Corporate Travel Expert in Charlotte, North Carolina

The pandemic has taught us all the importance of self-care! Staying at home the entire time can be draining, considering you can’t really meet people or go out to new eateries.

Or do anything new. 

In this challenging time, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a bunch of resources on self-care; Here are some I’ve already shared, before: 

As a travel consultant focusing on wellness travel, I often get asked if I also plan yoga-retreat-vacations – which is something I am working on as part of my complete travel package, sometime in the future!! 

But naturally, since we can’t travel right now – for yoga, for adventure sports, or anything at all – I thought I’d make yet another compilation. This time, it’s a compilation of 7 yoga tips for you to engage in this peaceful activity at home to soothe your nerves during this challenging period. 

Whether you are just starting your first yoga class or just have a few classes under your belt, these tips will help you get the most out of your attempt to do yoga. 

One of the first tips I can give is to start yoga with an open mind and a willingness to continue. 

Be aware that meditation and yogic breathing (pranayama) are two essential practices that complement the movement part of yoga asanas. 

While asana and posture are important for physical health in yoga practice, yoga philosophy and meditation practice can also do wonders for your mind, emotional health and general well-being. 

Whether you have been practising yoga for years or are just beginning your journey, if you decide to venture deeper down the right path, the depth of yoga and its benefits will continue to unfold for you.

Create a yoga spot in your home 

No, you don’t need to have a spot permanently dedicated to yoga, but when you ARE practising, you will need to be in a place that has ample space and is preferably peaceful and quiet. 

You’ve probably heard of people setting up yoga spaces with incense sticks and candles – and these are delightful additions to have, to get you in the zone. But they are not necessary. 

Use a yoga mat 

Get yourself a yoga mat, or a carpet you can practise on. You don’t necessarily need a yoga mat, but a non-slip one can keep your hands and legs from slipping when you do your exercises. That said, you can also work with a carpet.

If you’re looking to buy a yoga mat, you can get some really good ones online! Decathlon’s online store has a few great ones! But do your research to find one that fits your budget. 

Warm up before you start

Warming your body up, like with any other exercise, is important so that you don’t injure yourself. This article I found tells you more about warming up properly: https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/practice/a-gentle-yoga-warm-up. 

Do it regularly

Just like patterns in nature, the key is to be consistent. Don’t focus on doing yoga for elongated periods of time; instead, focusing on doing it regularly – even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day – can be far more rewarding for your mind and body.

Find an online class that you like

Although this is not a ‘mandatory’ tip, it’s one way you can ensure you do yoga correctly and regularly. The pandemic has helped a lot of yoga teachers take their classes online – which is particularly helpful if you’re looking at learning from international teachers! A simple Google search for yoga teachers online will show you a whole bunch of teachers that you can contact. 

Or use YouTube videos

You can also learn from teachers on YouTube. Of course, you won’t be able to connect with them one-on-one, but it’s free and you can leave questions in the comments section! 

Here is a great channel that teaches you how to do yoga right: https://www.youtube.com/c/YogaForCureVideos – and the best part is, it’s from India, the birthplace of yoga! The instructor is experienced and her instructions are simple to follow. 

Practise Shavasana

‘Shavasana’ is basically a posture that involves lying down. Literally just that – lying down. Did you know that lying down on your back can help you align your spine, help you focus on breathing correctly, aiding better digestion – and most of all, just feeling relaxed. 

Sometimes, lying down with our eyes shut for a few moments is all we need for our bodies to feel rejuvenated. Try it out the next time you’re feeling drained in the middle of a normal day to see how it makes you feel! 

By lying down and concentrating on your breathing, you bring yourself back into your reality, and allow yourself to experience mindful living, which promotes your mental peace. 

Post Covid…

You can take an offline yoga class and try different yoga styles and attend meditation retreats to enhance the way you live life! 

If you don’t feel you can do yoga on your own, go to a studio to take a yoga class. If you are a beginner who wants to start with online yoga, you can find one of the best yoga studios in your area or online for yoga classes that suit your time and schedule. 

I look forward to being able to take you away to some of the best yoga retreats, depending on what part of the world you want to visit! 

In case you’re already planning a trip for the forthcoming year or even later, you can contact me and set up a consultation call, where we can chat about where you would like to go and whether you are looking to go on a purely yoga-oriented vacation or a vacation that also includes a yoga retreat!

