As a practicing physician and a wellness travel tour operator, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact that travel can have on health and well-being. Beyond being fun, exciting, and educational, travel has the power to heal—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.
Wellness adventure travel can embody many of the fundamental elements of lifestyle medicine in real time. Movement, whole foods, relaxation, and community—four of the six pillars—can be woven into the experience. Restorative sleep may also be part of the mix, though travel can sometimes bring early mornings or jet lag. For many of us, self-care takes a back seat to life’s daily stressors and demands. But when we step outside our routine, it becomes easier to shift the focus back to ourselves.
The physical: movement, nourishment, and renewal
The benefits of exercise and healthy eating are well known, yet for many, they take a back seat. However, when tied to a meaningful goal, motivation can shift dramatically. One woman signed up for what she considered the trip of a lifetime. She saw it as a turning point—a moment to prioritize herself after years of putting everyone else first. By the time the trip arrived, she had lost fifty pounds and felt stronger and more energized than she had in years. Another traveler, who had always dreaded the gym, found new motivation in preparing for a trip with hiking. The fear of not being able to complete the hike pushed her to train for three months. That experience reshaped her mindset, and she now uses active travel as a way to maintain her fitness long term.
While travel is often associated with indulgence, wellness-focused experiences naturally encourage healthier choices. And if you leave the U.S., you’ll’ often find that whole foods are much more the norm. Being surrounded by a like-minded group also creates an environment where making better choices feels easier and more natural.
For some, travel can be stressful. But on a well-curated trip, decisions are minimized, and logistics are taken care of, creating space for relaxation. Kayaking on a lake, walking on a mountain path, or spending time in a spa can be powerful antidotes to stress. Have you ever gone away for six days and felt like you were gone for two weeks? That’s because time expands when we travel. When we’re immersed in a new experience or breathtaking landscape, we naturally become more present. In this way, travel becomes a moving mindfulness practice.
The emotional: the power of connection
For many, travel is not just about where we go, but who we share it with. In group travel, the simple act of experiencing something together—being witnessed, supported, and encouraged—can be transformative.
One woman reflected after a women’s group trip that she hadn’t realized how much she missed a sense of connection since her children left for college. That realization led her to reconnect with old friends upon returning home. Another traveler described how the support of a group helped her feel truly seen, reminding her that she was worthy of love and belonging.
Travel also fosters connection beyond one’s immediate circle. Engaging with people from different cultures—whether guides, shop owners, or strangers along the way—deepens our sense of belonging to a global community. Recognizing our shared human experience across cultural differences can ease feelings of loneliness or isolation.
On a personal note, I experienced a time of deep loss when my twins left for college and my father passed away within a month of each other. I decided to go on a trek in Nepal. Just the act of preparing helped me reconnect with my husband, take better care of my body, and find something to look forward to. During the trip, I learned from the Nepali people different perspectives on loss and life cycles. That, along with hours of quiet time while walking in the mountains, was deeply healing. When I returned home with renewed energy, I found new purpose—and ultimately started my business.
The spiritual: awe as medicine
Many of the most transformative travel experiences take place in nature, where the sheer beauty of the surroundings evokes awe and wonder. Watching the sunset over vast desert dunes, standing in the immensity of the mountains, or gazing up at a sky filled with stars—these moments can shift something deep within us. Research has shown that awe can expand our perspective, connect us to something greater, and remind us of our place in the world (Chirico & Gaggioli, 2018).
Stepping away from daily routines creates space for reflection—on identity, values, and the path ahead. Too often, we move through life caught in the relentless rhythm of responsibilities. Travel offers a rare opportunity to pause, to recharge, and to reconnect—not just with the world, but with ourselves.
A journey toward healing
At its core, travel is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about growth, renewal, and transformation. Whether it’s the motivation to prepare our bodies for an active adventure, the joy of shared experiences, or the deep sense of awe that comes from immersing ourselves in nature, travel has the power to heal. And sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside of our daily lives to remember just how capable, connected, and alive we truly are.
Stacey Funt is a practicing physician, health coach, and founder of LH Adventure Travel, where she curates and leads women’s global wellness travel experiences in breathtaking natural settings and diverse cultures. She also designs private group and couples’ trips. Each itinerary is rooted in the principles of lifestyle medicine, incorporating movement, nourishment, relaxation, and community to promote well-being and meaningful connection.
Dr. Funt has lectured nationally on physician well-being and self-care and has led workshops for health care professionals and the public. Her travel writing has been featured in Go World Travel Magazine.
Through her work, she helps people reconnect with themselves, embrace adventure, and experience the joy and healing power of travel. Learn more at LH Adventure Travel or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
