Traveling abroad is a wonderful thing. It allows us to have new experiences, meet new people, and make memories that last a lifetime. We all know this. That’s why many of us spend much of the year dreaming about our next vacation. But what you may not know is that that international travel can actually make you happier and healthier.
Here are the five top health benefits of traveling abroad.
1. It Lowers Depression Risks
Millions of people struggle with depression. And as it turns out, traveling abroad is one of the best ways to reduce it. According to a study by the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, women who take at least two vacations per year suffer less from chronic stress and depression than those who don’t.
2. Travel Lowers Physical Health Risks
A study from the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies along with the US Travel association found that men who take an annual vacation have a 30% lower risk of heart disease and a 20% lower risk of death compared to those who do not. So, book that trip. It’s the healthy choice to make.
3. It Lowers Stress, and Keeps it Lower
It’s no surprise that we’re less stressed out an international vacation, sipping a drink on a beach or sightseeing in an exotic location. But those low stress levels stick around even after you return. The US Travel Association found that travelers were less anxious, less tired, and in a better mood even weeks after their vacation ended.
4. It Makes You More Creative
According to Columbia Business School, international travel experiences “…increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought.” However, you need to engage with locals while you’re there. “The key, critical process is multicultural engagement, immersion and adaptation.” In other words, broadening your horizons can open you up to a whole new world of creative thought.
5. It Makes You Happy
While this might seem obvious (of course we’re happy on vacation), there’s more to it than that. A Cornell University Study found that just the act of planning a vacation is like a pure shot of dopamine. The study revealed that people become happier anticipating an international trip than they do anticipating buying a physical possession. So, the joy of travel starts long before your trip does.
These studies summarize what many of us have known for years: Traveling abroad enriches your life, makes you happier and healthier, and may inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and start a new creative outlet. In other words, the best way to have a happier 2024 is to make sure you include a trip or two.
However, the ordeal of getting sick or hurt or losing your luggage abroad can quickly add a whole bunch of stress to your carefree vacation. But that’s no reason not to travel. Just get travel medical insurance or travel insurance , and you can enjoy a stress-free trip from the moment you book it.