Trying to figure out when the travel ban will be lifted in the USA is tricky; because although a few places are open for us to travel to right now, it may not be a good idea to do so. Naturally, this is because we want to stay indoors as much as possible so that the virus stops spreading, and we can ALL, collectively, revert to our normal lives ASAP. 

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to go back to normal! The new normal is not for me, because a world where I can’t travel freely is not an idea I like very much. 

As for understanding when the travel ban will be lifted – I cannot honestly say. However, what I do know is that we CAN still avoid the blues of not being able to travel. I thought long and hard, and came up with a solution that helps us deal with not being able to fly far this year – hiking!

Hiking

Although taking a hiking trip close to where you live is perhaps not your ideal summer trip, you will be astonished to learn just how fulfilling it is! 

A few weeks ago, I shared some COVID-friendly guidelines for you to keep in mind when you go hiking. Here’s the link, just in case you forgot. 

For a lot of people, hiking is a way of life. You will find hikers who can’t get enough of following their favourite trails and exploring new ones. So much that a normal vacation itinerary for them also includes a whole lot of hiking. 

Me? I wasn’t a hiking person at all. The outdoorsy life was never for me, especially since I am more of a peaceful vacationer. 

Except, I couldn’t stand staying at home the entire time. So I decided to do something I’ve never really cared for; and went hiking.

And, dear reader, you will not believe just how fulfilling it was! Here’s a short video describing my hiking experience (link to the IG video). 

Here are some reasons that hiking is such a fulfilling experience: 

Hiking can help solve a lot of your health problems and prevent others 

There are a number of ways in which hiking can contribute to improved physical health. From better cardiovascular health to a lowered risk of different types of cancer, and a thorough lung-cleansing, hiking is a great way to keep your body young, even as you grow older. Here are some of the health problems that hiking can help cure or prevent: 

• Diabetes
• Cholesterol
• Cancer

Hiking helps you keep fit

This is a more obvious reason. Hiking can help you lose weight and also strengthen your muscles. For people that dislike the gym, hiking is a solid option to get fit. And now, during the coronavirus pandemic – it is perhaps the only option, even for gym-goers. 

Hiking rejuvenates your mind

When you go hiking, you find yourself surrounded by nature. Studies have shown that by stepping into nature and avoiding electronic devices can help you do away with the worries of your daily schedule and other stressors.

Hiking reduces your stress levels

Research has shown that people who spend some time amidst nature are less likely to feel stressed. Regular visits outdoors can help you stay calm for longer periods of time. 

Hiking is a mood-lifter

Yet another fantastic effect of hiking is that your body being active, amidst nature, can help relieve stress hormones – contributing to a happier, more positive state of mind. At a time like this, I bet you could use a mood-lifter, eh? 

Oxygen matters 

When you go off hiking, your body is able to take in more oxygen than in a polluted environment – thanks to all the trees and plants you will encounter. Oxygen is essential for pretty much everything we do. From being linked with the way serotonin in our brain functions to memory, appetite, and social behaviour, ‘getting some fresh air’ is more than just a phrase – it should be taken quite literally, to help you function optimally. 

Hiking improves your sleep quality

Did you know that by hiking on uneven terrain, you use about 28% more energy than if you did on even terrains. This consumption of energy, coupled with taking time off your phone screen, can help you improve the quality of your sleep, as well as your sleep schedule!

Where can you go hiking? 

Depending on where you live, a simple Google search can show you some of the hiking trails you can visit close to you. Of course, make sure you are in compliance with the guidelines as provided by the CDC at all times. 

I can help!

If you would like me to help you plan your hiking trip, you may contact me here: https://thiastravelservices.com/contact and I will be pleased to show you where to go!

Introduction

With the increasing uncertainty of when we might be able to travel again, we have found ourselves actively seeking out different ways to bask in nature. Just to get a break from staying indoors and feeling like you’re cut off from the outside world, except when you need essentials. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been doing your research too, and your browser history is probably punctuated with search queries like:

Hiking trails near me

Can I go hiking? (Btw, yes you can, you just have to be ultra-careful!) 

Gardens near me 

Can I go jogging/running/walking? 

The simple answer is – yes, you can do these things. You can visit gardens, and state parks, and hiking trails. And yes, you can also go jogging, running or walking. 

As a travel agent that people can trust for all advice related to travel, I thought it might be useful for you to know how you can do physical activities outdoors, safely. 

