The benefits of travel go beyond making memories and meeting new people – exploring a new place can have a remarkably positive effect on one’s well-being. Of 90% of Vietnamese travelers say their motivation to travel is to boost their mood,* going on vacation is the ultimate way to feel good. From sunnier climes to spa treatments and street food, traveling can lift the spirits and increase happiness levels weeks after returning home.
to celebrate the International Day of Happiness on the 20th of MarchBooking.com has selected 5 top destinations for Vietnamese to travel to with the best mood-boosting activities based on global traveler reviews.** From soothing yoga on the beach in Indonesia to dog walking in Yorkshire, incorporate a mood-boosting activity into your next vacation to to make it the most joyous yet.
Outdoor activities in Florianopolis, Brazil
Blessed with lush rainforests, picturesque lagoons and white sand beaches on the turquoise coast of the South Atlantic, Florianópolis is a hidden gem off the beaten track. Often referred to as ‘Ilha da Magia’ – the magical island – it is a top destination for outdoor activities according to Booking.com travelers. From surfing to scuba diving and paddle boarding, it’s the perfect place for a shot of luck, especially for those in search of adventure. Venture inland to explore the diverse nature trails, or go paragliding in the sky for a serious endorphin boost and breathtaking views.
Where to stay: The search house hostel features a private beach and water sports facilities where guests can enjoy outdoor activities. The property is just a short walk to the beach and close to the Open Sea Turtle Museum. After an action-packed day, visitors can relax by the outdoor pool with a refreshing Caipirinha or popular local sweet cane juice.
Wellness in Abano Termea† Italy
The quiet town of Abano Terme is a quaint spa town in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Home to soothing thermal baths and Roman spas thanks to its mineral-rich waters fed by ancient springs, it’s the ideal getaway for rest and relaxation – and a top wellness destination according to Booking.com travelers, which is an important factor in a satisfied feeling. Visitors can relax with a mud treatment or browse the charming squares and old churches in the heart of the leafy city. Abano Terme is just a 45 minute drive from Venice, ideal for a day trip to see the impressive Gothic buildings and experience the Grand Canal with a boat trip around the islands of Murano and Burano†
Where to stay: With spa and wellness facilities on the hotel wish list of a majority (74%) from Vietnamese travelers,*** Hotel Mioni Pezzato meets all expectations. The ultimate regenerating retreat for body and soul, the hotel features 16 swimming pools, a thermal spa, hydromassage stations and a range of treatments that soothe and uplift. All the luxurious rooms overlook the garden and are stylishly decorated in soft pastel colors to cultivate tranquility.
Yoga in canggu† Indonesia
The coastal town of Canggu on Bali’s south coast, with its ultra-cool vegan cafes, beach bars and boutiques, is a hipster’s paradise. More of a state of mind than a place, Canggu is guaranteed to elevate the atmosphere and is a top yoga destination according to Booking.com travelers. Head to Echo Beach, known for its soft black sand and clear turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean, where travelers can enjoy sun salutations at sunset or dawn for early risers. Whether you are Vinyasa or Bikram, a novice novice or a yogi master, Canggu is a cool place for a restorative journey. Book a Munduk Wilderness and Haunted Waterfall Tour for the chance to explore Bali’s lush terraced rice fields by mountain bike.
Where to stay: the amazing Annupuri Villas Bali with air conditioning and spacious rooms, are set in beautiful gardens where yoga classes are available for guests to stretch out in the tranquil setting. The hotel offers an à la carte breakfast that can be floated from the pool directly to the hotel room. Bicycle hire is also available for guests to explore the local village and coastline.
Pet friendly in Whitby† United Kingdom
Located in North Yorkshire, the pretty seaside town of Whitby is steeped in English charm and tradition. Take a walk along the pier, visit the lighthouse and dig in locally caught crab and lobster. Surrounded by the North York Moors, Whitby is a top destination for pet-friendly travel, according to Booking.com travelers; visitors can enjoy the health benefits of taking their furry friends on long walks through the wild landscape to lift their spirits. Explore the cobbled streets, quirky shops and cafes on a Walking audio tour including the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
Whitby, United Kingdom
Where to stay: Since half (53%)*** of Vietnamese travelers choose pet-friendly accommodation when choosing this type of stay, The stables at Crossbutts welcomes both guests and their four-legged friends. Just a short drive from the town, this 17th century farmhouse, with its quirky courtyard with converted stables, offers wonderful views of the beautiful Esk Valley. Guests can cozy up to the fireplace in the garden room or try the family-run restaurant, which serves delicious seasonal dishes in a charming, rustic setting.
Waterfalls in Puerto Iguazyou† Argentina
Located at the tripoint where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet, Puerto Iguazyou is home to the beautiful Iguazu National Park, rated one of the top waterfall destinations by Booking.com travelers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features 275 waterfalls, including the world-famous Iguazu Falls, where the once-in-a-lifetime sound of water rushing to Earth is hard to forget, producing huge rainbow-filled clouds of steam. In addition to the mesmerizing waterfalls, visitors can wander through lush jungle rich in wildlife and vibrant tropical birds.
Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Where to stay: Gran Melia Iguazu is a luxury and Travel Sustainable property, conveniently located in Iguazyou National Park itself, with wow-factor rooms overlooking the waterfalls and jungle. Spa facilities include a hot tub, hammam and sauna. With three restaurants and four bars, this incredible residence is perfect for those who want to be immersed in nature, but with luxurious comfort. Admire the surroundings from the room’s private balcony and relax by the infinity pool overlooking the gardens.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com deelt Getaway Deals for travelers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays between April 4 and September 30, 2022. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the amazing value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the Level 1 benefits of the program , with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties worldwide. Travelers simply need to download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify the associated benefits, discounts and perks.
†Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted independently of a sample of 48,413 respondents in 31 markets. To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, have traveled at least once for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and plan to travel in 2022 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in decision-making about their travel. The survey was conducted online and took place in January 2022.