The hustle and bustle of every day life can take a toll on physical, mental, and emotional health. In theory, taking a vacation should be a balm to soothe the soul, but how many times do you hear someone say, “I need a vacation from my vacation!”? Read on to learn more about the “silent travel” trend - what it means, how it can benefit your health, and how to incorporate silent travel practices into your daily life.
What is Silent Travel?
Silent travel is an up-and-coming trend in the travel world, and it could be just what you need to come back from a getaway rejuvenated and ready to get back at it. In this case, silent does not mean the complete absence of sound - its definition relates more to tuning in to only the sounds of nature around you while disconnecting from digital distractions. Meditating in nature, taking a silent hike without listening to music or audio stimulation of any kind, or immersing yourself in a wellness retreat with a program based on the Buddhist practice of Vipassana or the Hindu practice of Mauna are just a few things you could expect from a silent getaway. Quiet Parks International – an organization dedicated to preserving quiet areas where silent/meditative practices can be enjoyed without the distraction of noise pollution – is committed to preserving quiet places and cites hearing loss, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and reduced cognitive functions as just some of the symptoms of noise pollution.
Is Silent Travel beneficial?
The amount of noise most humans are subjected to each day is astounding. Even in our own homes there is the hum of appliances, the whir of cooling and heating systems, sounds from pets, and noise from the outside world - cars passing, machinery from other buildings, construction, landscaping or even the neighbors going about their busy lives. Add in the music and podcasts we distract ourselves with, and the TV or radio we put on for background noise, and it can start to seem like there is a constant input of audio stimulation.
Studies have shown that being in a place with very little or no noise pollution and engaging in activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying the ‘silence’ can boost concentration and focus, stimulate cell growth in the brain, produce a sense of calm, and lower blood pressure. Those benefits alone have a big impact on lowering stress levels and can be the reason why silent travel could be more rejuvenating than a traditional getaway.
Planning a Silent Travel Getaway
If you are looking for a true ‘silent travel’ escape, then doing research before you book will be an essential step in the planning process. There are some resorts or programs that tout a silent travel program but may only offer limited services - like a silent massage or a guided silent hike - rather than a truly immersive experience. To avoid this, do some research on the resorts or programs you are considering, and don’t be afraid to speak to them directly about their methods and activities to gain an understanding of what they advertise versus what they really offer. Some good keywords to aid in your search would be silent travel resorts, digital detox retreat, or quiet retreat getaway. These can point you in the right direction so you can reach out to someone at the property and ask detailed questions regarding the experiences they offer.
Aspects of Silent Travel to Incorporate in Daily Life
Chances are, there may be a quiet park or nature preserve withing driving distance and, if so, that would be a good place to start a quiet walk or a place to journal. Grounding, which is direct skin contact with the earth, is also a practice used in wellness therapy and can be incorporated in other quiet nature activities. Focusing on improving mental health by addressing the needs of the whole body – auditory functions included – can go a long way in reducing anxiety and stimulating regenerative cell growth, along with offering a host of other health benefits.
We hope this inspires you to plan a silent travel getaway or incorporate silent practices in your daily life. Been on a silent vacation and want to tell us about it? Reach out to us at WinniWanderer@winni.com. Hearing from you will make our day.
By a Staff Contributor yearning for a Silent Travel Getaway
The following article is written for entertainment and informational purposes – not to provide medical advice. Always consult your physician when it comes to your personal health for advice on changes to your exercise habits, diet, or lifestyle.