Here’s what the CDC has to say about going out: 

• There is a potential risk of going out, which is closely related to meeting other people. 
• Unless you can maintain 6 feet of distance between you and other people at all times, it’s a bad idea to engage in any social interactions outside of your household. 
• Should you happen to run into someone you know while you’re out, you should be careful about how long you spend with them. The longer you spend time with people, the higher are your chances of being infected. 
• Going out in groups with people outside your household is risky. 
• Indoor spaces are riskier than outdoor spaces. 
• If you are at high risk for severe illnesses, you should avoid going to places where you chance interacting with other people. 

Read all their guidelines here. They also list preventive measures on their website here. 

Here’s my break-down of what that means for you: 

• You can go hiking safely if you don’t meet people who don’t live with you. 
• You CAN go hiking with your family members if they live with you. 
• If you do need to visit public places where you might find other people, wear a mask. 
• Carry your own food, water, toilet paper, and sanitizer. 
• If you do feel sick, stay home! 

These should have you covered for your COVID-19 hiking plans! 

Hiking in 2020 during COVID-19

Hiking has long been a favored form of physical exercise by many-a fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Long walks have the potential to be everything from peaceful to romantic and just plain fun – and that’s essentially what hiking is. Add to it the beauty of nature that you get to take in, and you’ve got a wellness activity that rejuvenates you and makes you want 

My intrigue with the world of wellness travel intensified when I realized that you don’t need to necessarily travel far to be able to travel for wellness! The thing is, travel is more to me than just a source of livelihood – it’s a way of living. And being forced to stay indoors has turned my world upside down. 

So when I found out that I can go hiking to delightful locations close to where I live, I realized that along with me, you should be able to, as well! In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of 5 hiking trails you should definitely check out if you live in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. 

5 Hiking Trails In and Around Charlotte 

Lake Norman State Park 

Disclaimer: This photo is by NC State Parks and is not owned by TTS

Lake Norman is absolutely gorgeous, especially at this time of the year when the trees are in bloom! The Lake Norman State Park has 33 acres of the 32,000+ acre lake, surrounding which, you can find plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Here are a couple of trails within the Lake Norman State Park 

Alder Trail

When I went to Lake Norman with my family last week, we chose to hike along the Alder Trail, which is an especially great trail if you’re looking to refresh your muscles and stretch your limbs out a little. A short trail of under a mile’s length, the Alder trail invites you to take a walk through alders and pines along the shore of the lake. 

Lakeshore Trail 

The Lakeshore Trail is a much longer one at 6.3 miles long and has been reviewed as an impressive one by several hikers! It offers a scenic walk along the lake, laced with greenery and flowers; and comes with the option of a shorter, 3 mile trail for those that want something easier on their bodies. 

Bakers Mountain Park

Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS. 

The hiking trail at Bakers Mountain park is about 6 miles long and offers a stunning view from about 700 ft above. Bakers Mountain, situated approximately an hour’s drive from Charlotte, is beyond fantastic, with its diversely-populated flora and birdwatching options. 

Evergreen Nature Preserve 

Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS. 

Just three miles from the heart of Charlotte is a quick and easy 2-mile long trail that’s great for you to visit right now and bask in the glory of nature! You can smell the fragrance of hardwood and sight migratory birds. A hidden gem that’s relatively shy of the public eye, this is your chance at exploring a gem that’s not so far from urbanization!

Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve 

Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS. 

Butterfly-spotting. Herbaceous plants. The scent of woody plants. And birdwatching. 

Does it get better? 

Actually, it does! This is another park in Charlotte. With several miles of lush forest land, interspersed with ponds, the Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is the perfect mid-day escape for you to find some peace from all the housework and working from home!

I do hope you enjoy exploring these trails just as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you! I will be thrilled to offer you more options and itineraries for your hiking trip near Charlotte at affordable rates. If you live in other parts of the USA, I can help you out with a special little package, too! Get in touch to plan your special hiking trip now! Also follow me on Instagram to see how I’ve been coping with not being able to travel 😉

When you think of travelling, you probably think of hopping onto a flight and taking off to different countries! A dream that many of us harbour, international travel is unfortunately impossible as of July 2020. 

But who says you can’t travel anyway? In this blog post of mine, I spoke about how you can travel without really travelling. And now, I have better news for you!

You can still go hiking in and around where you live!

In the USA, a number of guidelines by the CDC and several states, show that you can go hiking safely and responsibly. 

