In today’s busy world, a bit of peace and balance go a long way. For this reason, many travel enthusiasts have decided to embrace the concept of soft travel.

Offering the opportunity to thoroughly refresh and recharge, soft travel has gained increased popularity in recent years. Many people are opting to spend more time at one destination and to enjoy more immersed experiences. Moreover, simplicity and spontaneity are being prioritized more.

For some travellers, soft travel has also been a way to enjoy authentic experiences while letting go of the pressure that comes with wanting to have the perfect holiday.

Here are a few tips to embrace soft travel:

Allow for spontaneity

When it comes to soft travel, spontaneity plays a crucial role. Although planning is important, make sure that your plans are flexible.

Have a loose schedule which will allow room for spontaneous interactions and recommendations from locals. This way, you will be able to enjoy an experience that is not too curated but rather authentic.

Spend time connecting with nature

Nature offers a number of refreshing experiences. Time spent in nature is also greatly advantageous for your well-being. Whether you are enjoying a hike or some camping, it helps to disconnect from a fast and busy life to enjoy nature’s embrace.

Less is more

Try to stay away from a jam-packed itinerary. Rather, stick to only a few activities and spend more time immersing yourself. This will ensure that you have experiences that are less rushed, but rather more immersed and authentic.

Consider a digital detox

Our technological devices provide much-needed convenience. However, taking regular breaks from all things digital is healthy and beneficial. When embracing soft travel, consider forgetting about constantly being on your phone to update your social media community in real time. Rather, capture special moments when necessary and spend the rest of your time enjoying authentic experiences that will leave you rested and recharged.

1. Srinagar, Jammu, India

Planning a budget-friendly trip doesn’t mean compromising on experiences. These 7 destinations offer the perfect mix of rich culture, natural beauty, and affordable travel options in 2025.

Srinagar, Jammu: Known for its serene lakes, lush gardens, and charming houseboats, Srinagar offers an unforgettable experience at affordable rates. Enjoy the natural beauty without overspending.

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A dynamic city with affordable accommodations, street food, and vibrant culture. Kuala Lumpur’s modern skyline, temples, and shopping spots are perfect for budget travelers.

3. Abu Dhabi, UAE

While often seen as a luxury destination, Abu Dhabi has affordable options for sightseeing, including beautiful beaches, cultural centers, and historic landmarks, perfect for those on a budget.

4. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer’s desert beauty, forts, and affordable camel rides make it a budget-friendly destination for those seeking adventure in Rajasthan.

5. Muscat, Oman

With its stunning beaches, desert landscapes, and historic forts, Muscat offers a budget-friendly experience. The city’s affordable hotels and markets are a plus for those looking to explore without high expenses.

6. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A city rich in history with attractions like the Royal Palace and Killing Fields, Phnom Penh is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable capitals, offering cheap accommodation and local cuisine.

7. Davao, Southern Philippines

Davao offers an inexpensive tropical escape with beautiful beaches, delicious local food, and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting at a fraction of the cost of other destinations.

Embark on a solo adventure in 2025! Explore the top 5 destinations perfect for solo travelers, from vibrant cities to serene landscapes. Get inspired to explore new horizons.

Kyoto, Japan: With its serene temples, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage, Kyoto is a dream destination for solo travelers. The city’s efficient transport system, friendly locals, and numerous solo-friendly accommodations make it easy to explore ancient shrines, tea houses, and scenic bamboo forests.

Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern vibes. Wander through its colorful streets, enjoy delicious pasteis de nata, and soak in the stunning views from Sao Jorge Castle. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant nightlife make it an excellent choice for solo explorers.

Queenstown, New Zealand: If you’re seeking adventure, Queenstown is the place to be. Known as the adventure capital of the world, it offers thrilling activities like bungee jumping, hiking, and skydiving. The friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes make it a solo traveler’s paradise.

