Wellness Retreat vs. Vacation: Which is Right for You? Here’s How You Know
By Sabriya Charles, Founder of Project Passport
Wellness retreats are becoming increasingly popular as people prioritize their mental and physical health. But what exactly sets wellness retreats apart from regular vacations? Is one better than the other? Which one is better for personal growth and happiness? Let's explore the differences and similarities between the two.
Intentions Determine Travel Type
First and foremost, the intention behind your travel determines whether it's a vacation or a wellness retreat. Vacations are typically viewed as an opportunity to relax, have fun, and escape from daily life and its problems, whereas wellness retreats focus on self-improvement and personal growth. These retreats can center around various wellness goals, such as weight loss, mental health, or meditation. If the retreat is organized well, you leave feeling better than when you arrived.
A wellness retreat can be more effective than a generic vacation in helping you achieve your goals by focusing on specific areas of improvement. For example, a wellness retreat could concentrate on yoga, hiking, or other outdoor activities if you want to improve your physical fitness. Or, if you're seeking to reduce stress and improve mental health, a retreat may offer workshops on mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
Time Frame Impacts Outcome
Another factor that sets wellness retreats apart from vacations is the time frame. Vacations are often squeezed into a weekend or a few days, while retreats are more effective with a significant time commitment. A retreat's sweet spot is typically five to ten days, giving participants enough time to develop new habits and values to take home.
During a wellness retreat, you can focus solely on your health and well-being without the distractions of daily life. This extended time allows you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat's activities and programming, giving you the space to transform and make lasting changes. You may also have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and form new relationships that support your wellness journey.
In addition, you may participate in workshops, group discussions, or one-on-one coaching sessions that help you delve deeper into your personal growth and self-discovery. You may also engage in activities to help you connect with your inner self, such as journaling, mindfulness practices, or creative expression. By reflecting and exploring the deeper meaning behind your life, you can return home with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Meaning is Ignored or Injected
Meaning and depth are also important distinctions between the two types of travel. While on vacation, people may engage in light conversations and activities that don't require much reflection or self-discovery. In contrast, wellness retreats allow participants to delve deeper into their emotions and thought processes, exploring the meaning behind their lives and experiences.
Hands-on or Hands-off
Vacations usually take more planning and selection. Even if you are working with a travel agent, you have to select the excursions, accommodations, meals, etc. A lot of hands-on planning takes place to create the perfect package. You get to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. With a retreat, logistics are mainly handled for you. It is a very hands-off experience that simply requires that you show up. Retreats are meant to be low-stress even from the selection phase, so the hardest part is simply choosing the right retreat.
Focus on You
Finally, the focus of the experience is another distinction. Vacations are typically about shared experiences with family or friends, while wellness retreats are solely focused on your self-care and personal growth.
Here are some recommendations that can help you focus on self-care and personal growth, and not family or friends, during a wellness retreat:
Choose a wellness retreat that is specifically designed for solo travelers. Some retreats cater exclusively to individuals, providing a space for you to focus on your own personal growth without any distractions.
Consider a destination retreat where you can completely disconnect from your daily life and responsibilities. A remote location will allow you to focus on your wellness journey without any interruptions from your family or work.
Opt for a retreat that has an extensive range of activities that cater to personal growth, such as meditation, yoga, and workshops focused on self-improvement. Engaging in activities that help you relax and reflect on your life can help you rediscover your true self and promote personal growth.
Choose a retreat that offers one-on-one coaching or therapy sessions with a trained professional. These sessions can provide valuable insights and tools that you can apply to your personal growth and self-care journey.
Communicate your boundaries with your family and loved ones before leaving for the retreat. Let them know that you need this time to focus on yourself, and ask them to respect your decision to attend a wellness retreat.
By following these examples, you can ensure that your wellness retreat experience is focused on self-care and personal growth, allowing you to return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
In conclusion, both vacations and wellness retreats have their benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. Whatever option you choose, prioritizing your mental and physical health is essential. So take the time to rest, recharge, and focus on your wellness goals. Your mind and body will thank you.
About the Author
Sabriya Dobbins, award-winning Founder of Project Passport and the therapy practice, Fruits of Freedom Counseling. She specializes in proactive wellness with the goal of providing preventative mental wellness tools and solutions to companies, organizations, and individuals. After experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks, she realized there needed to be a sacred space to help people with the “little things” before they become big things that result in breakdowns. Sabriya is the author of the wellness blog Living Life Full Force and of the book, Purpose Doesn’t Care What’s in Your Bank Account. She has certifications in Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Techniques Coaching, Neurolinguistics Practitioner-style Coaching, and many other disciplines. As a traveler to various places around the world, she believes that adventure can meet well-being if intentional work is done.