Posted on Tuesday, 10 January 2017

Few things are as relaxing as a hot bath – especially in the winter months. But a visit to a thermal pool can offer a range of health benefits in addition to the relaxing qualities of a long soak.

While people of all ages enjoy thermal pools, older travellers in particular can receive a mental and physical boost from these amazing locations.

Europe is blessed with numerous fantastic hot springs. Here are five of the best.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

It may look completely natural, but this huge complex of pools is actually man-made and supplied with wonderfully hot water by the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, located nearby.

Treat your skin with your own face mask made of silica-rich geothermal mud.

Located just 30 minutes from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik.

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, UK

The UK's only thermal spring, these baths were discovered by the famed British Prince Bladud in about 863BC – and have been enjoyed by a myriad of tribes ever since. Here you can take a soak in four thermal baths (including an open roof-top pool, overlooking the charming Bath Abbey) and enjoy herbal stream rooms, too.

Therme Vals, Switzerland

It may be 200km from Zürich, but Therme Vals remains incredibly popular. For those who stay the night at Therme Vals, star-gazing can be enjoyed while taking a soak in the minimalist hydrotherapy pools.

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic

The waters at Karlovy Vary are thought to bring bodily benefits from both inside and out, which is why you can drink from the springs at a number of colonnade complexes in the town – as well as take a dip in a healing pool. This captivating historic spa town was founded by Roman Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century and remains one of the finest locations in Europe for a healing dip.

Széchenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary

Boasting numerous still-operating 16th and 17th century Turkish baths, Széchenyi Baths are understandably known as the City of Spas. Choose from an incredible 18 pools, as well as ten saunas and steam rooms. Any visit to Budapest is incomplete without a long, health-giving soak in the Széchenyi Baths.

Thinking of taking a dip overseas?

Wherever you're planning to get your thermal spa fix, make sure you take out adequate insurance before you go. If you're aged between 60 and 70, here at starttravel.co.uk we can offer comprehensive travel cover, giving you complete peace of mind as you head off for your spa experience.

Get an over-60s travel insurance quote here.

And of course, we provide trusted travel insurance policies to travellers below that age too.

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