Travel and Your Health: Scientific Evidence Indicates Positive Effects
Is travel good for your health? Here are 13 reasons that show how your body can gain advantages from taking a vacation! This is the ideal reason to catch a flight!
Could we see a day when doctors recommend travel as a remedy for illnesses? This may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Research has shown that traveling can have unexpected benefits for one’s health. We definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on that opportunity.
Curious about the benefits of travel on your health? Look no further, as science has the answer.
1. Enhancing Heart Health and Strength
Staying in one place for an extended period of time is not ideal. Individuals who engage in travel not only increase their physical movement, resulting in improved blood circulation but also take a break from the stressors of their everyday lives.
The city of Framingham, Massachusetts, conducted a heart study on women between the ages of 45 and 64. The results, which were connected to travel, validated a long-held belief. The women were asked about their vacation frequency, and a follow-up study twenty years later showed that those who vacationed less than every six years were nearly eight times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or coronary death compared to those who vacationed at least twice a year.
2. Lowering Your Stress Levels Significantly!
Stress is a dangerous factor that can have serious consequences. If there is anything that can aid in combating it, we would be fully on board. It appears that becoming a member of the Travelers’ Club could be our solution.
In their 2002 study, Westman and Etzion looked into the connection between stress and burnout during vacation time. The results revealed that individuals who took more frequent breaks had lower levels of stress and absenteeism. Additionally, according to a 2012 Expedia survey, 89 percent of travelers said they were able to relax and unwind effectively within the first one or two days of their trip. This highlights the importance of taking breaks and the positive impact it can have on one’s well-being.
This serves as evidence that a 6-month sabbatical is not always necessary for mental relaxation, as any form of travel can have positive effects on your well-being.
3. Enhancing Your Mental Well-being
The situation is likely a familiar one for you. Simply getting into your car and driving on the highway to a new destination can instantly improve anyone’s mood.
Stepping away from work and daily obligations and engaging in leisurely activities like traveling can have a significant positive impact on your mood. Research conducted by the University of Kansas in 2009 found that traveling can reduce depression and enhance psychological well-being. And that’s not all—just the act of planning a trip can bring happiness up to 8 weeks in advance before actually embarking on the journey.
4. Improving Your Emotional Intelligence
One of the best ways to expand your mind and step out of your comfort zone is by meeting new individuals and exploring different cultures.
By embarking on a journey, you will learn the art of connecting with individuals who may appear vastly dissimilar from you at first glance. It will also prompt you to challenge your convictions and introduce you to novel realities. Through travel, you will be compelled to view situations from varying angles, ultimately nurturing empathy and emotional awareness within yourself.
5. Building Trust and Tolerance
Traveling abroad allows for exposure to diverse individuals, traditions, and societal norms, along with novel tastes, landscapes, and aromas, all of which can broaden one’s perspective and emotions.
In his book Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain openly admitted that traveling can eliminate prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. He also acknowledged that staying in one place for a lifetime can limit one’s perspective on people and the world. Twain believed that only by venturing out and exploring can one develop broad, wholesome, and charitable views.
We couldn’t express it any better!
6. Enhances Your Intelligence
Exposure to diverse languages, dialects, and cultures can significantly enhance your cognitive abilities. Interestingly, the impact of travel can be observed even without physically changing your location!
In a study conducted in 2009, psychologist Lile Jia from Indiana University organized an interesting and enlightening experiment. He assigned a task to two separate groups of students. Students in Indiana created the task, while those in Greece designed it for the first group. Both groups were asked to generate a list of all possible modes of transportation. The group’s association with Greece produced a larger number of methods, many of which were more unique.
If your mind were to function more efficiently simply by envisioning itself in a different country, how do you believe it would fare if your entire physical self were actually in a foreign land?
