There are more benefits to traveling the world than we can begin to count here, from broadening your horizons and creating new memories to getting a better understanding of different cultures and ways of life. However, if you’re curious about whether or not travel is good for you, then it might be a plus to know that there are a few very real health benefits to making a little more time for travel, too.
Shake off the stresses of the world
Running away from your problems can actually help, believe it or not. Taking time away from your frequent daily stressors can not only help reduce your feelings of stress. A little distance can also help you get some perspective on your problems so that, when you come back, they might not seem quite as important or you might even have some solutions in mind to take care of them once and for all.
Sleep better
You might think that having to wake up for early flights and dealing with jet lag might actually disrupt your sleeping habits. However, people who travel often tend to have an easier time getting to sleep and maintaining these sleeping patterns. This might be precisely because they are used to travel hacks that help them avoid fatigue and jet lag in the first place. Once you pick up healthier sleeping habits, it’s easier to hold onto them.
Travel is good for your heart?
While this largely depends on what, exactly, you do while you’re traveling and no-one is going to get a healthier heart by food touring the greasiest BBQ stops in any given country, there is evidence to suggest that people who travel more often are significantly less likely to develop chronic heart conditions such as heart disease. While the link between travel and heart health isn’t fully extrapolated, there’s enough evidence to suggest it’s a very real phenomenon.
Stretching your legs
Aside from the intrinsic health benefits of travel, there are also ways to travel that can be significantly healthier for you, too. Physical vacations can help you see more of the world while also giving yourself a good workout. While you should do some work to prep physically for them, trekking challenges can help you push your physical capabilities, improving your heart health, building muscle, and increasing your stamina. Walking routes exist in locations across the world for people of all fitness levels to stretch their legs, too.
Wheel around the city
Treks might take you through the great outdoors, but what if you’re more of a city person? Well, then, it might be worth looking at some of the most bicycle-friendly cities. Not only does cycling help you stay fit, but it can make it a lot easier and cheaper to explore some places than relying on cars or public transport.
If you want your travel experiences to be healthy, then you have to choose healthy travel options. Hopefully, the tips above give you a good idea of what some of those options are.
