Over the past few years, a new type of travel has quietly become a global wellness phenomenon. From the high-altitude valleys of Peru to the pine-covered peaks of Colorado, people are seeking something deeper than spa treatments or beachside yoga. They’re going on healing retreats—journeys designed not just for rest, but for profound transformation.
At the center of many of these experiences? Psychedelic therapy rooted in ancient traditions and guided by modern science. Plant medicines like ayahuasca and psilocybin are increasingly used in psychedelic retreats, offering what many describe as life-altering journeys into the psyche.
No longer fringe, these substances are being used by everyday travelers—entrepreneurs, professionals, parents, and seekers—to address everything from treatment-resistant depression and PTSD to addiction, burnout, grief, anxiety, and even just a need to reset and reframe life. This form of transformative travel is ushering in a renaissance of alternative healing, blending consciousness exploration with therapeutic intention.
Where the World Goes to Heal
South America, particularly Peru and Brazil, has long been an epicenter for ayahuasca retreats, often led by trained shamans in ceremonial settings steeped in cultural wisdom. These ceremonies invite deep emotional processing, spiritual insight, and connection with nature.
Costa Rica has emerged as a luxury destination for psychedelic wellness retreats, blending modern amenities with ancient rituals. Here, travelers can experience powerful entheogenic experiences while surrounded by serene natural landscapes and holistic hospitality.
In the United States, progressive states like Oregon and Colorado are setting legal precedents for psilocybin therapy, offering a more clinical, regulated path to healing. These destinations are attracting individuals seeking guided journeys that balance medical oversight with personal growth.
Elsewhere, legal psychedelic retreats are flourishing in Jamaica and the Netherlands, where psilocybin is legal or decriminalized. These retreats range from minimalist jungle lodges to upscale wellness resorts, all designed to facilitate meaningful transformation.
Whether it’s a solo soul-searcher in the Amazon or a couple attending a structured retreat in the Rockies, people are engaging in mental health travel with purpose—and often, coming back changed.
The Psychedelic Experience—And Its Side Effects
While many describe these experiences as mystical and healing, the process isn’t always smooth. As with any intense inner work, there can be discomfort—especially with plant-based psychedelic substances like ayahuasca, which is traditionally consumed as a bitter, tea-like brew.
Common side effects during these journeys may include nausea, vomiting (often referred to as “the purge”), stomach cramping, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms, while uncomfortable, are sometimes considered part of the cleansing process.
With psilocybin, the physical symptoms are often milder but may still include gastrointestinal upset, temporary disorientation, and headaches. Many facilitators and integration coaches recommend preparing both mentally and physically before such experiences.
Today, there is a growing awareness of the importance of psychedelic safety and responsible preparation. Some retreat centers and physicians advocate pre-medicating with supportive pharmaceuticals—especially for those attending multi-day international retreats. These may include:
- Ondansetron (Zofran): to curb nausea
- Famotidine (Pepcid): to calm the stomach
- Ibuprofen: to manage headaches and general discomfort
- Dicyclomine: for abdominal cramping
This is not about dulling the experience, but rather about supporting the body so participants can focus on the emotional and spiritual work at hand.
Enter the JetSet Kit
For travelers preparing for a psychedelic retreat—or any wellness journey involving unfamiliar settings, new foods, or rigorous emotional processing—JetSet Meds kits offer a modern safety net.
Each JetSet bundle includes all of the above medications (and more), thoughtfully packed, travel-ready, and physician-curated to help you stay grounded, feel better, and focus on your inner work—not your GI tract.
These kits are becoming increasingly popular among those engaging in psychedelic integration practices—tools and support strategies used after a retreat to make sense of and apply insights gained during the journey. Because the true healing often continues after the ceremony ends.
Whether you’re headed to the Andes or Aspen, healing shouldn’t be derailed by headaches, nausea, or cramping. As more people turn to spiritual tourism for self-discovery, preparation becomes as essential as the journey itself.
Prepare wisely. Journey deeply.
Travel Well.