Starbathing Is the New Travel Trend Everyone’s Talking About — And It’s Not What You Think

Most of us like staring at the stars just because of how majestic they are, combined with how they make us feel. Like we are a part of something even bigger than life. But did you know there is actually a specific activity that focuses on that aspect of watching the sky? It’s called starbathing.

What Is Starbathing?

So, what is starbathing specifically? You are probably familiar with sunbathing, which simply means to sit and lie where the sun is directly above you, to relax and get some summer tan.

However, starbathing is more than that; it is a mental and wellness exercise, where one immerses oneself in the night sky and the stars to promote relaxation and more.

Unlike traditional stargazing, where you use telescopes to identify and even study those stars, starbathing is just feeling the experience of being under them without the distraction of any technology.

Source: Vogue

The Mental Health Benefits

Star Bathing: The Cosmic Wellness Trend You Need to Try!

Research indicates that experiencing awe, and giving yourself the chance to come across something that is out of the ordinary, such as gazing at the night sky without any distractions from phones or other techs, reduces stress levels and provides you feel a sense of tranquility.

Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found a definitive positive feeling or correlation between watching the night sky filled with stars and a healthy mental well-being.

Source: Beaumont Enterprise

Where to Experience Starbathing

We’d like to say that you can always experience starbathing anywhere you are, because the sky and the stars are always there and not going anywhere. However, if you live near any city, you probably can’t see them due to the amount of light and air pollution.

So, the key is to find a place where there is minimal pollution, which is usually in the rural areas of your country. Some notable and famous destinations include Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland.

These mentioned locations not only offer a good night sky to gaze upon, but some of them are also nearby places where you can watch the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights.

Source: Air Partner

The Rise of Noctourism

Starbathing is actually not a trend by itself but part of a larger movement called Noctourism. Its popularity is due to the sheer number of tourists travelling during the day in almost all travel destinations. But, noctourism is new, and only a few travelers can stay awake during the night to explore the world.

So, it offers a break from the crowded places during the day, it often gives people the tranquility they are craving for, and, most of the time, it provides cooler temperatures. As this trend becomes popular, surely Starbathing will also be more mainstream.

Source: New York Post

Noctourism The Next Big Trend! What is it??

Author's Final Thoughts

You probably have not heard of Starbathing before, but you most likely, like most people, want to just stare at the night sky and stars on some days. Now, you can turn it into a more meaningful experience by combining it with your regular travel and relaxation plans.

Not only will you promote your mental well-being, but you just might come home with a newfound appreciation for life and the natural beauty of our night sky, something that we often forget is just above us.

Read more: New Research Says Earth’s Water Didn’t Come from Space — It Was Always Here