Exploring the world through travel offers more benefits than you may realize. When you immerse yourself in a new place, it can open your eyes and pull you out of your comfort zone. You will meet new people, maybe eat some new foods, and simply experience different ways of life. This can expand your mind and give you a greater appreciation of other cultures and customs.
Travel can give a boost to your overall well-being. It’s great for your mental and emotional health, as well as your physical health.
Mental and emotional health
So how can a getaway help with your mental and emotional health? For starters, a vacation often helps ease feelings of burnout from daily life. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to recharge your batteries. You don’t need to go far to see some of these benefits. Even a local trip can help you step away from the grind of everyday life. It could be something as simple as house-sitting for a friend. Embracing a new experience can be refreshing.
Try to find ways to immerse yourself in new cultures and meet new people. Stepping out of your comfort zone can help you become more resilient. This makes you better equipped to handle stress or uncertainty later in life. Travel can even strengthen relationships and boost your overall happiness and satisfaction with life.
One study noted that simply planning a vacation leads to a significant boost in happiness! Creating mock travel itineraries can be an exciting way to plan future trips and keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Physical health
When you travel, you tend to be more active than you might be at home. Exploring a new place often means you’ll be spending more time on foot. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or just walking around a new town, traveling gets you moving. This increase in activity can encourage you to keep up a more active lifestyle even after you return from your trip.
Research supports the physical health benefits of traveling. For instance, one study found that both men and women who take annual vacations have a lower risk of heart disease. This highlights the value of mixing travel into your routine for long-term health benefits.
The value of a “staycation”
One of the biggest barriers to travel is cost. Another is time. And for some, a disability may make travel a challenge. But even if you don’t have the means or ability to travel far, that doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of a break. A vacation at home—or “staycation”—can also have a big impact on your well-being.
Many of the benefits of travel have less to do with the destination and more to do with breaking up your daily routine. Find ways to separate yourself from the stress of your daily life. Engage in fun, novel pursuits. You might explore local attractions, revitalize an old hobby, or just take some time off from your daily grind. Whatever you choose, a staycation can be a valuable form of self-care.
Volunteer vacations
If you want to add more purpose to your travels, consider a volunteer vacation. This type of trip is one where you dedicate your time to helping others. It combines the joy of exploring new places with the satisfaction of giving back to communities.
Many volunteer vacations focus on caring for the environment, teaching, supporting health care, or improving local neighborhoods. These trips offer a great way to make a positive difference in the community you visit. They can be extremely meaningful and fulfilling. 
Trips in nature
For those who like to venture into the great outdoors, you’re even more likely to see some health benefits. A recent study found that greater exposure to natural environments, such as parks, woodlands, and beaches, is linked with better overall health and well-being.
When you travel to natural areas, you typically get more exercise by doing fun activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, kayaking, or just walking. And being more active is always good for your health. But if you have any health problems, ask your doctor before trying new activities.
Getting into nature can also be a great way to manage stress. Being outdoors can have a calming effect on your mind, reducing stress hormones. This can help boost your mood and even give you a sense of peace.
Enhancing creativity and self-care
Traveling has a way of bringing out the creative side in people. Seeing new cultures, histories, and languages can be incredibly inspiring. And interacting with new traditions and real-life experiences can spark new ideas and insights. You may find you’re likely to continue following these creative pursuits once you’re back home.
Moreover, travel serves as an act of self-care. A relaxing getaway, whether it's a leisurely walk in a new environment or a day spent outdoors, can help calm your mind and spirit. By living in the moment and appreciating the beauty around you, you're recharging your mind and body.
The benefits of travel can be great. Vacations offer an outlet that can improve your mental, physical, and emotional health. Whether you're traveling abroad or enjoying a staycation in your hometown, the key is to embrace new experiences and take time for self-care. So, pack your bags or plan a local adventure—your mind and body will thank you.
Not a Silver&Fit® member? Learn more about everything the program has to offer, including more helpful healthy living tips like this, here on our website.
This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Silver&Fit program.
References
American College of Sports Medicine. (2009). Position stand: Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41(7), 1510-1530. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181a0c95c
Anciaes, P., & Metcalfe, P. (2023). Constraints to travel outside the local area: Effect on social participation and self-rated health. Journal of Transport & Health, 28, 101535, ISSN 2214-1405, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101535.
Berman, R. (2023, January 10). People who travel report better health, study finds. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-who-travel-report-better-health-study-finds
Gump, B. B., & Matthews, K. A. (2000). Are vacations good for your health? The 9-year mortality experience after the multiple risk factor intervention trial. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 608-612. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-200009000-00003
Kahana, E., T. Bhatta, T., Lovegreen, L. D., Kahana, B., & Midlarsky, E. (2013). Altruism, helping, and volunteering: Pathways to well-being in late life. Journal of Aging and Health, 25(1), 159-187. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264312469665
Kumar, A., Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilovich, T. (2014). Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory consumption of experiential and material purchases. Psychological science, 25(10), 1924-1931. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614546556
Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 4). The mental health benefits of nature: Spending time outdoors to refresh your mind. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/
Saunders, L. E., Green, J. M., Petticrew, M. P., Steinbach, R., & Roberts, H. (2013). What are the health benefits of active travel? A systematic review of trials and cohort studies. PloS One, 8(8), e69912. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069912
This article was written by Jason Nielsen, edited by Stephanie Ruiz, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on January 2, 2025.
