Across the globe, humanity experienced emotional trauma this past year. As we are closer to seeing the light at the end of this bumpy road, there are important ways you can help your clients heal. We know that travel supports wellbeing. While many considered it a luxury in years past, it's become clear that not changing our scenery can negatively impact our mental wellness. But do your clients know that travel can heal?

Healing travel is designed for emotional and physical healing. The ultimate goal is to heal your soul. Someone traveling for healing has the intention of being open to receive support, the willingness to go deeper within. While a healing trip includes elements of wellness like yoga, meditation, and time in nature; in contrast a wellness trip does not always include healing. For example, a traveler can choose a trip with hiking to support their wellbeing. Maybe they decide to be pampered with aesthetic spa treatments. With this lovely time away, it's entirely possible that they do not invest in looking within. And without that, there is no healing.

Emotional healing through travel starts with a change of scenery. Staying at a hotel, resort, or wellness center is recommended so your client can allow someone else to take care of them. That leaves them time, space, and energy to focus on their healing journey. Some may know what they need to work through, while others may learn that during their experience. After this past year, many people are likely to need a source of joy and release. Think about the emotions you have felt during the pandemic. Write down the darkest moments. This will give insight into what your clients could be feeling. At Le Monastere des Augustines, clients can have a Holistic Health consultation at the beginning of their stay to determine the best itinerary to support them. Each property will guide you in the best ways to inform your clients. An emotional healing stay could include walking meditations, infrared sauna treatments, metaphysical readings, life mapping, or EMDR. (This is clearly a short list of all that is available.)

Different from medical tourism and more in line with functional medicine, healing offers more holistic solutions for physical ailments. There are many science-based modalities and technology available to aid in recovery. The Farm at San Benito has Integrative Medicine doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and physical therapists on staff and offer Cigna Global Healthcare-Accredited treatments to address occupational and chronic pain. Canyon Ranch Tucson offers osteoporosis prevention and bone density evaluation with a physician using DEXA technology. Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa uses 30 different technologies for their Health Optimising program. Travelers interested in what Westerners call "alternative treatments" can look to frequency healing, reiki, acupuncture, Ayurveda, and food as medicine.

When should a client consider healing travel for physical or emotional ailments? This is an extremely personal choice. The best thing you can do is let them know these options are available.

Contributor:

Jackie Roby is Chief Excellence Officer at Inspired Journey Consulting, a Boston-based business dedicated to wellness, healing, and transformational tourism. She is a sales strategist & social media amplifier for wellness travel businesses. Jackie is a Diversity Equity Inclusion advocate with over 19 years of experience in travel and hospitality sales. IJC's vision is to create a world where marginalized people feel empowered to be their authentic selves, where traveling is a tool for inclusion, to enhance the cultural wellness in the travel industry, and grow emotional intelligence, healing, & self-care for a kinder humanity.

Find out more about Jackie Roby here: https://inspiredjourneyconsulting.com/travelcanheal/