Health Benefits of Travelling Abroad!
View from Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal”
1. Introduction
It's easy to get caught up in daily life, often sidelining the idea of travel. Yet, every time I have embark on a journey, the difference is clear. Problems that seemed significant at home become almost trivial in new environments. A change of scenery can shift your perspective and make you feel rejuvenated. Travelling can spark creativity, lower stress, increase happiness and lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and discovery. Travel, even for short breaks can transform you.
I tend to find that I am my best version on holiday. The mix of sun, sea, sand, mental stimuli and being with friends or family helps to ground me and makes me more present. I guess the trick of life is to replicate some of this feeling at home as much as possible. I believe the best way to do this is by practising enjoying the small things as much as possible. Anyway, this article explores the undeniable health benefits of travelling abroad and I encourage readers to review “references and further reading”, at the end of this article which includes brief summaries of relevant scientific studies and articles.
By the way, the pictures and videos featured are from the beautiful country of Montenegro, which I had the fortunate opportunity of visiting earlier this year (2024).
Health Benefits of Travelling Abroad:
1. Travelling Reduces Stress:
Travel reduces stress by breaking the monotony of daily life and offering a change of scenery. When you're away from work and home responsibilities, your mind and body can relax, leading to significant health benefits.
Here's how travel reduces stress:
Relaxation: Stepping away from daily routines, enjoying the sunshine, or sitting by the pool and being free from work stresses allows you to unwind and recharge.
Mental Reset: Experiencing new environments helps clear your mind, reducing stress and giving the brain a reset.
Quality Rest: Reduced stress and new experiences often lead to better rest and rejuvenation.
2. Enhances Creativity:
Travel directly impacts creativity by pushing the mind into new realms of thought. Different environments, cultures, foods, and sunlight play significant roles in stimulating creative thinking.
Here's how travel enhances creativity:
New Environments: Each new place provides unique stimuli, prompting your brain to form fresh connections and ideas.
Cultural Exposure: Interacting with different cultures enhances cognitive flexibility and unconventional problem-solving.
Idea Flexibility: Learning about new ways of living helps you see things from multiple perspectives, increasing creativity.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
3. Improves Physical Health:
Travel can improve your physical health by encouraging more active lifestyles and exposing you to different environments that promote well-being. I tend to find I come back in better shape after an active holiday.
Here's how travel improves physical health:
Increased Physical Activity: Exploring new places usually involves walking, hiking, and other forms of exercise.
Exposure to Nature: Spending time outdoors in natural settings improves respiratory health and overall physical well-being.
Healthy Eating: Trying different cuisines can introduce you to healthier food options and encourage better eating habits.
By the way, this video is me climbing the stairs to Njegos Museum, in Lovchen National Park (Montenegro). Located at an altitude of 1660 meters.
4. Strengthens Relationships:
Travelling together can significantly strengthen relationships by providing shared experiences and quality time away from daily distractions. Strong relationships are essential for mental health, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Here's how travel strengthens relationships and benefits health:
Shared Experiences: Exploring new places together creates common memories and strengthens your bond.
Quality Time: Travel allows you to spend uninterrupted time with loved ones, enhancing your connection.
Improved Communication: Navigating new environments and experiences together encourages better communication and teamwork.
Mountain Rescue :), who I met on my drive up to Lovchen Mountain.
5. Boosts Mental Health:
Travelling has numerous mental health benefits, such as reducing depression and anxiety, and enhancing overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Here's how travel boosts mental health:
Reduces Depression and Anxiety: Regular vacations can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Improves Mood: The excitement and enjoyment of travelling improves overall mood and happiness.
Mental Well-being: Exposure to new environments and experiences enhances mental well-being and overall life satisfaction. Personally, break the monotony of routine has been very beneficial for mental well-being.
Pool-side view of Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
If you would like to learn more about Montenegro, please check out these articles Top 5 Things to do in Montenegro, and Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
References and Further Reading:
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Summary: This 2023 study published in the Journal of Transport & Health investigates the impact of travel constraints on social participation and self-rated health. The study reveals that limitations on travel frequency and the number of places visited are associated with poorer self-rated health through reduced social participation. Constraints related to car and public transport use also indirectly affect health by influencing other travel limitations. The findings highlight the need for public policies to improve transport conditions and support more frequent and varied travel to enhance social and health outcomes.
Authors: Paulo Anciaes and Paul Metcalfe
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Summary: This 2013 study published in PLoS ONE reviews the health benefits of active travel through a systematic review of trials and cohort studies. The study aimed to assess the evidence that active travel, primarily walking and cycling, has significant health benefits. It found modest positive effects on various health outcomes, including diabetes prevention, fitness, and cardiovascular health, though evidence for reducing obesity was limited and not robust. The study highlights the need for more rigorous evaluations of active travel interventions to determine their effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
Authors: Lucinda E. Saunders, Judith M. Green, Mark P. Petticrew, Rebecca Steinbach, Helen Roberts
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Summary: This 2013 study published in the Journal of Travel Research reviews the health and wellness benefits of travel experiences. The study found that travel experiences positively affect perceived health and wellness. These benefits include improved mental well-being, stress relief, and enhanced overall life satisfaction. However, the positive effects often diminish shortly after returning from a vacation. The study also highlighted a lack of research demonstrating the long-term positive effects of travel on physical health and suggested areas for future research.
Authors: Chun-Chu Chen and James F. Petrick
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Summary: This study, published in 2005, examines the impact of vacation frequency on the mental health, quality of marital life, and home life disruptions among rural women in central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Rural Women's Health Study found that women who took vacations more frequently (twice or more per year) had lower odds of depression and tension compared to those who took vacations less frequently. Additionally, frequent vacationers reported higher marital satisfaction. The study concludes that regular vacations can significantly reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance the overall quality of life and work performance for rural women.
Authors: Vatsal Chikani, Douglas Reding, Paul Gunderson, Catherine A. McCarty
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Summary: This 2002 study, published in the Journal of Vacation Marketing, investigates the impact of anticipating a holiday on the sense of well-being among UK tourists. The research found significant differences in well-being between individuals who were about to go on a holiday and those who were not. Those anticipating a holiday reported higher overall well-being, greater satisfaction in family, economic, and health domains, and experienced fewer negative emotions. The study concludes that the anticipation of a holiday positively influences individuals' subjective well-being, making them feel happier and more content with their lives.
Authors: David Gilbert and Junaida Abdullah
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Summary: This 2010 study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, explores how multicultural learning experiences enhance creativity. The research found that recalling a multicultural learning experience improves idea flexibility, increases awareness of underlying connections, and helps overcome functional fixedness. Specifically, functional learning about the meaning or function of behaviors in a multicultural context is crucial for facilitating creativity. The study concluded that living abroad and engaging in multicultural learning significantly boosts creativity, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to foreign cultures for creative enhancement.
Authors: William W. Maddux, Hajo Adam, and Adam D. Galinsky
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Summary: This 2018 article by Todd B. Kashdan, published in the Harvard Business Review, explores the mental benefits of vacationing in new and unfamiliar places. The article argues that while familiar vacations provide comfort and relaxation, stepping out of one’s comfort zone through travel fosters personal growth, emotional agility, empathy, and creativity. Studies show that exposure to different cultures and environments enhances cognitive flexibility, tolerance, and problem-solving abilities. The article concludes that travel experiences, especially those involving new challenges, significantly contribute to mental well-being and overall personal development.
Author: Todd B. Kashdan
