For most, holidays are a way to provide the opportunity to relax and escape, with 93% of people saying that being on holiday improves their well-being and mental health. This is according to ABTA, ABTA, a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry.
With well-being at the forefront of people’s minds for travel, and ‘closer-to-home’ European countries proving to be the destinations of choice for 2023, Comparethemarket reveals the first edition of its European wellness hotspots index.
As the fast pace of life continues to take its toll on people, many are seeking ways to unwind and relax. The demand for “wellness tourism” has skyrocketed in recent years as more individuals look for ways to escape the stress of daily life.
For those searching for the ultimate blend of breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering cuisine, and rejuvenating activities, Europe is the place to be. From the sunny beaches of Greece to the picturesque hills of Tuscany, this region offers some of the most serene and tranquil destinations in the world.
To make it easier for travellers to find the best locations for a peaceful escape, an index has been created highlighting European destinations that should be considered. This index takes into account a range of factors, including the number of green spaces, air and noise pollution levels, and the presence of spas and yoga studios.
Here are the top 10 European wellness locations:
- Prague
- Berlin
- Helsinki
- Sheffield
- Munich
- Barcelona
- Hamburg
- Leipzig
- Paris
- Frankfurt
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, takes the top wellness destination spot in Europe. With an abundance of green space (40%) and over two-hundred spas to choose from, the aptly nicknamed “City of a Hundred Spires” is the perfect place to relax
With low levels of noise pollution and a huge 336 spas to choose from, Berlin takes second place in the ranking. The city is an ideal wellness destination choice and is also an ideal place to visit for any yoga enthusiasts, with 21 studios to choose from.
Helsinki, Sheffield, and Munich are the remaining cities that make up the top five wellness destinations. Helsinki offers ample amounts of green space (43%), while Sheffield has the highest healthcare score (83). Coming fifth in the ranking is Munich, mainly due to low noise pollution levels (21%).
For those after a wellness retreat closer to home, Liverpool, Leicester, and Bristol all feature in the index showing that UK cities really can be a place to relax and unwind.
Commenting on the research, Anna McEntee, director at Comparethemarket, says: “If you’re looking for a wellness holiday – either in the UK or abroad – it’s important to check you have the correct level of travel insurance in place. This is even more important if you’re planning any activities such as yoga or any other sports.
A typical sports travel insurance policy should cover unforeseen circumstances, such as medical expenses, emergency transportation and stolen or damaged baggage, but it’s always important to check what the policy covers, as this differs between providers.”
