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Why are Spiritual Vacations all the Rage?

Written by Jackie Wiliamson.

If you dream of visiting Uluru in Australia, the dreamlike Arenal volcano in Costa Rica, then welcome to the club. 

Nature and ecotourism are booming among avid travelers. Similarly, with non-profit organizations, Sustainable Travel International reporting that nearly 60% of U.S. leisure travelers are interested in travel to pristine natural locations  . This type of travel is mainly to learn more about these areas and contribute to their conservation.

Much of the appeal of nature has to do with the important role nature plays in spirituality. A Pew Research study noted that American millennial’s  are turning their backs on organized religion. This is also happening at a fast pace, but they are keener than ever on feeding their spiritual needs.

New Ideas of Spirituality

Spirituality is a wide concept.  Spirituality is the idea that all sentient things are connected by a life force or energy. In a study on youth attitudes towards spirituality, Richard Flory and Donald Miller concludes that millennial’s are not “the spiritual consumers of their parents’ generation.

Likewise, they are seeking both a deep spiritual experience and a community experience. Both of these provides them with meaning in their lives, and is meaningless without the other.”

Millennial’s may not be drawn to a group that follows a specific religion.  Instead they are looking for a blend of spirituality and community support. Without both ingredients, the meaning is lacking.

Spirituality Defined by Each Person

A report by Harvard academics called How We Gather notes that many young people are using activities such as travel to fulfill some roles played by religious communities. This travel gives time to reflect. 

Spirituality can be found in meditation, or yoga.  Likewise, many find it through the connections they make on social media, or at the gym. Today, the definition of spirituality is almost limitless.

Why is Nature such a Popular Choice for Honing Spirituality?

Carl Jung believed that nature provided human beings with powerful symbols of the eternal and universal. 

In busy cities, it is easy to feel that we are insignificant and alone. Nature can be a reminder of our inexorable connection to all humanity; this experience was crucial, said Jung, for mental health and well being.

Travel is undoubtedly one of the reasons why the top choice for honeymoons or winding down from a stressful lifestyle,includes relaxation.  Vacations involving nature and the beach, lush jungles and forests, or mountains evoke spirituality.

Spiritual Holidays with a Mindfulness Focus

Some travelers are opting to do more than simply ‘be’ in nature. Likewise, they are harnessing the documented stress-reducing power of mindfulness.  These include yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong, by opting for retreats focused on these activities.

Similarly, ‘yoga camps’ and meditation workshops in the great outdoors are growing in popularity.  They provide an efficient way to discover a new place while also taking steps to reduce stress, instill a more mindful state, and find greater purpose or meaning in one’s life.

Spirituality means more

The popularity of nature holidays are a reflection of the interest younger generations have in spirituality. Spiritual vacations can boost travelers’ mental health as well as well being through spirituality.

Studies show that those who are spiritual are happier, are also less stressed.  Vacations can now fill the soul! 

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