The Psychological Benefits of Travel
There’s no doubt travel is good for the soul. Changing locations gives us the stimulus our brain needs to promote neuroplasticity and replenish both physical and mental health. That’s not to say that all aspects of travel are relaxing; here we have some tips for navigating challenges and promoting mental resilience whilst travelling.
The benefits
We’re more connected than ever before, which allows us to experience places and cultures our ancestors could only have dreamed about. Studies have shown that this can have a positive impact on our brains. Top psychiatrist Karen Ann Cooper, said that “our brains are like muscles and we can give them a workout by breaking out of our comfort zones.”
What this means is highly subjective, but the consensus is that mental health can be given a major boost when we travel.
Picking up local languages and customs is a good way to keep the brain active and healthy. A little effort also goes a long way with locals, who will be more likely to help you when you show a genuine interest in their culture.
Additionally, being released from the grindstone of everyday work is psychologically beneficial. Many of us work long hours, and the ubiquity of the internet means we can be on call 24/7. Stepping away from the workplace lets us calm the mind and refocus.
What’s more, planning a trip is a healthy dose of escapism. Having something to look forward to often gets us through the most miserable winter months, for example.
Getting the family involved in travel plans is a way to promote bonding. Figuring out what each family member wants to do and spending the next weeks or months getting excited about it creates a shared goal. Planning can definitely be a comforting experience, as well as a practical one.
Preparation for travel
Some of us are meticulous planners, writing up detailed lists, itineraries and schedules before we travel. Even if you’re free-spirited and like to go where the wind takes you, it can give you peace of mind to make some reservations in advance or have an idea of where you’re going to be and when.
If you’re heading overseas, book an appointment with your doctor to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Also pack a small first aid kit to ensure common complaints don’t interrupt your itinerary. Booking travel insurance ensures any flight interruptions or unexpected medical bills won’t leave you out of pocket.
Having some local currency arranged before you arrive will save you time and money at the airport. Here in the U.S this needs to be done through your bank, the American Automobile Association or currency exchange bureaus. If you are in the the U.K or Australia, you can arrange your foreign cash at your local post office.
This sort of preparation might feel mundane, but it ensures smooth sailing once you touch down.
Trepidation is normal
Monica Tindall, Editor at The Yum List, has been travelling frequently for work and pleasure.
“I’ve been travelling the world for over 30 years and still have a little bit of a feeling of trepidation before each trip,” she said.
“I travel with my partner and friends, but I also do quite a bit of solo travel. Knowing that it’s not always easy and that there will be challenges, but that you can grow and change from them, is the biggest reward.
“Of course, beautiful sights, experiences, great food, wine and company all make wonderful memories, but sometimes the satisfaction of mastering something new, like the Metro system in another language, is even more rewarding. I guess it’s the learning new things that’s highly satisfying.”
Comfort with uncertainty
Fellow travel blogger Hazel McKinlay rightly points out that preparation doesn’t stop things from going wrong entirely, but it does help us get comfortable with uncertainty.
“Trains are delayed, buses don’t turn up, museums are unexpectedly closed, or you get lost in an unfamiliar city. Every time you solve one of those problems, you build confidence in your ability to handle the next one,” she said.
“I’ve done it so many times I actually get lost on purpose these days!
“I don’t think travel removes life’s problems, but it does strengthen qualities like adaptability, resilience and confidence. Those are skills that I’ve found carry over into everyday life long after I’ve unpacked my suitcase.”
Make Travel a Regular Thing
Whether you want to visit the same place again and again as part of a family tradition or you want to see new horizons each time you go, it’s been shown that travel gives us a psychological boost. Whether relaxing on a beach or on an intrepid adventure, the mental benefits of taking a break are myriad.
