Sustainable Travel Tips for Medical and Wellness Tourism

Nov 21

Whether you’re traveling for a medical procedure or looking for a wellness retreat, choosing eco-friendly options and accommodations that prioritize sustainability can support both your well-being and the environment. The option of combining medical tourism and wellness offerings is beneficial for tourists seeking cost-effective medical procedures and specialized treatments that enhance mental well-being and physical rejuvenation.

This week’s blog will uncover the ways in which you can choose sustainable options while healing your body and mind.

Prepare for Your Trip

A lot of thought and detail goes into planning a trip abroad, especially when you’re traveling for a specific purpose such as for a medical procedure.

Start by consulting your doctor for advice and potential referrals to trusted healthcare providers. This will give you peace of mind and make the booking process smoother, especially if your physician can connect with the provider beforehand. Also, talk to a medical travel specialist two to eight weeks before your departure to discuss risk factors, required immunizations, health regulations and other factors that may impact your trip.

Once you’ve found a medical specialist to conduct your procedure, establish which hospital will host your stay. Over 90% of hospitals are acute care facilities catering to short-term patients having surgeries. Prioritize facilities that focus on reducing their carbon footprint through the adoption of greener practices such as reducing waste where necessary.

Research Wellness Options for Your Recuperation

Once you’ve taken care of these practical details, you can book your flight and accommodation. Consider hotel or resort options close by if you want a recuperatory stay following your operation, and what better place to do that than at a wellness center! However, depending on the nature of your procedure, it’s advisable not to travel too far to recover.

Prioritize choosing eco-friendly wellness centers and resorts located nearby that offer waste-reduction processes, water-saving procedures and energy-efficient appliances. Also see if their on-site restaurants stock locally sourced produce and include local items on their menus.

Once you’ve found your ideal accommodation, then all that’s left to do is prepare your mind, body and spirit for your stay.

Recuperate Sustainably

After you’ve undergone your successful procedure and have been discharged, provide feedback in the patients' register including on sustainability. When you arrive at your hotel or resort, continue your commitment to sustainable tourism by choosing locally sourced food, supporting local artisans by purchasing their products, and participating in initiatives like towel and linen reuse programs. You can also help conserve energy by using air conditioning sparingly, turning off lights when not needed, and powering down electronic devices to minimize your environmental impact.

Take advantage of the opportunity to slow down during your recovery and fully immerse yourself in the restorative offerings provided by your accommodation, designed to enhance your overall well-being. These wellness services may include meditation, massages, acupuncture, saunas, herbal baths, yoga classes, breathwork, and other energy-based therapies that support relaxation and healing.

Improve Your and the Planet’s Health

Upon checkout, reflect on how you've achieved your goals—becoming a medical and wellness traveler, revitalizing yourself physically and mentally.

Your trip wasn’t just a vacation; it was a step toward conscious travel, one that not only nurtured your well-being but also left a positive impact on both you and the planet. Your mindful choices have helped support sustainability efforts, ensuring your journey contributed to a healthier future for all.

Sea Going Green works together with accommodations and resorts, promoting wellness tourism products and services that provide guests with a restorative and sustainable stay. Interested in knowing more? Contact us!