World Health Day: Why Travel is So Good for You

It’s World Health Day, and we’re here to give you the low down on why travel is so good for your mental health. With the world being turned completely on its head over the past few years, many of us have suffered more than we’d like to admit. Staring at the same four walls day-in day-out – it’s not been fun. Missing friends, family, loved ones? Missing out on those trips of a lifetime we booked in 2019… get us to some sunshine – stat! It’s time to recharge your batteries and buy yourself that ticket, because travel is so good for your wellbeing. Yes, we are giving you an excuse to go on holiday, so listen up very carefully!

1 – Travel is Proven to Help Reduce Stress

80% of American citizens notice a drop in their stress levels when they go on vacation. Yes, we know that travel can be stressful at times (packing, the queues at the airport, lost luggage 😱) but those things don’t always happen anyway. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but one of the best feelings at the start of your vacation happen once you’re through security and sitting down with your first beer, coffee, wine, or juice at that airport gate. Sometimes it’s the promise of a change of scenery, or 2 full weeks away from the office that can immediately change your outlook. All we know is: travel is proven to help reduce stress.

2 – Your Vacation Activities Can Put a Spring in Your Step

And sometimes we mean literally. Whether you’ve packed your itinerary with hikes, mountain biking, treks, mountain climbing, archery, kayaking… the options are endless really aren’t they, or you plan to park your butt on the beach or by the pool with a cocktail and a good book to escape in, it’s more than likely that you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. That’s great. The fresh air, the scenery – it can all make life seem more hopeful and joyful. This is especially true if the weather plays ball. Escaping from the rain into the tropics is never a bad idea really, is it? You’re bound to return home with a spring in your step.

3 – Travel Can Give You a Creative Burst

If you’ve been stuck doing mundane tasks recently, the creative side of your brain is probably screaming for some stimulation. Luckily, travel gives you the perfect opportunity for a boost of creativity. Whether you enjoy journaling or painting and drawing your way through cities, or connecting with locals who have their own stories to tell, there’s nothing like a deep dive into the unknown to get your creative juices flowing. Think about all the stories you tell when you come back home, the photo albums your create from your memories. Travel can absolutely give you the creative burst you need.

4 – Getting Away From Work Can Actually Boost Your Productivity

That’s right, there’s nothing better than leaving behind a situation or a scene that’s zapping you of your energy and productivity. In fact, 94% of travelers in a case study of 400 people by a Harvard Business Review study claimed that they had more energy on returning to the office after a break, which meant they could complete their tasks quicker and to a higher standard when they could before their vacation. Make sure you slip that one in when you’re asking your boss for time off and get ready for the green light.

5 – Traveling Can Improve Your Relationships

When was the last time you really paid attention to your lover, your best friend, your family? Ok, we definitely pay attention to the people in our lives, but over time, in a monotonous situation… that attention can dwindle, and sometimes it can leave us feeling a little bit lonely, or unsatisfied. Traveling with your partner, friends, and family can help strengthen the bond between you all and rekindle emotions at the same time. That feeling of bonding with those we love can help us to feel settled, loved, and appreciated. Traveling together, taking time to take up activites you love, and going on little dates out when you’re on vacation can have a vast, positive impact on your relationships.

Solo travelers out there, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you. Traveling solo can help you improve your relationship with yourself. And getting to know ourselves, trusting ourselves out on adventures and going easy on ourselves instead of losing ourselves in the fast pace of every day life can seriously improve your happiness. Get to know yourself even deeper than you ever have before. Wanr to read a few of our blog posts on the benefits of solo travel? Try this one!

6 – There’s always a chance to meet new people and make new relationships

Being stuck at home, whether you like it or not, can really make our days blur into one. We find ourselves in a monotonous day-to-day struggle, seeing the same few faces (or none at all!) over and over again. Traveling can help you find new friends and acquaintences with the same outlook on life as you. It’s also a chance to see locals going about their daily business, which, if you’re a people watcher like I am, is one of the best passive activities there is (as long as I’ve got an ice cold Pepsi in front of me too of course).

Getting a bit ‘sciency’, seeing locals in a new culture can actually help you develop more empathy, and interest in others, which can broaden your horizons and reduce subconscious biases. It’ll even kick back on your overall frustration, and make you a more tolerant person. What’s not to love?

7 – Travel is great for your overall health

That is if you’re going on an active vacation, of course. Sitting by a pool in an all-inclusive resort probably doesn’t have the same health benefits as hiking through the wilderness, rock climbing, surfing, or hitting the hotel gym before you head out for the day 😉. Not only can being active on your vacation give your body plenty of movement, but it’ll set your mind free too. Fresh mountain or ocean air, new surroundings to take in, that feeling of a day well spent when you head back to your accommodation? It’s all proven to boost your health and your mental health, and we’re here to advocate it 100%

Are you ready to work on making a positive impact on your mental health? Don’t struggle alone, and remember that taking time out for yourself is just as important as taking time out for those around you. Get busy thinking about where you’d like to travel to next and let us know where you decide to go in the comments below.