Destinations that won’t ‘weigh’ you down
Who doesn’t love a holiday? Eating your way though the patisserie-lined avenues of Paris, carb-loading in Italy, laying on a beach in Bali all day?
If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you definitely aren’t the only one.
Staying active and healthy whilst on holidays (or wellness travel) is becoming more and more popular – because who wants to come home looking worse than when they left?
Research from Cheapflights shows that there has been a 58 per cent increase in searches for healthier destinations, where travellers and locals alike get active and eat well.
Nathan Graham, Regional Sales Manager at Cheapflights ANZ, said that Aussies are increasingly concerned with their health and this effects where they want to travel to.
“Year-on-year searches via Cheapflights.com.au have increased 115 per cent to Japan, a destination known for sushi and ski slopes, and there has also been a 52 per cent increase to the Swiss Alps, where travellers will find opportunities to stay active regardless of what time of year they go,” he said.
Results from the Global Wellness Tourism Economy Report (GWTER) also indicate staggering growth in wellness travel around the world, showing that wellness tourism is projected to grow over nine per cent through 2017 – almost 50 per cent faster than the rest of global tourism.
And with wellness travel on the rise, it’s no surprise that Aussies are looking for more health-conscious destinations.
To help curb any potential creep of holiday kilos, Cheapflights.com.au has put together a destination guide to places with a focus on health and fitness:
Los Angeles, USA
For travellers keen to experience the latest in food and exercise, look no further than trend-setting LA. Boutique workout classes are all the rage in Hollywood – where visitors can sweat it out with celebrity regimes the likes of ‘Megaformer’ (next-level reformer Pilates).
LA is also a hiker’s paradise, offering numerous trails like the famous Runyon Canyon Loop. The city’s innovative food scene is thriving too, with constantly evolving organic juice bars, plant-based restaurants and superfood-inspired menus.
Phuket, Thailand
From yoga retreats to sleep wellness programs and detox treatments, Phuket offers endless opportunities to unwind. The abundance of fresh fruit and locally grown produce also makes it the perfect place to rid your body of toxins.
Those really keen to up the intensity might enjoy trying the nation’s famous martial arts training Muay Thai.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The city’s varied terrain makes it the adventure sports capital of the Southern Hemisphere. There’s nothing like a day of sub-alpine hiking, white-water rafting or river surfing to keep in shape.
For a more structured approach, you can book a stay in a health sanctuary such as the Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, located just outside of Queenstown.
Here, guests can dedicate themselves to wellbeing, with scheduled interval training sessions, yoga and hikes against the stunning scenery of Glenorchy’s fjords.
Jungfrau region, Switzerland
In a place dubbed the top of Europe, it’s hard to remain horizontal. With fresh Alpine air filling your lungs, the outdoors beckons in the Jungfrau region, located in the Swiss Alps.
Across all seasons, it’s a dream destination for thrill seekers – the skiing in winter is unparalleled and in summer there’s no better place for hiking and biking.
Surrounded by 360- degree mountain views it’ll be easy to forget how hard you’re actually working!
Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese are renowned around the world for their long lives, which is partly a result of their healthy diets, rich in lean fish and largely vegetarian.
Fuelling up on Japanese cuisine such as sashimi, broths and hiyayakko will tantalise your taste buds while keeping your weight in check.
The city is also a hub for high-tech fitness such as the trend of futuristic rock climbing: bouldering.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Cheapflights.com.au exercise fitness Wellness travelLatest News
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
APT Luxury Travel launches has launched its Asia Sale featuring 20 trips, with journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia as highlights, as well as opportunities to explore Japan, South Korea, India and Sri Lanka. It’s ‘Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong’ land and river cruise tour for example takes guests on an all-inclusive 11-day journey through Vietnam […]
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.