From yoga retreats and beachside boot camps to trekking holidays and water sport adventures, health-conscious Brits are increasingly seeking holidays that will enhance their physical and mental wellbeing – now coined as ‘holisti-holidays’.
According to the latest YouGov data, 47% of UK travellers prioritise ‘space for relaxation and wellbeing’ when choosing their holiday destinations. And with online holiday searches for ‘wellness retreat’ expected to hit an all-time high this Spring, it’s clear that the demand for restorative getaways is stronger than ever.
But before packing for that transformative escape, Dr Asimah Hanif, working with leading travel insurance provider Staysure, warns that there’s one essential thing wellness-seeking travellers must check, or risk turning their dream holiday into a costly nightmare.
“Active holidays are brilliant for your physical and mental health,” says Dr Asimah. “But with increased exercise comes an increased risk of injury. Travellers must check they’ve secured appropriate travel insurance before heading abroad, protecting themselves against unexpected medical costs if injuries happen.”
While Gen Z travellers are leading the charge for adventure-filled escapes, nearly two in ten Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, respectively, are jetting off for more dynamic holidays. These include adventure trips focused on exploring destinations and outdoor-focused activities and responsible travel prioritising wellness, environmental impact, or cultural exploration.
Research into over-50s’ intentions also found that most (62%) said they need to embrace life more than they currently do. This sentiment was shared more commonly among women (68%) than men (54%). In fact, 52% of women and 42% of men say they have actively adopted a ‘life is too short’ attitude since turning 50.
“It’s fantastic to see more people across the generations embracing ‘holisti-holidays.’ However, before you buy travel insurance, it’s vital to check whether your policy covers all the planned activities you’re likely to want to enjoy,” Dr Asimah advises. Most policies cover a range of standard activities included in the cover, but some may need to be added to the policy. “For instance, skiing, winter sports, and mountaineering often require specialist cover, and information on specific cover can usually be found on an insurer’s website.”
“Whether your goal is to improve mindfulness at a wellness retreat or get your heart pumping with an action-packed cultural adventure, having the right insurance policy in place to protect you financially against unforeseen circumstances will keep your heart racing for all the right reasons.”
With adventure and wellness holidays on the rise, Dr Asimah shares her expert tips to prevent exercise injuries while enjoying an active holiday:
“Looking after your body is important at any age. So, here are my top tips to help prevent exercise-related injuries in adventurous and relaxing activities.”
- Warm up properly: “Try not to rush into activities, especially new adventures. Warmups are essential to ease the body into physical activity and prevent injury. Doing this correctly means your muscles will be prepped to react quickly should you lose your balance or take a stumble.”
- Stretch it out: “Remember to stretch during vigorous exercise and take breaks where necessary. It’s essential to prevent your muscles from being overly stressed during exercise.”
- Cool down for longer than you think: “Just as it’s important to warm up, it’s also essential to cool down after intense exercise. This helps lower your heart rate gradually and helps to prevent injuries.”
- Prioritise hydration: “This one is especially important if you’re doing vigorous physical activity in a hot climate. When you’re sweating a lot in a warm environment, your body will be losing more water than usual, increasing risk of dehydration. Ensure you keep a bottle of water to hand and take regular breaks in the shade to cool off.”
- Shield yourself from the sun: “If you’re hiking on paths where you’ll be exposed to the sun all day, make sure to wear a sunhat, keep your shoulders covered, and wear a water-resistant sunscreen. I always recommend SPF 30 to 50+.”
- Don’t overlook insurance: “Even with the best precautions, sometimes things take an unexpected turn so buy a policy that is tailored to your trip and be sure to declare all pre-existing medical conditions. The right travel insurance policy provides important financial protection, against things like lost or stolen luggage, cancellation, travel delays and a medical emergency ensuring mishaps out of your control don’t lead to financial stress.”
- Invest in the right equipment: “On hikes up mountainous paths, it’s super important to wear the correct footwear. A properly fitting pair of hiking boots will support your ankles whilst you’re trekking through uneven terrain, meaning if you lose your balance, you’ll be at a lesser risk of injury.”
- Know your limits: “When exercising in a group setting, it’s normal to feel the pressure to keep up with others and not fall behind, but this can lead to over-exertion. It’s important to know your limits and communicate any pre-existing injuries you might have to the instructor, so you don’t get injured.”
So, before embarking on your next rejuvenating getaway, double-check your travel insurance cover—because peace of mind is the ultimate wellness boost.
