If you look at the itinerary of someone traveling to a new city, you’d expect it to include everything they’ve never experienced before, from local cuisine to markets to popular tourist attractions. For years, people have focused on exploring as much as possible while traveling. They wanted to discover everything a place had to offer (precisely, almost everything), and they had little time to rest. But things have changed. Now, people prioritize leisure over constant activity.
According to a survey conducted by Hilton, 64% of global travelers want to cut back on some of their day-to-day expenses in favor of leisure travel in 2024. Statistics show that this shift will come after the pandemic, with Gen Z and millennials driving the trend. Clearly, this generation has their priorities right.
Sleep tourism, a subset of the leisure travel trend, is also on the rise. It’s quite simple: travelers are taking vacations to relax and rejuvenate. Imagine staying in luxurious accommodations, sleeping eight hours a day, enjoying good food, and just resting. Isn’t that all we want (and need)? Travelers are starting to take advantage of this emotion, to the point where they consider amenities that enhance the quality of their sleep when choosing their accommodation. That’s why wellness resorts, with features like soundproofing and high-quality bedding, are becoming increasingly popular.
According to a survey conducted by electronics company Philips, 93 percent of Indians are sleep-deprived. It’s fair to say that the trend is changing for the better. The best part is that there are very few drawbacks. In fact, taking a ‘nap’ may very well work in your favour.
Here’s how this can benefit your mind.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of culture
Though the word “hustle” may sound cringey now, the reality is that hustle still thrives in many workplaces. With work tasks and endless chores, it’s easy to forget to take breaks, which inevitably leads to burnout. Taking a few days off and visiting a relaxing place can help you regain your work efficiency and get out of burnout. For example, you can stay near a beach or a lake. One option to consider is The Leela Palace in Udaipur. Here, you can soothe your mind with the serenity of Lake Pichola. For mountain lovers, Vivanta by Taj in Coorg is the place to go. Relax amidst greenery in the perfect climate. This is the escape you need to clear your mind.
Supercharge your creativity
If you work in a creative field, I highly recommend adding at least one such trip to your bucket list, as it will give you a creative boost. Trust me, some of the most creative ideas come to you suddenly when you’re doing nothing. Getting away from your daily routine allows your mind to wander freely and gives you new perspectives. It’s a chance to recharge your creative batteries, get inspired and rejuvenate.
Improved sleep quality
This is a great opportunity to make up for lost sleep. Sleep should be a priority as the quality of your sleep directly impacts your physical and mental health. This journey will rewire your brain and you will notice your routines and patterns change for the better. Some wellness retreats have special sleep programs that teach you how to improve your sleep quality. Some facilities like Six Senses, Ananda in the Himalayas, and Swaswara in Gokarna explicitly offer such programs and you can opt for them. For those unfamiliar with these programs, they offer personalized sleep assessments, Ayurvedic therapies, relaxation therapies, yoga sessions, etc. to help you improve your sleep.
Self-reflection
This journey will provide you with valuable time for self-reflection, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and explore feelings and thoughts you may have avoided. You will reflect on your goals, values and priorities and return with greater clarity. It may even inspire you to take a new direction in your life.
Main image credit: Pexels
Also read: 4 Luxury Travel Destinations to Visit in 2024
Also read: Harper’s Bazaar editors reveal their favorite hotels around the world