7. Enhances Your Immune System
What are the benefits of travel for your health and body? One of the advantages is that it boosts the production of antibodies, small proteins that safeguard your immune system. Studies have proven that your body and digestive system can strengthen when exposed to certain germs and minor illnesses. However, this does not mean neglecting basic hygiene entirely. In fact, encountering new bacteria can actually have positive effects on your well-being.
Are you concerned about falling ill? High-quality travel insurance can safeguard your trip in case you are unable to travel for a short period of time. We have evaluated the most reputable travel insurance companies so that you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind. And once you have recovered, don’t hesitate to resume your travels and reap the various health benefits that come with it.
8. Region-Specific Healing Properties Can Be Accessed Through It
For a considerable period, certain locations on the planet have gained widespread recognition for their therapeutic and revitalizing qualities.
The Kusatsu Onsen hot springs in Japan provide relief from muscle pain and hypertension, while the Thermae Bath Spa in Britain rejuvenates with its mineral waters. Additionally, the Dead Sea has been known to have a remarkable impact on the nervous system and various glands.
Travel can have positive effects on your health if you take the time to seek out and visit healing locations during your travels.
9. Enhancing Bone Strength
According to the text, it is not the act of traveling that improves the health of your bones. Rather, it is the absorption of vitamin D from the sun during your travels that leads to this improvement.
How is your weekly routine typically organized? During the colder seasons, most of us spend our days indoors, whether it be at home, work, or school. However, individuals who are traveling or on vacation often do not spend their days in their hotel rooms or rental homes, increasing their skin’s exposure to the pleasant and comforting sunlight.
Always remember to apply sunscreen, even if you don’t think you need it!
10. Your Body Will Be in Motion
For those who enjoy hiking, walking, or cycling, they fall into the category of active travelers. Engaging in these types of physical activities aids in building muscle mass, improving blood circulation, and breathing in fresh air. According to a 2012 study by the iConnect consortium, adults who engage in active travel typically have a much higher level of overall physical activity than those who do not.
Don your preferred pair of running shoes and embark on a journey to discover the city! This added physical activity is just one of the many benefits of traveling for your overall well-being.
When embarking on a journey, it can be challenging to determine the necessary items for exploring or engaging in activities in an unfamiliar location. It is advisable to have a travel backpack with you. Our team has evaluated the top-rated travel backpacks that can accommodate all your essentials. These backpacks feature adjustable straps, a designated compartment for laptops, and a front panel for convenient accessibility.
11. Experience a Boost of Adrenaline
Every fresh experience brings about a plethora of feelings, such as boundless enthusiasm and eagerness. However, there are certain endeavors that elevate the excitement to a completely different level.
Are you familiar with adventure travel? This includes activities such as skydiving, diving, rock climbing, rafting, and bungee jumping. These high-risk adventures have gained popularity among tourists in recent years and have become the latest sought-after recreational activities for thrill-seeking travelers.
For those who enjoy these activities or are content with the excitement of exploring new destinations, traveling can provide a surge of adrenaline that is beneficial for the body, making it a positive impact on one’s health.
12. The Impact on Your Quality of Sleep
A 2010 study by Bloom et al. in the Netherlands demonstrated that taking a vacation improves sleep quality. This concept is logical, as being in a different location from work and home can ease the mind and promote better sleep.
In order for this situation to occur, it is important to properly manage your jet lag. For those who fly often, it is necessary to take steps to quickly readjust to their normal schedule. This includes avoiding caffeine before and after takeoff, getting a proper night’s rest before your flight, avoiding arriving at your destination at night, and considering breaking up long flights.
13. Improving Your Perception of Health and Subjective Well-Being
One aspect of maintaining good health involves experiencing a sense of wellness.
McCabe, Joldersma, and Chunxiao’s 2010 research found that families report feeling happier overall after taking vacations. Additionally, a study by Bloom Et Al. found that individuals also perceive improvements in their health following vacations.
When someone asks, “Is travel good for your health?” you can use these arguments to counter their doubts and begin organizing your upcoming trip!
