Vacations Are Good For Your Health

Traveling gives us the chance to escape. To get away from the daily grind of work and our packed calendars, and truly let go of the digital, scheduled, and busy world around us. Studies have shown that vacations can increase creativity, improve mental health, and even make you more productive when you return.

No matter where you find your escape, from a weekend getaway to a far-flung destination, travel allows you to relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Factor in some activity and adventure, and it can even help you maintain an active lifestyle while exploring the world! To inspire your next trip, we’ve explored a few destinations where you can find wellness-focused and adventurous escapes to rejuvenate your spirit, mind, and body.

Here are some fantastic destinations and unique experiences to help you plan a health-focused vacation.

The Oasis at Death Valley

When taking a trip to better yourself—both mentally and physically—a spa getaway is a no-brainer! You can turn your brain off and let your mind unwind as you lay back, recharge, and enjoy being pampered at The Oasis at Death Valley. Going to the spa isn’t just about hydrating your face, getting a manicure, or ridding yourself of tense muscles—it’s about finding a way to escape from the everyday. Here, at The Inn at Death Valley, we invite you to hide away with us. Spa specialists have created an atmosphere of true relaxation complemented by a list of rejuvenating services and amenities. You can indulge in an aromatherapy oxygen bar or a jetlag face refresh. And if you’re looking for the height of relaxation, enjoy the “Purely Pampered” bundle. It’s an all-encompassing treatment that will have you feeling your best from your head to your toes. Don’t let the name fool you, a spa getaway to Death Valley will leave you feeling truly alive.

But that’s not all this desert haven has to offer. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley—the lowest-elevation golf course in the world at 214 feet below sea level. Surrounded by tamarisk trees and majestic mountain views, this 18-hole, par-70 course is as challenging as it is unique. For a limited time, you’ll even get a complimentary round of golf with your stay at The Inn or the cozy cottages at The Ranch at Death Valley. Talk about relaxation and recreation combined!

Yellowstone National Park

Anyone who has saddled up on the back of a horse will tell you: it’s an incredible experience. Offering a sense of freedom, horseback riding represents so much more than just an adventurous thrill—it’s an opportunity to connect with an animal on a land that was made for them. Yellowstone National Park offers an array of riding experiences, ranging from one to two-hour rides, across sagebrush flats and meadows, wooded hillsides, and pine forests.

If you’re wondering why this is an athletic experience, and think the horse does all the work, think again! Not only does horseback riding strengthen your core and back muscles, it also helps improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility. So, get ready and hit the dusty trail, because exploring the Wild West of Yellowstone by horseback is just about as authentic as you can get!

Windstar Cruises

When you think about a vacation that boasts health, rejuvenation, and overall wellness, what do you think of? We bet you didn’t consider the hot springs of Europe!

Windstar Cruises has created itineraries that offer opportunities to discover and experience the natural thermal pools of Europe. From Iceland to Germany, France to Greece, let Windstar transport you to a world of tranquility, beauty, and natural marvels. These hot springs are renowned for their soothing, steamy waters that relieve physical, emotional, and mental stress—causing your worries to flow away.

Imagine soaking in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, where the mineral-rich water hydrates your skin while the serene surroundings soothe your mind. Feel the tension in your muscles relax as your skin soaks in the natural face mask made from the geothermal mud native to the Blue Lagoon. We could continue highlighting the benefits of taking a dip in the world’s natural hot tubs — but it’s the kind of thing that needs to be experienced to be understood. And Windstar knows the way.

Country Walkers

Everyone knows that planning a vacation can boost your happiness. You start imagining all the places you’ll see, the people you’ll meet, the food you’ll taste—can you feel that excitement building?

Country Walkers has perfected the ultimate travel itineraries, providing active, authentic, and immersive adventures in destinations worldwide.

Walking is not only a fantastic way to stay fit but also gives you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Plus, it enhances mindfulness as you notice details you’d pass by in a car or on a train. With Country Walkers, you’ll explore incredible places, connect with fellow travelers and meet locals. But beyond that, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that you got to your destination, and explored it, on your own two feet!

VBT Bicycling Vacations

For those who love being active and traveling at their own pace, VBT Bicycling Vacations is a perfect choice. These cycling tours offer a unique perspective of your destination while keeping you on the move. Traveling as part of a bike tour is an ideal way to become one with the location and its vibe, especially with tours for every comfort level . Why not join VBT on a tour of Portugal, from Porto to the Silver Coast, all the way to Lisbon! This adventure is designed to be an easy, moderately active experience, and perfect for those looking to try out a cycling tour for the first time.

Enjoy the fresh air of every new city and appreciate a different perspective from the seat of your touring bike. Towards the end of your trip, you may even notice that you’ve become stronger and more coordinated. Not only is this type of travel better for the environment, it’s also healthier for you! Plus, you’re sure to see so much more of a destination when you explore by bike. Avoid traffic, change your speed, stop where you like, then jet off to catch up—you can explore and travel at your pace, all while being active.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to take your mind off the hustle of work and life commitments and start planning for your next vacation. One that will have you feeling better both mentally and physically. Here’s to Your Health, Here’s to Vacation!

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.