are not for swimmers.
While on vacation, I usually look for destinations that offer the serenity of heat therapy: Istanbul's hammams, Budapest's historic baths, Helsinki's saunas.
and cold-water therapy.
There is no better way to experience the essence of a place than by immersing yourself - so here are some bathing experiences to consider trying.
Budapest is a city that is best explored through its streets by water.
in a different bathhouse.
There are approximately 1,300 natural thermal water springs in Hungary. Among them, 123 are found in the capital, with waters that feed into baths built during various periods of the city's history. These baths demonstrate a range of architectural styles, including the 16th century Ottoman-style baths, such as Rudas Bath, as well as the Art Nouveau design of Gellert Bath, which features intricate tile work and mosaics, and the imposing Neo-Baroque style of Szechenyi Bath, one of the largest in Europe.
Yes, appreciate the architectural design, but people-watching is where it truly offers - these are enormous, social areas meant for relaxing and conversing.
Explore the trails, rejuvenate in natural hot springs, and uncover Europe’s most relaxing destinations
"Bulgaria is one of the European countries with the greatest variety of mineral waters," says Lyubomir Aleksandrov, from the Sofia-based travel company Green Valleys.
There are hundreds of springs in the country, with several of them being the hottest ones in all of Europe, reaching temperatures as high as 100°C.
Lyubo points out that it's now common for Bulgarians to use claw baths for physical wellness or to boost their mood.
hotels.
Finns typically bathe naked randomly in local saunas, and public pools and beaches usually have designated times for this practice.
“Plenty of people still have it very strong,” explains Petri Leinonen, a guide at Finnish travel company Upitrek.
Aside from the hygiene, the warmth, and health benefits, "It's a place for being honest and open about your deeper feelings and being on equal footing with others, as there are no visible signs of social status. Everyone is equal on the sauna benches."
Petri's father was born in a smoke sauna, a custom that is largely extinct today. Traditionally, the sauna is also a spiritual place. “The steam - the löyly - is the essence of the sauna, and you can connect to the spiritual part of your life in this way through the sauna.”
Indulge in a cleansing and relaxing experience by getting enveloped in the numerous bubbles of a traditional Turkish bath.
You've reclined on the grand marble slab in the warm treatment room and open your pores. You've been exfoliated, and you're now prepared to have a layer of bubbles poured over your body.
When this happens, the idea of relaxing under a thick layer of foam becomes ridiculous, actually causing laughter. This is the traditional kese-köpük massage – exfoliation using a coarse cloth, followed by massaging while soaped and covered in foam.
There were approximately 180 traditional baths in Istanbul during the 18th century, but the demands of modern life have led to a decline in their popularity, except among tourists - who may still catch glimpses of a wedding party or stag group taking part.
Experiencing the range of temperatures from frozen lakes to thermal springs in Slovakia
The High Tatras in Slovakia features Swiss-style scenery, although wilder and less frequented, with numerous frozen lakes and rocky peaks. However, the countryside has a milder aspect: it is surrounded by relaxing thermal waters, which offer a soothing relief after a hike.
The resorts here 'boast centuries-old wellness practices,' says Alena Dulakova, founder of Tatra Escapes, 'it's known for its thermal springs and spas.'
According to Alena, soaping up is a popular activity in the nation, and the Slovak people adore it. "The bathing culture offers a unique way to connect with the country's traditions and natural beauty."
Unwind and thaw as you witness the aurora borealis.
at night.
One of the country's most frequented points of interest, where tourists can cover themselves in white mud as they immerse themselves in algae-rich waters.
While many pools are popular with tourists, there are numerous quiet spots to swim.
Natural hot springs were communal bathing areas for Icelandic people who lacked bathing facilities in their own homes, and hundreds of villages still have access to warm public pools.
Eloise Barker is a writer for the activist travel company Responsible Travel.