In this article, I’ve explored the guidelines that many sources are providing to us for safe hiking possibilities. 

Tips for safe hiking

Here’s a bunch of tips that I got – all summed up in a pretty picture for you to save and keep in mind! 🙂 

If you want to read about each of these guidelines in detail, I’ve linked to all the sources at the end!

Happy hiking!

If you need help planning a hiking trip, get in touch here!

Sources

– https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-06-17/hike-new-trail-rules-coronavirus-pandemic

– https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html

– https://www.afar.com/magazine/you-can-still-go-outside-while-social-distancing

– https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/weather/2020/07/16/summer-hiking-the-safe-way

– https://www.thelily.com/how-to-hike-safely-and-responsibly-during-coronavirus/?

Note: Thia’s Travel Services is not a medical expert and claims no liability. Thia’s Travel Services is only relaying information from verified third-parties.

As someone who has always indulged in wellness travel, it was like music to my ears when I realized that in 2019 this was a booming industry! The growth potential of wellness tourism is massive, studies have found. And the low possibility of travel in 2020 has made many of us promise ourselves that we will travel more next year. With my compilation of the best wellness destinations, here’s some motivation for you to figure out where you want to travel in 2021!

Bali, Indonesia

This paradise in Indonesia checks off all the boxes for a perfect vacation. Although it has always been popular for its pristine beaches, ancient culture, and delicious food, Bali is now gaining acclaim for its options to soothe and detoxify your mind and body. 

Find your favourite wellness activity amidst water sports, soft adventure sports like hiking, and yoga and meditation retreats. Top it off with healthy food options – they also have tasty options for vegans – and your wellness vacation is complete. 

A holistic (and super Instagrammable!) place, Bali sounds like the most alluring Summer ‘21 wellness destination…And guess what? I, as a Club Med expert agent, can pack you off to one of their Bali resorts for an all-inclusive spa vacation! 

Rishikesh, India

India is known for a variety of things – and yoga is one of them. Rishikesh, a city considered holy, is the perfect balance of scenic beauty and yoga retreats. An absolutely stunning location draws thousands of visitors from around the world to this small Himalayan town. 

Take a trip to Rishikesh to immerse yourself in relaxation and healing, along with one of the world’s most favoured cuisines to satisfy your tastebuds – and come back feeling like a new, peaceful you!

Costa Rica

If soaking in nature is how you define wellness, then Costa Rica is the place to visit. When you visit this land of natural wonders, you give yourself the chance to explore in different ways – like taking delightful hikes through rainforests or walking (barefoot) in the sand. And then, you can get treated to a blissful spa treatment or a deeply nurturing massage – whatever you prefer. All-in-all, Costa Rica provides to you an unforgettable blend of energizing and relaxation activities that make this destination one of the most widely-acclaimed for wellness travel!  

Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking to travel within the USA, Sedona in Arizona can offer you an interesting tryst with wellness. The most commonly-asked question is, “Can I really experience wellness in a…desert?” 

Sedona shows us that you can! Enjoy canyon-bathing, stargazing, and basking in the beauty of the red-sandstone-laden horizon, along with alternative spirituality surrounding you. Definitely a must-visit for those that are believers in spirituality and healing!

Karasburg Region, Namibia

What if I told you that you could help participate in leopard research, animal-counting, and biodiversity surveys? Wouldn’t it make you feel ecstatic to be able to contribute to the greater good, all whilst surrounded by nature? At the Oana Wildlife Reserve, you can do exactly all of these things! 

The Wildlife Reserve is a 45,000-hectare mass of land, focused on preserving wildlife and offering visitors stunning options for their own wellness. Find the peace in a change of scenery and doing good, and come back feeling accomplished!

Turks and Caicos

If you’ve ever travelled with me or know me personally, you KNOW that my favourite region in the world is the Caribbean. Which is why, I’m so thrilled to tell you about wellness in Turks and Caicos. You can take part in some fulfilling physical activities, like mountain biking and water sports, and then pamper yourself to an all-inclusive spa vacation at Club Med! It’s definitely the perfect way to experience relaxation and mindfulness. If that wasn’t all, you can also indulge in yoga and meditation retreats. There’s nothing quite like taking the time to enjoy the activities you like and then spending time focusing on your mental wellness. 

