Travel
fromwww.businessinsider.com
4 minutes agoThe new vacation flex? Waking up without a hangover.
Sober tourism is rising, especially among Gen Z, who prioritize wellness and experiences over alcohol during vacations.
These reefs are living, breathing snapshots of a watery world that you can peek into: refreshing oases where the noise of the land falls away; in its place, an intricate and utterly at-ease slice of life that you're lucky enough to witness.
"There was so much beauty, so much more than enough for everyone, that it did appear to be a vain activity to try and make a corner in it." This quote captures the essence of Villa Beatrice, where beauty and luxury converge in a breathtaking setting.
Sensei Porcupine Creek, located in the Santa Rosa Mountains, offers a tranquil environment with luxurious accommodations, a private golf course, and a world-class tennis facility, all designed to promote wellness.
Devon Hase states, 'People are trying desperately to fix, optimize, or escape their way out of relationship difficulty - and suffering more for the effort. Social media has made this worse! We're surrounded by images of perfect partnerships while quietly drowning in our own ordinary struggles.' This highlights the pressure couples feel in the age of social media.
A true wellness gathering is something far more ancient and far more urgent: it's any intentional space where humans are invited to arrive whole, body, mind, spirit, and leave more alive than when they walked in. That's it. That's the whole definition.
The benefits of visiting a beach for relaxation are many, from the salty air and the natural scenery, to the warmth and sunshine, visitors can switch off and gain more mental clarity as well as physical benefits too. The study demonstrates just how valuable relaxation and daily wellness is, with it being a primary reason that many people make the trip to one of the beaches ranked.
Well-being has never been more at the forefront of our minds than now, and there have never been more excuses to practice wellness on a daily basis. From sound baths in the Maldives to recovery lounges in Napa Valley, 2026 is set to see boundary-pushing wellness trends in the travel world.
As an American who's traveled to 44 countries over the last 30 years, I've seen my fair share of unforgettable places. But if I had to choose one place to visit again and again, it would be Bali, an island and province in Indonesia that combines vibrant culture, natural beauty, and a pace of life that feels both energizing and restorative. After spending a month on the island in 2023, I fell in love. Here's what made my trip to Bali so special.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Italian scientists documented something interesting: in areas with more trees per capita, the number and severity of COVID-19 cases were lower than in places with fewer trees, even when accounting for differences in human population density. This work is part of a growing body of research around the world investigating whether time spent in forests and nature can provide protection from infections, such as COVID-19 and pneumonia; inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis; and even cancer.
From ordering a Singapore Sling at Raffles to taking a scenic dip at the floating swimming pool on Lake Como at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, hotels have long enticed guests via destination restaurants, bars and swimming pools.
Back in chilly February, when you were bored at work, you didn't think twice about booking a wine tasting and zipline excursion back to back. By the time reality hits in July, you're desperately chugging water to try and stave off heat stroke. Just like that, your 'relaxing' getaway is not so relaxing at all.
Rural Middleville is far from a bustling metropolis, best known for the Herkimer Diamond Mines, which are only open seasonally. But solitude is the allure in this town and at this Airbnb; it's a place to unwind and relax with no agenda. Cohosted by For The Love of Upstate, a host with a collection of restored properties in the area, the listing promised a private in-home spa, thoughtful details with comfort at the helm, and stunning river views.
The question of whether mental health retreats allow social media access does not have a universal answer. Different facilities approach digital connectivity in varying ways, reflecting their treatment philosophies and therapeutic goals. Most mental health retreats limit or completely restrict social media use during the initial phases of treatment, though specific policies can range from total digital detox to supervised access at designated times.
As we plan our next break, research suggests we should look not to far-flung destinations, but to our own backyards. The staycation offers a compelling new model for deep mental restoration. This is not merely staying home, but a curated, intentional break grounded in the psychological science of recovery-one that challenges the notion that distance equals escape. In doing so, it provides a practical approach for rebuilding our cognitive and emotional reserves right where we are.
Yoga retreats are admittedly amazing. Imagine an entire block of time to tune in to your mind and body as you move, reflect, and perhaps explore your surroundings while honing various elements of your yoga practice. There's a reason the global yoga travel market is projected to reach $222 billion by 2030. That said, you may be seeking a vacation that includes a collection of friends or loved ones-including non-yogis.
Playfulness is at the heart of the Art and Play holiday, based on a farm outside the Bay of Kotor. A family-friendly retreat designed to reignite joy and reconnect with the inner child, it's one for solo travellers and couples as well as parents with kids. There are creative sessions on everything from dance to painting, as well as time to enjoy the farm feeding the animals, collecting eggs or helping harvest vegetables for farm-fresh meals.
My mother and I are at our best when unwinding on the beach with a piña colada in hand. It's not that we don't love adventurous travel; it's just that our travel styles are different. She's all about going with the flow, and I prefer to have a plan and a well-balanced itinerary. But one thing we both appreciate is a good tropical resort.