Seeing the world and exploring new destinations is a goal many people share. Whether you dream about relaxing on a beach, or you prefer to be on the go ticking off sights, travelling might be more beneficial than you first think.
If you need an excuse to book your next trip, there’s more than one reason why it could be good for you.
A holiday can break up the monotony of day-to-day life
It doesn’t matter what type of holiday you take; it offers a reprieve from everyday life. At times, the routine of work, household chores, and other life admin can get you down.
A chance to do something different from the usual can help you feel refreshed and keep feelings like burnout at bay.
A new destination could boost social relationships
If you’re travelling with family and friends, a break together could renew your social connections. Away from busy day-to-day life, you might find you’re able to better focus on spending time together, whether you’re laughing over a glass of wine or hiking in the wilderness.
Even if you’re travelling alone, a holiday gives you a chance to meet new people from a different walk of life. It’s an experience that can shake up your perspective so you look at the world in a new way.
Social connections are essential for wellbeing, so don’t overlook the value of spending time with others while you’re exploring, even if it’s just a five-minute chat with a stranger.
You might be more active when you’re away
If you’re not one to lie by the pool, you may find you’re far more active when you’re on holiday. Even just walking between the must-see sights of a city could easily mean you walk thousands of steps a day.
Once you add in activities like swimming, hiking a trail, or even something more adventurous, such as kayaking or climbing, you may get more exercise on a trip than you expect.
Even light activity can lead to your body releasing endorphins, sometimes known as a “feel-good” hormone. Endorphins can act as a natural pain reliever and mood elevator.
What’s more, you’re often likely to be active outdoors. From sandy beaches to rolling hills, getting outdoors is another great way to reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing, especially if you’re somewhere surrounded by nature.
New experiences are often important for creativity
New experiences are an excellent way to boost your creativity. Getting out to see inspiring sights, speak to people, and learn something new could leave you brimming with new ideas.
It might mean you look at a problem that has been plaguing you with fresh eyes, and suddenly the solution seems obvious.
If you’re naturally a creative person who enjoys painting, writing, or another pursuit, you could find your work takes on a new lease of life.
You could do some good while you’re away
One way to give back to the local community that you’re visiting is to do some good – it could boost that feel-good hormone you might already be experiencing from increased activity.
A simple way to support the local community is to be conscious about where you spend your money. Where possible, choose local, independent restaurants, bars, or tour companies so the profits remain with the people who call the destination home.
If you want to have an even greater impact, why not look for a way you can volunteer? Giving up some of your holiday time to support the community can feel hugely rewarding, and it might give you an authentic look at what life is like there.
A new destination could provide you with a challenge
Challenges might be difficult to deal with at the time, but overcoming them can leave you with a sense of achievement.
They don’t have to be huge challenges; it could be as simple as navigating public transport in a foreign country or successfully speaking the language to order a delicious meal.
Of course, if you’re feeling brave, you could try something a little more daring. Whether you’ve dreamed about summiting a mountain, swimming with sharks, or going salsa dancing, try taking on a challenge during your next adventure.