In fact, I’m already booking vacations for you for 2021. If a wellness vacation is something you’re looking forward to, you may contact me here and I can put you up at the most amazing retreats and all-inclusive resorts!

My love for wellness travel knows no bounds! Wellness travel gives you the opportunity to go on a vacation that rejuvenates your senses and nurtures you to bring back your mind and body to their optimal state of functioning. If you missed my blog on what exactly wellness travel is, you should check it out to get a better idea of why wellness travel is so fulfilling. In this article, I throw light on 3 wellness activities you should try out when we can travel again. 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding 

Paddleboarding is a fantastic way for you to experience the world in a completely new light. One of the newer sports that people are talking about, paddleboarding is not just your regular sport. Irrespective of your fitness level, body shape and weight, you can paddleboard if you want to. 

Some of the reasons that paddleboarding is so popular amongst people, especially in the wellness travel industry, are: 

• Anyone can do it 
• It’s really, really relaxing
• It’s environmentally-friendly 
• You get to immerse yourself in nature and cruise around on still waters, at your pace
• It’s great to help you tone your muscles and increase your strength

Here are the top 10 destinations for paddleboarding, within the Americas: 

• Turks and Caicos Islands 
• Lake Tahoe, California
• Santa Cruz, California
• Sunset Beach, Hawaii
• Bahamas
• Costa Rica
• Key West, Florida
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Puerto Rico

Some of the best destinations for paddleboarding, worldwide, are: 

• Bali, Indonesia
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Bay of Islands, New Zealand
• Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
• Lisbon Coast, Portugal
• Namotu Island, Fiji

Trying out some Adventure Sports

Indulging in adventure sports has become a widely-practised wellness travel trend, of late – and it is a trend that is here to stay! 

Wellness travel was traditionally synonymous with activities of relaxation, but at Thia’s Travel Services, we view wellness travel as more than just that. We view it as a holistic blend of adrenaline-inducing activities, relaxation, and healthy lifestyle choices.

By engaging in adventure sports, you get to engage your senses and channel your energy into an activity characterized by a racing heartbeat and adrenaline coursing through your veins. This sets the stage for a post-activity relaxation like no other. By participating in adventure sports, you keep your body active without causing it stress. 

Wellness travel is generally a great choice for those looking to build back their mental and physical strength, which is why getting into the habit of keeping your body fit through adventure sports can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. 

The most popular adventure sports that travellers and wellness-enthusiasts like to engage in are: 

• Kayaking
• White-Water Rafting
• Scuba Diving
• Surfing
• Windsurfing
• Hiking 
• Zip-Lining

Here are my picks for some of the best destinations for adventure sports: 

• Jamaica: From under-sea trekking to horse-back riding, Jamaica has a phenomenal range of unique adventure sports that are sure to liven up your wellness vacation!
• South Africa: A diversity of geographical features, gives you the ability to engage in tons of adventure sports, from rafting to mountain climbing. 
• Yosemite National Park: This national park within the USA allows more serious adventure sports enthusiasts to go rock-climbing; post which, relaxation feels utterly blissful. 
• Oceania: Although this is a broader region, Oceania is home to adventure sports like sky diving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, snorkelling, and more!  A wellness vacation to Oceania, with a focus on adventure sports, is a must for more active travellers. 

Practising Yoga

This ancient Indian art of mental, physical and spiritual wellness has been widely explored in the western world for decades. Now, with wellness travel booming, yoga-enthusiasts and those who have always wanted to try it out for themselves have the opportunity to travel AND reap the benefits of practising yoga, simultaneously. 

Learn how to imbibe yoga into your life for improved physical and mental health, and a completely rejuvenated outlook on the world, by booking yourself a wellness vacation at a yoga retreat. 

Personally, I believe that to make the most of a yoga retreat, you should learn from yoga masters at the very source, in India. Here are the most popular yoga retreats in India:

• Wildflower Hall, Shimla
• Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh
• Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
• Ashiyana, Goa
• Banyan Tree Yoga, Goa
• Little Cove Yoga Retreat, Goa
• Purple Valley Yoga, Goa
• The Beachhouse, Goa
• Yogamagic Eco Retreat, Goa
• Shreyas, Bengaluru
• Soukya, Bangalore
• Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort, Kerala

If you can’t make a trip to India, there are other places in the world that host yoga retreats, too! Some of these places are: 

• Thailand
• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Greece
• Romania
• Indonesia
• Jamaica

Final Words

Experiencing wellness travel can open up your world to a healthier and happier you! It’s time to stop putting your own wellness aside and focusing on strengthening your mental and physical health. Get in touch to book vacations for 2020 (restrictions apply, in some cases) and for 2021, a year that we are all dearly looking forward to!

