Travel Well. Live Well.

By Faith Wright, Travel Advisor 



Living well. What does that mean? Does it look the same for everyone? Some people travel to explore, to be entertained, to escape, but a growing number of people are traveling for another important reason - to enrich. 

A dictionary search for “enrich” would yield results such as to improve or enhance the quality of. While those benefits do come from traveling, there is another gain not found in Merriam Webster … wellness. Living well is not so much what we have as who we are. Living well is the embodiment of how we feel in the world and what we give out in life. 

Traveling reminds us of our place in the grand scope of things and opens our eyes and minds to new and different experiences. When we travel with wellness in mind, we keep in touch with our authentic self and deepen our understanding of who we are. 

What are some practical ways to “travel well”? Well, that is largely up to YOU, the traveler, but here are some thoughts to get you started…

Take a Wellness Retreat

From yoga-centered to mindful meditation to a smattering of all things wellness (I see you, spa), Wellness Retreats offer you a chance to unplug and rediscover who you are. Wellness Retreats are ideal for solo adventurists, small groups, parent/child bonding, and as a deep dive to connecting with a significant other. No matter your destination preference, there is sure to be a Wellness Retreat to help you refocus back on YOU. 

Explore the great outdoors

We all have those Bucket List items that include a faraway destination. Immersing yourself in something new opens up your mind to think, reason, and experience in a way not available in many other types of travel. Being an outsider reminds you of the centeredness that comes from within and the opportunities life gives you to connect with others. Wherever on the map that is calling for you, get Going! 

Let your travel companion make all the plans

Part of living life well is knowing when to take a backseat. Giving up travel planning to your companion shows you care, trust, and value them. Supporting someone else’s dream is a way to connect and validate the other person. They say a good friend is as hard to find as a four leaf clover, so take time to honor the light they bring to your life and show your appreciation of how much they enrich your life by being in it. 

Dive into your heritage and history

You’ve seen the ads. You’ve bought the kits. You’ve been excited to share your results. Ready to dive a little deeper on finding out more about YOU? Knowing one’s history is beneficial to knowing oneself. By exploring your own unique heritage and history, you strengthen your core self while connecting with those around you. No matter how near or far you travel, carrying a bit of your history with you is a key ingredient to living well. 

Seek knowledge

While we may not want to go back to high school, we can all agree there was something exhilarating about being a student and learning something new. Maybe you had a favorite subject or teacher, but that feeling of gaining knowledge feels rewarding and satisfying. Honor your inner-student by embarking on a wellness journey that involves seeking out knowledge about a place, time period, or culture that resonates with you. With your mind and body in harmony, you are sure to add wellness to your life. 

Consider how you can give back

As the saying goes, “It is better to give than to receive”. When you choose a wellness adventure centered around giving back to others, it enriches others’ lives as well as yours. Whether your heart sings to a specific place, people, animal or cause, lean in to the call and do well.