The face of travel is changing. What was once considered a holiday paradise was the city, with vacationers wanting to stay in the big city hubs. But there is a growing trend in wanting to escape to the forest, the hills, or the coast, to find refuge in nature.
Why City Breaks Don’t Suit Everyone
Short city breaks offer promises of fun-filled experiences with plenty to see and enjoy in terms of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and entertainment. However, there is more to it because the realities tend to be somewhat different from what city breaks promise in terms of alleviating stress.
Popular sites mean queues and pushing to take pictures. The sounds of traffic drown out the bird songs. The constant notifications continue even as we walk through congested roads with our phones in hand. Tourists leave the city feeling more exhausted than they were prior to departure, because they exchanged one stimulation for the next.
The sensory stimulation of city life can leave one yearning for something even more rejuvenating than the usual museum or shopping district tour.
Nature Heals Better
Provided by nature, getaway locations are not only unique but something that cities can only imagine: genuine restoration can only be achieved through immersion in nature. Research has indicated that spending time in nature has the effect of decreasing cortisol in the body, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing stress.
The benefit of nature can be seen in the Japanese practice known as “forest bathing.” Simply being in the presence of trees has been known to improve one’s immune system and reduce stress. The fresh air in the mountains contains negative ions that are a natural mood elevator, while the soothing “song” of the waves or the leaves in trees provides the accompaniment.
There are physical health benefits that occur on their own as well. Nature getaway retreats involve walking on natural terrain rather than pavement, so you automatically enjoy exercise just by walking through the nature trails in the forest or along the beach.
Adventures That Refresh the Soul
Nature retreats offer exciting pursuits to stimulate the body and the mind. Hiking trails uncover hidden falls and scenic views unlike any metropolis cityscape can offer. Every trail has new finds to uncover, ranging from wildflower trails to ancient rocks.
Classes in yoga and meditation assume a new reality when they take place in nature. Taking sun salutations in the morning on a deck in the mountains or meditating in the evening by a lake can offer an experience that goes beyond any yoga class in a yoga studio.
Watching wildlife turns passive observation into active participation in nature. Seeing the eagle soaring in the sky or the deer in the morning light is something to remember for far longer than most photographs.
Even very traditional pursuits, such as the best golf resorts in Michigan, for example, take on new appeal in nature. Out in the mountains, the scenery provides beautiful backgrounds, while on the coastal routes, the sea air makes every golf swing even more enjoyable.
Find What YOU Love
The appeal of nature getaway resorts lies in their versatility. Those who seek adventure can opt for expeditions in the mountains, while others who seek gentility can opt for lake-side cabins with spa packages. Families can opt for stays in national park resorts with programs, while couples can opt for forest resorts.
The trick is to identify the natural environment that matches what you need in terms of restoration. While some can find solace in the expansive desert environment, others find it in the canopy of the forest. Those who love the ocean look for refuge in coastal areas, while others with an inclination toward mountains seek adventure in alpine settings.
The Future of Meaningful Travel
Nature escapes are more than just a trend, but rather an indication of the essential paradigm shift towards intentional travel. Instead of checking boxes or accumulating experiences, nature escapes are centered around real rejuvenation and connection.
As our increasingly technological and urbanized lives continue to surround us day after day, the allure of the wild becomes even more irresistible. Nature getaway settings are just what we need to counteract the challenges associated with our modern way of living!
