Good news! Travel is actually good for your health

Aug 24, 2016

Pack your bags and book your flights, friends, because a holiday is just what the doctor ordered. According to research, not only are holidays a great way to improve your mental and physical wellbeing, but without them we would go absolutely bonkers.

Holidays are the perfect way to relax, recharge the batteries and take momentary leave from our everyday routines, but they could also ward off disease and even help us live longer and happier lives. So, what are you waiting for? Best start packing those bags. Here are just some of the reasons why travel is actually good for your health.

1. Staying active

One of the great things about going on holiday is that we become more active than we would usually be in our everyday lives, without even knowing it. Instead of sitting for long periods of time throughout the day at home, while we’re on holiday there is sight-seeing to be done, mountains to climb and museums to wander endlessly through. This means that travel gets our heart rate up, increases our energy output and makes us fitter in the process.

2. Destress

A holiday wouldn’t be a holiday if there wasn’t some rest and respite involved. Taking some time out to relax and watch the world go by can have an incredible impact on our stress levels. As long as you don’t go losing your passport, travel can be a great way to destress. Instead of being concerned with all the worries of home, you’re distracted by new smells, cultures, food and landscapes.

3. More sex

A recent study found that 77 percent of couples who travel together report to have a good sex life, while another survey found that one-third of holiday-makers have more sex while they’re on vacation. Not only is sex a great way to connect with your partner, and yourself, but sex can also improve your heart health, provide stress release and reduce blood pressure. So keep doing the hanky-panky on holiday!

4. Increased brain function

Problem solving and creative thinking is part of the travel experience. You’ve got to figure out how to get from A to B, how to manage your holiday budget, and even how to have a conversation with people who might not speak the same language as you. This all has a positive impact on our brain function and cultural awareness, which means we become more emotionally stable in the process.

5. Reduces risk of depression

A study from 2005 found that there was a link between people who travel and having a lower risk of developing depression. According to physician Dr. Leigh Vinocur, “Periodic and regular vacations, while taking time for yourself and your family, lowers your stress level and decreases the release of all those stress hormones that contribute to degrading our mental and physical health.” So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan that holiday, your health with thank you for it.