By Karen Espig

Just in case you need a little extra incentive to use up those vacation days, it seems the health benefits of travel could leave you feeling younger, happier, and physically healthier! If you are like me and enjoy hitting the road, you could be doing yourself a favour in more ways than one.

There are several components of good and balanced health, and travel may just be one of them.  Let’s look at the evidence.

Happiness And Mental Health

The relentless demands of everyday life take a toll, whether we realise it or not. The act of planning and anticipating a trip in itself provides a boost, releasing the feel-good hormones, dopamine and endorphin. A vacation is a gift to yourself that starts giving before you even get going!

It’s proven that being out in sunshine and nature reduces stress and can improve mood, lower anxiety, and reduce incidents of depression. So trips to sunny beaches are good for you!

Travel can indeed be stressful as you are faced with unexpected challenges, but the sink-or-swim aspect of it also provides you with opportunities to improve confidence and lessen anxiety in the long term.

Boost Your Physical Health And Improve Your Immune System

When you travel, you tend to be more physically active and spend more time outdoors. This may be a result of a robust itinerary or because your destination is conducive to walking.

You may even be ticking scuba diving or walking the Camino off your bucket list.

Because you are in an adventurous and good mood, you aren’t as likely to notice you have clocked up the ten thousand-plus recommended steps. And let’s not forget the extra vitamin D (vital to a healthy immune system) you get outdoors.

If you travel abroad or to a different ecosystem, you will also be exposed to new bacteria, viruses, and microbes, which sounds bad but doesn’t need to be. It’s been shown that a healthier gut microbiome requires a diverse diet. Tasting new dishes and exposing yourself to new plant and animal life improves your digestive health, improving mental and physical health.

However, a little caution is needed: Stay mindful of sanitary conditions and any serious health risks associated with your destination.

Personal Fulfilment And Social Interaction

Travel is an experiential purchase as opposed to a material one. Studies show that this type of investment in self has a longer-lasting, more profound effect than just buying stuff.

The unique-to-you adventures gained through travel can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfilment. You may discover new passions or interests. You will undoubtedly encounter unexpected challenges along the way, like getting lost if your map app fails you or missing the last bus.

These misadventures might feel a little stressful initially, but by resolving them (alone or with your group), you are activating problem-solving skills and increasing resilience.

Making Connections

Humans are social animals and thrive best with a healthy social circle. All of the “blue zone” areas of the globe, where people live longer, happier and healthier lives, find that connectivity is one of the keys to a long life.

Travel can allow you to deepen existing relationships with partners, family, or friends. It may also provide you with brand new connections as you interact with other travellers and locals alike.  

You’re Never Too Old

Let’s dispel the myth that travel is for the young once and for all. Not only do many Baby Boomers (born between 1947 and 1964) and senior adults travel, they do so enthusiastically. They’ve even got a term for it: “Golden Gap Year”.

There are so many options for travel; if intense hiking or climbing stairs to castles is beyond your physical limits, think about taking a cooking or language workshop. (Italy, anyone?)

Travel can be a fabulous way to stretch your neuroplasticity. Exciting new research suggests that learning (language is top of the list) can help improve memory and possibly delay the onset of dementia.

You Don’t Have To Break The Bank

If time isn’t your problem, but money is, worry not. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from volunteering, and many organisations worldwide would be thrilled to receive your help.

Volunteering creates very direct connections to both cultures and individuals. It can give you confidence and contribute to your sense of self-worth. For a lower-key option, try pet or house-sitting, which can put you in a new city and home environment. 

Still not convinced? Not only can the days away from the routine of home and work improve your mental and physical health, but it could also improve your creativity and productivity upon your return. The health benefits of travel are far-reaching and long-lasting, so stop considering travel as a luxury and start including it as an essential part of your good health regime.