I invite you to come forward with your knowledge, experiences, and questions. Contact me here or DM me on Instagram. Let’s talk! 🙂 

Has anyone ever told you that they could do with ‘a change of scenery’? Or that ‘a change of scenery’ really helped them unwind and relax after a stressful year at work? 

If you have, in fact, heard people using this phrase, what you know about them is that they were stressed out or feeling troubled; and that a vacation helped them cope with their problems! 

Traveling to rejuvenate one’s wellness physically and/or mentally has been around a while…In fact, today, wellness tourism is an entire industry of its own. A rapidly-growing one, at that!

As an independent travel consultant, who has always focused on creating all-inclusive vacation packages that promote the well-being of travelers, I am delighted to see how fast this industry is growing! Its popularity shows us something incredible – people are traveling, in order to take care of themselves! 

Here’s a question I get asked quite often: “If ‘wellness travel’ has always been a thing, why are people talking about it now?” It’s because while the concept of traveling for enhancing your well-being is not new, the last decade has seen concentrated efforts into widening the scope of wellness tourism.  

So, what is wellness travel, exactly?

Let me introduce you to the blissful world of wellness travel and tourism. 

According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel is travel that is aimed at maintaining or enhancing one’s personal well-being. 

What does that mean?

What that means is that when you’re on vacation, you indulge in activities that contribute towards a physically and mentally healthier you. The objective of wellness travel is really just for you to come back from your vacation feeling refreshed and happier, instead of feeling fatigued and tired from having done ‘too much’. 

What it does not mean

Although wellness travel aims to make you feel more relaxed than tired, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to go around and explore the destination you just paid hundreds of dollars traveling to! 

All it implies is that you’re going to be more mindful of the activities that you do partake in. 

And no, you don’t need to eat bland, diet-like food to achieve your goals of wellness. 

Confused? 

I can understand why. I mean, I did just throw a lot of random bits and pieces of information your way and a lot of it probably even seemed to contradict each other! You probably have questions for me. Like, “You’re telling me I need to focus on my physical well-being but not compromise on my food choices?” or “You just said I shouldn’t partake in activities and then you said I should…” or even, “Okay but what is wellness travel then?”

Understanding Wellness Travel

Let’s clarify a few things that should help you feel less confused: 

• Yes, you can and should indulge in activities. Like hiking. Or trekking. Or visiting different places of interest. But you need to stop racing! What your mind and body need, is for you to slow down and actually enjoy the places you’re going to or the things you’re doing. 

• Yes, you can eat that delicious dessert that the city you’re in is famous for. But you know what? Too much sugar, even on vacation, can have really bad implications for your energy levels. (I promise, I’m not a buzzkill! I just care about your well-being.)

Wellness travel, simply put, is just being mindful of the things you do. Here’s what it means to be mindful, by Mindful, a non-profit initiative to help people explore happier lives. 

Understanding Mindfulness 

Mindfulness, as they put it, is just the ability to be present fully and completely, in the moment; and to be aware of what you are currently doing, where you currently are, and how you currently feel. 

Mindfulness, as a concept, helps you be more in control of how you react to different stimuli in your surroundings, thus helping you avoid getting overwhelmed by situations. 

Mindfulness and Wellness Travel

At Thia’s Travel Services, my main aim is to combine the power of mindfulness and integrate it into wellness travel. By being mindful of what you do, where you go, and what you put into your body, you have the ability to truly take a break from all the hassles and stressors you face on a daily basis. 

I strongly believe in the fact that to take advantage of a change of scenery, it is important to be mindful of how you feel and the things you do!

So if you’ve been feeling stressed out and low, and want to go off on vacation to take the break you deserve, you should…and to get the best of this break that you deserve, a mindful wellness vacation is what you need!

What does wellness travel include?

Honestly, it can include whatever you want it to include. But here are some popular activities you can experience on a wellness vacation:

• Yoga retreats
• Meditation
• Hiking
• Camping
• Spa treatments and massages
• Paddle boarding

…and many, many more!

What are some of the best places for wellness travel?

