Getting a little dirty may be good for your health.
At least that's the premise behind the latest wellness travel trend, earthing.
The belief: Our barefoot ancestors used to live in direct contact with the Earth. But today, we wear shoes, sleep in beds and are rarely in actual contact with the ground. The earthing movement suggests that many of our illnesses and maladies today are due to our lack of connection with the earth (some believe it comes down to our electric charge).
Looking to save money on travel? Check out ShopAtHome.com for great resort and air travel deals.
Click here to watch a short cartoon about earthing. Skeptical? Decide for yourself by browsing these studies about earthing.
Earthing vacations and products are growing in popularity, as people re-discover the dirt again.
Here are six ways to bring your body back next to Mother Earth during your next vacation.
1. Read more about it. Pick up the book "Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" by Clinton Ober for $12.60 at Walmart. Don't forget to take advantage of the Walmart coupons available here, and order through ShopAtHome.com to get an automatic 2 percent Cash Back.
2. Try wearing an Earthing Wrist/Ankle Band while traveling or indoors. Wear this band around your wrist, ankle or elbow for "grounding on the go." Cost: $29.95-$39.95 at Unikeyhealth.com. Check here for Uni Key Health Systems coupons.
3. Instead of wearing insulated shoes, wear Get Grounded Footwear. "Groundals" (grounding sandals) cost $49.99 and are made out of grounding material for continuous connection to the Earth and to stimulate "electrical nutrition," the website says.
4. Take a beach vacation and ditch the shoes, whenever possible. The soft sand begs you to squish your toes into the earth. Check Expedia's list of beach vacations and pick one that speaks to you (and your feet). Hawaii is a barefooter's paradise.
5. Go barefoot camping, or at least wear minimalist shoes, like the Vibram FiveFinger shoes. Make sure you check out the Vibram FiveFingers coupons here. You can also find five-finger shoes at Sonoma Outfitters for about $37. Take advantage of Sonoma Outfitters coupons (including free shipping).
6. Find a spa that offers special earthing programs, such as the spa at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. The Palenque Resort in Panama offers earthing programs, too.