Rejuvacations: The Ultimate In Stress-Free Travel

Getaway gurus are calling the latest trend in self-care travel “rejuvacations.” They are the kind of trips that leave your mind, body and soul refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Check out four of our favorite rejuvacations below to get ideas for your next trip.

Fly fishing

The repeated action of casting a fly into the water is calming and meditative. Best spots in the U.S. are around streams and lakes west of the Mississippi River. Guided experiences are available to those new to the sport.

Cow cuddling

This practice began in the Netherlands where they call it koe knuffelen. Hugging is comforting and snuggling up to animals has been shown to release stress and lower blood pressure. Hugging animals with a warm body, like cows, does the trick nicely. The Netherlands and Switzerland both offer cow cuddling experiences, however you may be able to convince a dairy farmer in Wisconsin to hook you up with a calm and welcoming Holstein, if you're lucky.

Forest bathing

In Japan, they call this shinrin-yoku, taking in the forest through your senses. Try a leisurely stroll in the woods. Watch how the sun filters through the trees. Hear the rustling of leaves. You can’t help but destress. Guided forest bathing experiences can be found anywhere from North Carolina to Sicily’s Mount Etna.

Wild swimming

Open-water swimming, once relegated to boot camps and triathlon training, has gained popularity again, particularly in the United Kingdom. Benefits include reduced fatigue, stress and inflammation, and the release of mood-enhancing dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin. Powerful swimmers need only to find a local body of chilly water and jump in. Others can build confidence by first practicing in an outdoor pool. 

Visit traveler.marriott.com/health-and-fitness/self-care-vacation.