Life can get pretty overwhelming at times. If you’re feeling super stressed and burnt out, it may be time to take a step back. Taking the time out to refresh and reset yourself will help you be more centered and balanced going forward.

Here are a few wellness travel ideas to help get your creative juices flowing:

Meditation Retreats

Meditation is an ancient way to screen out excess distractions and get in touch with your inner core. Of course, that’s much easier said than done, which is why a dedicated retreat is a great way to really focus and learn a new skill under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You may realize something profound, and you may not, but either way you’ll pick up some useful skills to take home with you.

Whether you travel all the way to India or look for something more local, there are plenty of options out there ranging from intense 12-day silent Vipassana mediation retreats to more casual weekend courses. You’ll want to pick something that matches your comfort zone and your level of experience, and make sure that you’re physically and emotionally ready for the challenge.

Yoga Courses and Retreats

A bit more active, although potentially just as introspective as a meditation retreat, is the chance to get serious about yoga with an immersive retreat. There are courses available in many (mostly warm and somewhat exotic) locales catering to yoga practitioners of all skill levels. Whether you choose to take an intensive yoga course or just go somewhere warm and dabble in a few classes, you’ll definitely find yourself leaving more relaxed.

Mexico is very popular for yoga retreats, particularly for the West Coast. Consider a small town getaway to somewhere like Sayulita (an hour north of Puerto Vallarta), where there are the copious yoga instructors, beautiful scenery and great food.

There are many different schools and philosophies of yoga, so do a little research to make sure your chosen retreat lines up with both your skill level and your general goals and desires.

Destination Spas

You can get a massage in pretty much any town in America, but why stop there? Take a spa vacation and spend your entire trip being pampered and relaxed. Destination spas are usually a luxury travel experience where you’ll sleep in a fancy hotel and indulge in a variety of spa treatments as well as enjoying beautiful natural surroundings.

Historically, these resorts are centered around natural hot springs; however, now you can find indulgent spa experiences in a variety of locations around the world. Some high profile destination spas include Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Canyon Ranch in Tuscon. Expect offerings like natural hot spring baths, massages and other body treatments. Some also offer medical or cosmetic services. This type of wellness travel comes with a heavy price tag but it may be worth it to leave feeling like a totally new person.

Written By:

STEPHANIE YODER

Editor-in-Chief and owner of Twenty-Something Travel, Stephanie Yoder, is a contributor for TripIt’s blog. In 2010, Stephanie left her office job to become a freelance writer and blogger. Stephanie has spent time living in China, Argentina and Mexico. Married to a fellow travel blogger, Stephanie’s life is full of adventure and new places. With a natural itch to be on the move, she had dedicated her life to traveling and sharing her adventures with the world.