China
Early Retirement? Forget it. With UK pensions collapsing and politicians threatening to increase retirement age, the working generations now face a long haul until they are presented with that gold pen and series of insincere handshakes.
With that in mind, you’re going to need to start thinking tactically about using your holidays to make your life last longer if you’re even going to make it to retirement!
Travel search site Skyscanner introduces 10 ideas from around the world which will keep you looking and feeling fit and healthy until that dim and distant day arrives.
Hot Springs, Japan
An onsen is the Japanese term for these geothermal phenomena, and are hugely popular across the country. Some of the most famous are the Kusatsu Onsen located North West of Tokyo, which became very popular after a German doctor noted the health benefits of the waters. Different pools offer different temperatures, colours and even “flavours”, depending on what minerals the waters contain. Hydrogen Carbonate spring water, anyone?
Cosmetic Surgery Holidays, Malaysia
Though it sounds a bit ghoulish, plenty of Europeans are heading for foreign shores to get “a bit of work done”, and then taking time off afterwards in the sun so after effects of procedures can be hidden with a tan. The reason people consider this is usually financial, since this kind of work overseas can be far cheaper than in Europe – though websites claim that the quality is not in any way compromised.
Fitness Holiday, Algarve, Portugal
This kind of holiday is for those who want to get back into a healthy routine and enjoy an active break. Quinta do Mar da Luz on the south coast of the Algarve offers yoga sessions, surfing and fitness boot camps to get you back into shape. Accommodation and food are all part of the package – vegetarian and organic wherever possible of course!
Ayurveda Holidays, India
Ayurveda is a system of medicine native to India, and seeks to keep you healthy by balancing your individual constitution or dosha. The idea is that we are all made up of three physiological principles, and that problems occur when there is an imbalance in one or more of them. Experts can help to restore this balance through Panchakarma therapy, stress relief through massage and Shirodhara treatments. Nope, we’ve got no idea either.
Chinese Medicines, China
The ancient art of Chinese medicine has all kinds of clever ideas about anti-aging herbs and plants. Things like Chinese Knotweed, Atragalus and Ganoderma lucidum to name but three, are all thought to have rejuvenating properties. These days, Chinese medicine stores can be found all over the world, but you can’t beat Beijing for the real deal: take a study tour which is focused on those interested in traditional Chinese medicine methods for ‘easying ageing’ and keeping in good health.
Zen meditation courses, Japan
It has apparently been proven (maybe even scientifically), that meditation can help to reduce stress levels and also the cognitive decline associated with getting older. Eiheiji Temple in Fukui is one of many places in the country that offers the chance to meditate with the monks, but be prepared for some early morning sessions – the zen begins at 3:30am!
Monastery Retreats, Scotland
If Japan is a little too far, why not get spiritual closer to home? Findhorn, on the shores of the Moray Firth, is a spiritual haven for the holistic offering personal growth and self-awareness therapy course to participants from all over the world. Sure to lower stress, lengthen life and help you reach retirement after all.
Baden Baden, Germany
If you like your spa towns on the luxurious side, then this is the place for you. Known as far back as Roman times for its health-giving properties, this town is picturesque, chic and filled with designer shops, so once you have come back laden down with bags from Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci, you can rest your weary bones in the famous waters.
Holistic Holidays, Cocoa Island, The Maldives
The idea here is have a holiday which promotes not only physical, but more importantly, spiritual wellbeing. If you can’t feel good on a tropical island with the joys of sea salt scrubs, marine algae wraps and baths, all designed for rejuvenation and restored vitality, then quite frankly you are not going to feel good anywhere. Apart from anything else, you’ll need these things to take your mind off how much it’s costing.
And finally, the Elizabeth Bathóry way, Nyírbátor, Hungary
As far as top quality aristocratic crazies go, Countess Elizabeth Bathóry was right up there. She is one of history’s most renowned female serial killers and apocryphal tales claim she bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her youth. It should be noted that Skyscanner in no way endorses this practice - having realised that baths take ages to clean afterwards.
Tagged in The Holiday