Some of the most famous destinations for wellness vacations are:

• Costa Rica
• Thailand
• Iceland

But you know what I love? The fact that you can go on a wellness vacation practically anywhere in the world! All you need is a travel plan that caters to your quest for mental peace and physical fitness. So if you’re looking for a short weekend getaway near you, which promotes your wellness; or a long and refreshing summer vacation (or winter – I’m not picky about the time of the year, so long as I get to travel a LOT!)

Bottom-line

The bottom-line here is that wellness travel is a beautiful and exciting way of taking care of yourself and nurturing yourself to revitalize your senses! I am pumped to book a rejuvenating wellness vacation for you. For inquiries, get in touch with me here! If you have any questions that you would like me to answer, too, send me a message here and I will be in touch with you soon!

When can we travel again? I don’t know, but meanwhile, I do have something for you! In my last blog post, I spoke about how you can travel in summer 2020, even without actually traveling. As promised in that post, here is my reading list for May of 2020. You will find that this reading list is full of travel adventures and other uplifting reads that will be sure to keep you hooked!

Due North by Lola Akinmade Åkerström

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is a Nigerian-born, award-winning photographer and travel writer. Due North is a delightfully personal book that chronicles Lola’s dream of reaching the North Pole – a dream she has garnered ever since she saw the North Pole on a map in her Geography book. When she moved across the Atlantic Ocean to study in the USA, little did she know that one day she would be traveling across continents. With her Nigerian passport raising more questions than not by different immigration officers in different countries, here is her story of how she traveled against all odds. Her book is a blissful voyage of images and words, sharing with us intricately woven experiences that she had never before imagined she would have!

Currently based in Sweden, Lola Akinmade Åkerström has won several awards for her photography and her writings; and has also been recognized by the likes of CNN and National Geographic. You can learn more about her on her website here: https://www.lolaakinmade.com.

Grab a copy of Due North here!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Here’s a book that you have probably heard of and even read, but can’t get enough of! If you haven’t already read this, you might have wondered what the rage was all about. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of the most-read books in the last couple of decades. Originally written in Portuguese in 1988, the translated version of this book has gripped the hearts of millions!

The story details the life of a young, Andalusian shepherd boy, who is gripped by a dream that he sets off to chase. From Spain to Egypt – and with multiple encounters with other people – the story of the young boy inspires traveling, and far beyond! Find the enchantment in reading about a young boy’s quest to fulfil his dream, by grabbing your copy of Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, now!

All God’s Children Need Travelling Shoes by Maya Angelou

The fifth book in Maya Angelou’s autobiographical endeavor, All God’s Children Need Travelling Shoes is a beautifully honest depiction of her journey into Africa. Maya Angelou, an inspiring lady who has won the hearts of millions of people across the world, records what it is like to be African and African-American. The book showcases her life in Ghana in a moving and an eloquent – almost poetic – fashion! Get yourself a copy now.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, by Elizabeth Gilbert is a New York Times Bestseller that won the hearts of millions. A memoir written by the author in 2006 following her divorce, the book weaves an enriching tale about her experiences when she traveled the world. This book was popularized when it was turned into a movie starring the stellar Julia Roberts! If you haven’t already read the book, get a copy here.

The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé 

For a lighter read, try this amazing series of comics by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé. If you haven’t already read The Adventures of Tintin, you are definitely missing out! The stories that each comic book brings to you are well-woven around different parts of the world, bringing you closer to the sights you can witness in far-away lands. With excellent characterization, memorable dialog-writing, and joyful imagery, this 24-book series will keep you occupied, along with your loved ones! Get yourself the whole collection now. This is definitely a series worth investing in and collecting!

So, when can we travel again?

Pretty much anytime you want to with these books! Nobody really knows when we can reeeally start traveling again, unfortunately. But let’s not get disheartened by that! Let’s explore the world vicariously, through these cheerful and moving books.

Of course, there are a whole lot of other books that I would love to share with you, so I hope to keep sharing more reading lists with you, this year; while we look forward to when we can travel again!

I do hope that you enjoy reading these books just as much as I did and I will be happy to hear your views on them, in the comments below.

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It is no surprise that things have gotten really difficult, in wake of a global pandemic. There is a whole wave of uncertainty that has brought the world to a shuddering standstill. The travel industry, amongst others, has been impacted in a way that makes me very sad.

The prospect of staying indoors for an indefinite period of time is tiresome in general. And then there are the wandering nomads. Like me. Even the thought of not being able to travel makes me feel restless; and now I’ve been thrust into a situation where I literally can’t. Or at least, until I can again.

