Last updated March 2, 2023
The terms “wellness vacation” and “wellness travel” are often used interchangeably. Even more so they are interchanged without knowledge of their differences. And these differences may be subtle or plain. Whatever the case, the distinctions are your key to choosing the right wellness vacation.
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One challenge people face when choosing these types of trips is that the destination decreases in importance. Yet most travel sites mainly ask “where do you want to go?”
Wellness tourism organizations are defining the following preferences to better understand the difference between wellness vacation and wellness travel and put this important consideration at the forefront. Here are four travel tips on choosing the right wellness vacation.
1. Wellness Travel vs. Wellness Vacation
It’s important that you know what you want to get out of your trip. Secondly, it is good to be aware of what type of destination-seeker you are. One of the key differences between travelers seeking wellness travel versus travelers looking for a wellness vacation pertains to the resort’s main purpose.
Those who seek wellness travel want to have amenities and opportunities to continue their regular wellness routines. It is plausible that they prefer destinations that offer yoga, fitness rooms and the occasional wellness excursion.
In contrast, travelers looking for a wellness vacation want something more transformative. They prefer a travel experience that encourages them to change their existing habits and routines.
Are you wondering what counts for a wellness destination? Fitness boot-camps, spa indulgences and other wellness retreats are excellent examples of wellness vacations.
2. Complimentary Activities vs. Immersive Experience
Another major distinction between wellness travel and a wellness vacation involves the time spent participating in activities.
Wellness travelers are often going for other reasons. The primary motivation is not wellness per se. It may be business travel or leisure. Therefore, wellness travelers want occasional wellness activities.
On the other hand, those pursuing a wellness vacation spend nearly all of their time participating in wellness activities.
To put it short: wellness travel offers wellness activities as a compliment; whereas a wellness vacation offers activities as an immersive experience.
3. Primary vs. Secondary Travelers
Essentially those who wish to explore a wellness vacation are committed to pursuing wellness throughout their trip. After all, an avid interest in exploring wellness activities is the reason for their trip.
This is not typically the case for those seeking wellness travel. In this instance, the main reason for travel is not for wellness activities. Instead, it is for other reasons. Wellness travelers still like having opportunities for the occasional wellness endeavor.
Primary wellness travelers are those who want a real wellness vacation. On the other hand, secondary wellness travelers are those who want wellness included to some extent.
4. For Wellness Tourism, All Travelers Matter
Both groups are important for tourism when considering primary versus secondary wellness travelers. Be that as it may, secondary wellness travelers make up about 85 percent of individuals choosing wellness travel today.
Secondary travelers also desire a wellness vacation when they get the chance. Thus all types of wellness travelers are important for wellness tourism.
Wellness travel opportunities are growing by leaps and bounds. Regardless of the type of wellness activities you are seeking, the number of destinations to meet your needs are increasing. This is not only good for the industry. It’s good for the traveler, too.
About Vacayou
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