Prague, Czech Republic: Prague’s fairy-tale charm, rich history, and affordable prices make it a top pick for solo travelers. Explore the iconic Charles Bridge, wander through the Old Town, and enjoy the city’s lively café culture. It’s an easy city to navigate and filled with friendly fellow travelers.

Bali, Indonesia: Bali is a haven for solo travelers looking for relaxation and self-discovery. From tranquil beaches to lush rice terraces and wellness retreats, the island offers endless opportunities to unwind and connect with like-minded travelers. Plus, the affordability and hospitality make it ideal for solo adventures.

For many students, entering the new year and simultaneously getting ready to begin the spring 2025 semester not only means gearing up for classes and returning to campus life, but it also means taking initiative and turning their goals into actual plans of action. And of course, lots of New Year’s resolutions include making wellness-oriented goals which can entail everything from self-care, to physical health and exercise, to nutrition, to mental wellness, and beyond.

For those who are serious about implementing these wellness goals into their student lives, it’s important to not only think about how one can achieve these goals while on campus, but also while they are away. The spring semester includes tons of opportunities for travel, from three-day weekend getaways, to spring break, to months abroad. And just because you are traveling, it doesn’t mean that all your goals need to be put on pause. Sure, it may be more challenging to stick to your wellness goals while traveling, and it will probably involve a bit more preparation and planning ahead of time, but it is not impossible. In fact, continuing to pursue your wellness goals while travelling could help you turn your short-term goals into long-term habits — which can even inspire you to continue these goals once the semester is over, or even after you graduate.

But like… how can you incorporate your wellness goals into your travels? Well, here are a few handy tips.

Create A Schedule

The first thing you should do to ensure you’re making time for your wellness goals while traveling is to actually make time for them. When you’re planning your itinerary for your trip, build in blocks of time that you can dedicate to whatever your wellness goals are. Similar to how you may have a morning self-care routine or weekly exercise regimen while at home, you can ensure you have time while traveling to do these things — even if it’s a modified version of them — as well.

Pack With Your Goals In Mind

Certain goals require certain items. For instance, if your goal is to drink more water, you might want to bring your favorite water bottle or tumbler to help you stay hydrated. If you’re aiming to take certain vitamins, be sure you have them with you. Instead of having to go shopping once you’re at your destination — or, more likely, realizing you don’t have what you need and thus letting your goal fall by the wayside — making sure you’re starting off with what you need will help set you up for success. Some other examples of things you might want to bring with you on your trip are running shoes, hair tools, skin care items, and essential oils.

If you have numerous wellness related goals or a lot of items you need to take with you, it can help you while packing to create a list of all the things you want to take so you don’t forget anything while packing your suitcase.

Find Wellness Classes Or Resources Where You’re Staying

Before you go, consider doing some research on where you’re staying — it might offer some ways to help you stick to your goals! This can include looking up whether or not the hotel or resort you are staying at has a gym, or if the city you are in has businesses or activities that might align with your goals. With wellness-focused traveling being a huge trend in 2025, many popular destinations are getting in on the fun, such as Disney Springs in Florida, which is offering a variety of free wellness-driven activities during January, or resorts around the world that offer wellness-focused amenities year-round.

Utilize “At Home” Workouts… Not At Home

If you aren’t able to find any wellness classes or gyms near where you will be staying while traveling, you can instead opt to work out at home (and by at home, I mean in your hotel room). You can use simple small equipment, take a jog around your resort, meditate, or get a yoga mat and do some indoor yoga. There are plenty of tutorials online for simple workouts you can do in the comfort of your own room.

Put Your Phone Down

While it is important to document fun memories during your trip, it’s also important to be in the moment and actually enjoy it all. If limiting your overall screen time is a wellness goal you have for 2025, you can maintain this goal while traveling by focusing on the activities you are doing or the sights you are seeing. Or, even if that’s not a specific goal of yours, being present and mindful can actually help you achieve your other goals.