An inability to travel is every traveler’s worst nightmare and it seems to be happening right now. You should be careful of stepping out of your home, let alone traveling.

But I’ve been thinking, and maybe, you can travel. Even if you can’t really travel.

Here is how to travel even when you really can’t.

Allow your tastebuds to travel to a different place

Have you ever visited one of the top 10 destinations you read about in a magazine, excited to try out the local delicacies?! Me too!

In fact, did you know that food travel is a whole industry, in itself? Food tourism has grown in popularity and now, in wake of a global pandemic, you can bask in it too – from within your home! 

I know it’s nothing on actually being able to travel, but if you have ever wanted to travel but couldn’t, a very solid coping mechanism is actually cooking delicacies from the cuisine of your dream destinations. 

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture when you’re traveling, is to eat local! Local cuisine is always a great way to learn more about the place you are visiting and in recent years, the popularity of local cooking lessons has risen. 

Unfortunately, getting access to one of these inspiring local cooking lessons is impossible, at this point. Learning how to cook different cuisines, however, is still very doable! 

Take a look at some of the most mouth-watering food blogs, as listed here by Happier. Allow your tastebuds to transport you to new places – all whilst definitely upping your skill in the world of food!

I will soon put out a blog on some of the most exciting food bloggers from the regions they belong to. Stay tuned to learn how to cook food the way they do!

Travel into a whole new world with books!

If you have ever read a book that was so difficult to put down that when you finally got to the end of it, you just wanted to start over again; you are exactly like me! Reading is a way for us to be transported to an entirely new world. Best part? You don’t have to move even from the couch. And quite frankly, sometimes it feels great to just be able to sink into your couch. Or your bed under your sheets. Or to sunbathe in your balcony while reading a fantastic book!

If you feel sad at the prospect of having to stay indoors at this point, here’s an idea. Have you considered getting back to that reading list you made a while ago but couldn’t keep up with? I’m going to be putting up my reading list very soon but meanwhile, check out these travel books that will transport you to some of the most exotic destinations in the world! 

Let yourself travel into the world of foreign films

Spy new cities, listen to different languages, and get inspired by some of the best foreign language films that you can watch online! There’s a lot that foreign films can teach you about the culture of a place and it is awe-inspiring to learn more about how they view the world. 

Here’s a list of the 20 best foreign movies on Netflix, by A Good Movie To Watch. This website can also introduce you to a whole host of other films to keep you occupied during this season of staying indoors!

Watch a movie with your family, your partner, or just by yourself! Leave a comment below with your favorite foreign film. I would love to watch some new movies.

Learning a new language

Listening to your friends or family members speak a new language is impressive, isn’t it? I am super fortunate to have learned to speak 7 different languages! I know that a lot of people want to be able to speak a foreign language but have never really gotten around to learning one. 

Now that we have a lot of time on our hands, you can finally pursue this dream! A number of mobile phone apps and online courses offer you some great tutorials and courses on how to learn a new language. 

Take a look at this helpful article guiding you to a number of resources that can help you learn a new language online for free. The next time you travel to a place that speaks the language you learn, be prepared to be able to show off your awesome new language skills!

Talking to your friends and family members and traveling vicariously

At this time, we are so fortunate to be able to stay connected with our friends and families over the internet. With WhatsApp calls and Zoom calls, and the number of other options that help you stay connected through this pandemic, you finally have the ability to catch up with your friends and families at a time that works for everyone! 

Get in touch with them. Exchange travel stories and take a voyage into each others’ travel worlds!

In fact, I would love to share some of your travel stories, too, for others to read about. It is a great time to spread some love and happiness. So let’s do it all together! To send me a happy travel memory of yours, you can contact me by filling out this form or DMing me on Instagram.

How about a travel plan for next year?

But wait. The heart wants what it wants. If you reeeally just want to travel, let’s plan your next trip! I am taking inquiries for 2021 already so you can contact me here with your dream holiday.

Personally, I can’t wait to be off on vacation again! Until then, I will continue to post beautiful travel photos on my social media channels. Follow me on Instagram @thiastravelservices for regular updates!

Over the last few days, I have come across a number of beautifully-written articles that document some of the things you can do to cope with what’s happening around us. Here are a few of my favorite articles and resources that can help you cope with the insecurity and uncertainty. …