Who doesn’t love a holiday? Eating your way though the patisserie-lined avenues of Paris, carb-loading in Italy, laying on a beach in Bali all day?
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you definitely aren’t the only one.
Staying active and healthy whilst on holidays (or wellness travel) is becoming more and more popular – because who wants to come home looking worse than when they left?
Research from Cheapflights shows that there has been a 58 per cent increase in searches for healthier destinations, where travellers and locals alike get active and eat well.
Nathan Graham, Regional Sales Manager at Cheapflights ANZ, said that Aussies are increasingly concerned with their health and this effects where they want to travel to.
“Year-on-year searches via Cheapflights.com.au have increased 115 per cent to Japan, a destination known for sushi and ski slopes, and there has also been a 52 per cent increase to the Swiss Alps, where travellers will find opportunities to stay active regardless of what time of year they go,” he said.
Results from the Global Wellness Tourism Economy Report (GWTER) also indicate staggering growth in wellness travel around the world, showing that wellness tourism is projected to grow over nine per cent through 2017 – almost 50 per cent faster than the rest of global tourism.
And with wellness travel on the rise, it’s no surprise that Aussies are looking for more health-conscious destinations.
To help curb any potential creep of holiday kilos, Cheapflights.com.au has put together a destination guide to places with a focus on health and fitness:
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Los Angeles, USA
For travellers keen to experience the latest in food and exercise, look no further than trend-setting LA. Boutique workout classes are all the rage in Hollywood – where visitors can sweat it out with celebrity regimes the likes of ‘Megaformer’ (next-level reformer Pilates).
LA is also a hiker’s paradise, offering numerous trails like the famous Runyon Canyon Loop. The city’s innovative food scene is thriving too, with constantly evolving organic juice bars, plant-based restaurants and superfood-inspired menus.
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Phuket, Thailand
From yoga retreats to sleep wellness programs and detox treatments, Phuket offers endless opportunities to unwind. The abundance of fresh fruit and locally grown produce also makes it the perfect place to rid your body of toxins.
Those really keen to up the intensity might enjoy trying the nation’s famous martial arts training Muay Thai.
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Queenstown, New Zealand
The city’s varied terrain makes it the adventure sports capital of the Southern Hemisphere. There’s nothing like a day of sub-alpine hiking, white-water rafting or river surfing to keep in shape.
For a more structured approach, you can book a stay in a health sanctuary such as the Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, located just outside of Queenstown.
Here, guests can dedicate themselves to wellbeing, with scheduled interval training sessions, yoga and hikes against the stunning scenery of Glenorchy’s fjords.
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Jungfrau region, Switzerland
In a place dubbed the top of Europe, it’s hard to remain horizontal. With fresh Alpine air filling your lungs, the outdoors beckons in the Jungfrau region, located in the Swiss Alps.
Across all seasons, it’s a dream destination for thrill seekers – the skiing in winter is unparalleled and in summer there’s no better place for hiking and biking.
Surrounded by 360- degree mountain views it’ll be easy to forget how hard you’re actually working!
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Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese are renowned around the world for their long lives, which is partly a result of their healthy diets, rich in lean fish and largely vegetarian.
Fuelling up on Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, broths and hiyayakko will tantalise your taste buds while keeping your weight in check.
The city is also a hub for high-tech fitness such as the trend of futuristic rock climbing: bouldering.
