For James Carter, a 42-year-old graphic designer from Boston, travel has always been more than just an escape—it’s been a lifeline. After a grueling divorce left him grappling with anxiety and sleepless nights, he decided to set aside his camera for a while and focus on something else entirely: healing. “I needed to reset,” James explains, “not just to take a vacation, but to truly feel like myself again. And I knew the only way to do that was to go somewhere that calms the mind and recharges the soul.”
James isn’t alone in turning to travel for mental well-being. A growing number of people are seeking destinations not just for their beauty or culture but for their ability to provide a restorative experience—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Studies back up this trend. According to research from the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism grew 6.5% annually between 2017 and 2019, twice as fast as the overall travel sector. And in a post-pandemic world, as more individuals grapple with burnout and mental health challenges, this trend shows no signs of slowing.
The Healing Power of Place
One of James’s first healing journeys took him to Iceland, a country renowned for its otherworldly landscapes and soothing geothermal waters. “I remember sitting in the Blue Lagoon with this mist rising all around me,” he recalls. “It was like being wrapped in silence, with nothing but the sound of water. It was exactly what I needed.”
Iceland is just one of many destinations whose natural settings are believed to support mental health. The country’s dramatic glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and tranquil hot springs have made it a beacon for those seeking solace and reconnection with nature. And there’s science to support this. Studies have shown that spending time in green or blue spaces—forests, rivers, and oceans—can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mental health.
Similarly, Japan’s ancient practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, has gained global popularity for its proven psychological benefits. Visitors immerse themselves in serene woodland environments, walking slowly and mindfully to engage their senses. In fact, forest bathing has become such a global phenomenon that destinations like the Black Forest in Germany and Aokigahara in Japan now offer guided tours and retreats dedicated to the practice.
For travelers like James, destinations that allow for this type of immersion can make all the difference. “There’s something about being in nature that forces you to slow down,” he says. “You can’t rush through it. You just have to exist in the moment.”
Beyond Nature: The Role of Culture and Philosophy
While natural settings are a cornerstone of travel’s mental health appeal, cultural factors can also play a significant role. Bhutan, often dubbed “the happiest country in the world,” has emerged as a leading destination for those looking to recalibrate their lives.
The Himalayan kingdom is famous for its unique approach to national progress, measured not by GDP but by Gross National Happiness. Visitors are drawn to Bhutan not only for its monasteries and snow-capped peaks but also for the opportunity to experience its mindful way of life. “It’s hard not to feel a sense of peace when you’re surrounded by people who truly prioritize well-being,” James says, reflecting on his time there.
For those seeking even deeper introspection, silent retreats have become increasingly popular. Locations like Plum Village in France and Kopan Monastery in Nepal offer multi-day or even multi-week retreats where participants relinquish their phones, embrace silence, and focus on meditation. While the prospect might intimidate some, the rewards can be profound. As James puts it: “You learn to hear your own thoughts again, without all the noise of daily life.”
Therapeutic Activities: Healing Through Action
In addition to places, certain activities are emerging as uniquely therapeutic. For example, scuba diving is gaining recognition not just as a recreational sport but as a form of underwater therapy. The weightlessness of diving, combined with controlled breathing techniques, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Destinations like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Red Sea in Egypt have become hotspots for travelers seeking both adventure and peace of mind.
Similarly, yoga and wellness retreats are booming, particularly in destinations like Bali and Costa Rica. These retreats combine physical exercise with mindfulness practices, offering visitors the chance to reset their minds and bodies.
For James, such activities were integral to his healing process. “I went to a yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali, and it wasn’t just the yoga itself,” he explains. “It was the sense of community, of being surrounded by people who were all trying to heal in their own ways. That was powerful.”
The Ethics of Travel as Therapy
While the mental health benefits of travel are undeniable, the trend isn’t without its ethical considerations. Critics argue that the commodification of wellness can sometimes exploit local cultures or environments. For example, indigenous healing practices, such as Ayahuasca ceremonies in South America, have become heavily commercialized, raising questions about cultural appropriation and the sustainability of such experiences.
Additionally, the environmental impact of long-haul travel cannot be ignored. A single flight to a remote wellness retreat may offer personal healing, but at what cost to the planet? Destinations like Bhutan have tried to address this by promoting sustainable tourism, capping the number of visitors and implementing hefty tourism fees to minimize environmental strain.
For James, these questions aren’t easily answered. “I’m aware that my travels have a footprint,” he admits. “But I try to be mindful—supporting local businesses, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, and avoiding overly commercialized experiences. It’s about finding a balance.”
A Prescription for the Soul
In an age where burnout and anxiety are at an all-time high, travel offers a powerful antidote. From the tranquil fjords of Iceland to the ancient temples of Bhutan, destinations around the globe are providing not just an escape, but a path to healing.
For James, the journey has been transformative. “I started traveling to fix what was broken in me,” he reflects. “But along the way, I discovered so much more—new ways of seeing the world, new ways of understanding myself. Travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you come back.”
As the world grapples with a growing mental health crisis, perhaps it’s time to see travel not as a luxury, but as a prescription for the soul. After all, the road less traveled might just lead us back to ourselves.
