There are many reasons to travel. You get to experience new cultures, eat different foods, maybe meet some new people, relax by the pool…everyone’s reason to get out of Dodge is different. But, did you know that traveling can be great for your health too? No matter where you live or what you do for a living daily life can become stressful and monotonous. Traveling offers an escape from that, allowing you to refresh and reset your mind. This can ultimately decrease stress. (woohoo!) Think of taking a trip as self care, because it is. Here are some reasons to book that next getaway!

It Can Boost Satisfaction

What’s the difference between happiness and satisfaction? Happiness is the feeling of pleasure you experience in the moment when you do something that you like, like eating a cupcake. Satisfaction, is that feeling you get when you reflect on something that you are glad you achieved, even if getting there wasn’t a happy experience. Like getting into a healthy routine, for example. Did you love setting the alarm for 4:45am to squeeze in that workout before work? Probably not. Are you super satisfied that you lost weight, toned up and feel all around better? You bet! Looking back on your travels gives you that same sense of satisfaction. You feel good that you achieved what you set out to do, boosting your confidence and sense of self worth.

It Improves Grit

Someone once told me that I had grit. I wasn’t sure how to take that at first but it is quite the compliment. Grit, is the ability to withstand challenging situations and persevere through them. As I get older I’m finding that people don’t have the resilience to deal with life’s problems like they used to. They are quick to throw up their hands and give up when things get tough. Travel, helps develop grit because it forces you to rely on yourself for your needs. Nobody else is going to book that train ticket or ask for directions: you have to do it all yourself.

It Boosts Mood and Can Help Reduce Stress

As rewarding as your daily life may be it can become a little tedious over time. Travel helps you get out of that rut! It also takes you away from some triggers that may cause stress (at least for a little bit). If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, getting away from it all can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate. Seeing new places and experiencing different cultures can help broaden your outlook and give you a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around you. So whether you’re hiking through beautiful scenery or taking in the fresh air at a cafe, spending a week or two in a new place, can help you return home feeling revitalised. 

Travel Enhances Cognitive Flexibility

Yep, you read that correctly, travel helps your brain. Visiting new places exposes you to new situations, which then forces your brain to come up with unfamiliar solutions to problems that may arise. These situations will boost your ability to solve problems and think flexibly. It also stimulates creativity.

It Can Help You Connect With Others

One of the best things about travel is that it can help you connect with other people. Whether you’re making new friends or reconnecting with old ones, spending time with loved ones is a great way to boost your mood and overall mental wellbeing. Many times when we travel, we come home with connections that we didn’t have before. It’s so fun to make friends at the local bar and then go out for a late dinner, or meet up for breakfast at a Dublin pub with people you met on your flight. You never know where new friendships/connections may pop up.

Promotes Physical Activity

Travel is a great way to get some exercise! Walking is one of the best ways to explore a new destination, you could walk miles in a day and not even realize it. Certain studies have found that taking a brisk walk is also really good for your health, both physically and mentally. If walking around a cobblestoned city isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get active while traveling, such as hiking, biking, and swimming.

It Can Provide A Sense Of Achievement

Accomplishing something that you’ve been dreaming of, whether it’s relaxing in a lakeside cabin or visiting a Tuscan vineyard, can give you a real sense of pride and satisfaction. You said you were going to do something, and you did it! Not everyone can say that. Many people plan or dream about taking a certain trip their entire lives and never make it a reality.

I hope you now have even more reasons to book you next adventure. Get out there and explore, your mind and body will thank you for it!