this country.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.