We all know travel is a fun way to see the world, but did you know that it also has some pretty incredible benefits? From improving your health to being a form of therapy, traveling can actually improve your life.
Research shows that travel can lower your risk of heart disease and boost your brainpower. So if you’re planning on taking your next vacation, here are some interesting facts you may not have heard about.
1. Travel is a form of therapy
When it comes to your mental health, travel can be a very powerful tool. Taking a vacation and getting away from your daily routine can be beneficial in many ways, including improving your stress levels and making you more productive when you return home.
If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life, consider planning a trip to a new place that you’ve never visited before. Even if you don’t have the time to travel right now, you can still benefit from thinking about it and browsing potential destinations.
Studies have shown that traveling increases the number of new dendrites, which are connections between neurons in the brain. These dendrites help your brain function better, especially in areas related to memory and problem-solving abilities.
Aside from stimulating the brain, travel also offers many opportunities to learn about new places and cultures. This can lead to an increased sense of empathy and understanding of other people’s lives.
It can also give you new perspectives on your own life and what you want out of it. It’s important to remember that your mental health should always be a priority, so it’s best to talk to a counselor if you need support.
While you’re on vacation, it’s a good idea to take some time to yourself and think about your emotions. This can be helpful in reducing anxiety and depression, and it can help you become more confident as you get to know yourself better.
There’s no doubt that travel can be a powerful tool for your mental health, and it can even help you boost your creativity. However, if you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s best to seek professional assistance before you embark on any sort of travel.
2. It’s good for your brain
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life or simply want to try new things, traveling is one of the best things you can do for your mind. Several studies have found that travel can have positive effects on your mental health, including reducing depression and improving memory.
According to neuroscientist Paul Nussbaum, traveling is a great way to stimulate your brain and encourage the growth of new connections within its cerebral matter. These connections are called dendrites, which grow from nerve cells to facilitate the transfer of information between different parts of the brain.
The more dendrites you have, the better your brain will function. This is a good thing because it allows you to remember more, focus better, and solve problems easier.
In addition, traveling is also beneficial for your creativity because it forces you to constantly learn new things. “When you are exposed to new experiences, your brain is forced to expand its imagination and think in ways that it wouldn’t otherwise be able to,” says Dr. Shelley Carson, author of Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity, and Innovation in Your Life.
Traveling can also help improve your problem-solving skills, which is a vital part of maintaining healthy mental health. When you’re on a trip and face an obstacle, your brain is forced to focus on how to overcome it, which boosts your dendritic growth and tests your problem-solving abilities.
3. It’s good for your heart
Whether it’s traveling to watch the Chelsea Flower Show in London or a world cup, it’s not only fun but it can help you relax. Research has shown that a relaxing vacation can lower stress, reduce heart disease and improve brain health.
A study in the LA Times found that men who don’t take an annual vacation have a 30% higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease than those who do. Likewise, women who vacation less often have a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease than those who travel more frequently.
The Framingham Heart Study, a long-running study in Massachusetts, found that women who vacationed every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop a heart attack or coronary death than women who vacationed twice a year or more. The same research also shows that women who take two or more vacations a year have a significantly decreased risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease than those who do not travel.
If you want to keep your cards and cash safe from thievery, get yourself a travel wallet that is specifically designed for the job. It can be bulky and you might have to pack more than you would for a regular day trip, but it will keep your important things organized so you don’t lose anything on your vacation!
A good travel wallet will also make it easier to keep track of your passport, tickets and itinerary while you’re on the go. Unlike your everyday wallet, which is cluttered with receipts, ticket confirmations and pictures of your adorable nephew, your travel wallet should be clean and free from clutter.
4. It’s good for your wallet
Travel is a great way to explore a new place and see a different part of the world. It’s also a great way to relax, improve your mood and boost your overall health.
It’s a good idea to save up for a big trip before you go so that you have plenty of cash to spare. Consider setting up a separate bank account that automatically deposits money into it every pay cycle. This will allow you to track your expenses and avoid overspending.
A quick internet search will provide you with several tips and tricks to help you save for a trip of your own. For example, scouting out deals on websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial can save you money on your next vacation or business trip. You can even take advantage of a free vacation planner to help you plan out your itinerary and budget in advance.
Taking the time to travel the smart way can be just as beneficial to your wallet. Using the right travel app on your smartphone can help you stay organized and plan for your next getaway with ease. A good travel app will also recommend the best hotels and restaurants in a given area based on your preferences and past experiences.
The best travel app will also let you plan your next big trip and keep track of your budget in one place.
5. It’s good for your health
Whether you love traveling for business or pleasure, it can be great for your health. From stress relief to better sleep, there are a lot of scientifically-backed health benefits that come from getting out and experiencing new places.
Travel is also a form of therapy and can help you deal with any mental health issues you might be dealing with. By exploring a new country and learning about its history, culture and food, you can stimulate your brain and improve your mental well-being.
Another thing that travel does for your health is help you to get more exercise and stay active. You can explore a new city and get lost in the sights or you can participate in a hike and work up a sweat.
If you’re going to a different country, it’s important to check out the local weather and geography before you leave. It can be hot or cold in some locations, and you might need to pack a different type of clothing than you normally wear.
You should also make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods and drink water to stay hydrated. Moreover, be careful about bug bites and other insect-borne diseases, like malaria, yellow fever, Zika and dengue.
Men who vacationed at least once a year had about a 30% lower risk of heart disease death than men who didn’t, according to the famous Framingham Heart Study.
Taking time off work is a great way to avoid burnout, and travel allows you to take time away from your regular responsibilities without having to worry about missing out on important events or activities. Even if you only take one or two days off, it can make a huge difference in your mental and physical well-being!