Surprising Health Benefits of Travel

Boost your physical, mental, and social health.

‘More travel.’ 

It’s on most wish lists and part of many New Year's resolutions. 

People love traveling. They do it to disconnect from the world and recharge, go on an adventure to revitalize the mind and body, or experience a foreign culture. 

This year, the Journal of Travel Research added a new reason.  A recent study confirms what frequent fliers have known their whole lives: traveling is good for your health. Specifically, it helps slow down aging in four critical ways. 

If you’re one of the few who never goes on vacation, you might be missing out on more than pretty pictures and a tan line.

What does travel have to do with aging?  More than you think!

The various elements of traveling—the organization, the packing, the movement, the mental stimulation—boost physical, mental, and social health. 

Traveling helps slow down aging in four ways:

1. Stress Reduction
Social stress is proven to speed up aging, so reducing it will have the opposite effect.

2. Cognitive Benefits
Being somewhere new requires critical thinking that stimulates the brain, the most crucial factor in delaying cognitive decline.

3. Physical Activity
Going on holiday typically means moving more and staying physically agile in your twilight years.

4. Social Interaction
Emotional well-being is also vital to longevity, and the socializing you’ll do on holidays bolsters this psychological need.

Find the right trip for you

Not every holiday will suit every person, but that’s the beauty of having options!

Whether you’re hunting last minute vacation deals or are inspired to plan your next trip, we’ve got you covered:

Action and adventure

Adventure travel is a great way to stave off aging by activating your circulatory, muscular, and skeletal systems!  

Skiing, hiking, and camping are popular, though you might opt to cycle or go on an adventure road trip. Whatever the case, nothing keeps you young like movement. 

Check out these ski holidays and other getaways for your next adventure.

Massages and margaritas 

Zen and relaxation have anti-aging benefits, too.

Beach, spa, and wellness retreats provide a much-needed break from the insane pace of everyday life, allowing a moment to reflect, meditate, and rejuvenate. 

Taking a break from it all, whether alone or with company, is critical to stress reduction and staying young.   

Pamper yourself on a spa holiday or pick a classic beach getaway to reset and recharge.

A little bit of everything

There’s no right way to travel, and some people prefer a bit of everything. 

They might appreciate a walking tour through a historic town,  getting lost in a bustling new city, or escaping on a luxury cruise to meet people and socialize. 

Whatever the appetite, there are last-minute travel deals for you.

Eat the best foods, take a luxury cruise, appreciate a new culture, or have a romantic weekend to keep that other part of you vital!