29 Jun The Growing Demand for Wellness Travel Among Parents

Wellness travel is a form of tourism that concentrates on enhancing one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being through a wide range of activities, experiences, and services. These trips can include indulging in spa treatments, attending yoga retreats, participating in meditation sessions, joining fitness classes, and eating healthily. Ultimately, wellness travel is not only advantageous for individuals but also for families as it can promote bonding, relaxation, and happiness.

Nevertheless, wellness travel is often perceived as a luxury or a niche market that caters primarily to young singles or couples who have the time and financial means to indulge in self-care. This stereotype may exclude a large and growing segment of travellers who are in dire need of wellness travel: parents.

Why Parents Need Wellness Travel More

Parents face numerous challenges and sources of stress in their daily lives, such as striking a balance between work and family responsibilities, raising children, managing household chores, dealing with financial pressures, and coping with social expectations. These factors can take a toll on their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships with their partners and children. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2021, 48% of parents reported higher levels of stress compared to non-parents.

Hence, parents can greatly benefit from wellness travel as a means to boost their energy, improve their health, and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. Wellness travel provides parents with an opportunity to break away from their daily routines, enjoy quality time with their family, and engage in activities that promote well-being and happiness.

According to a report by the market intelligence company Morning Consult, parents are showing an increasing interest in wellness travel compared to non-parents. The report revealed that parents were nearly twice as likely to have plans to travel to improve their physical health, and almost one in three parents expressed their intention to travel to enhance their mental health. Furthermore, the report suggested that parents were less interested in travelling for relaxation or cultural experiences and more interested in travelling for health-related purposes.

A Shift in Priorities

Morning Consult’s report also indicated that parents are beginning to prioritise their own needs alongside those of their children when planning their trips. For instance, a parent named Kristen Graff embarked on a diving trip with her family to Fiji in 2022. She explained that the trip offered activities that were enjoyable for everyone, but they decided to undertake it primarily for themselves rather than solely for the children. While they set aside one day for activities specifically tailored to the children, the majority of their time was spent in the water.

This exemplifies that wellness travel does not have to exclude family travel. In fact, wellness travel can be an excellent way for parents to introduce their children to healthy habits and lifestyles, expose them to different cultures and environments, and create lasting memories. Additionally, it can strengthen family bonds.

A Significant Opportunity for the Wellness Travel Industry

The increasing demand for wellness travel among parents presents a significant opportunity for the wellness travel industry. Parents, who face numerous stressors and responsibilities, can greatly benefit from these trips to recharge, improve their well-being, and strengthen their relationships.

To capitalise on this trend, wellness companies and investors should focus on creating family-friendly wellness travel packages that cater to the needs and interests of both parents and children. Offering a variety of activities, such as spa treatments, fitness classes, and cultural experiences, can attract parents seeking holistic wellness experiences.

By acknowledging and accommodating parents’ desire for wellness travel, the industry can thrive and foster a healthier and happier generation of families. Contact us today to learn more about how you can invest in wellness travel.