“In matters of healing the body or mind, vacation is a true genius! —Mehmet Murat Ildan
Travel offers the chance to discover new cultures, see impressive architectural sites, and savor delicious local and regional gastronomy, but it also has a powerful restorative effect on the body and mind. One 2023 study found that travel has powerful effects, with people taking a moderate-length holiday enjoying stronger restorative benefits than those who traveled for longer or shorter durations. Of course, not all destinations are created alike. Your choice of where to go and what activities to take part in have a profound effect on how renewed and invigorated you feel when you get back home.
Your Choice of Destination Matters
Tourist destinations have a big role to play in the extent to which travel is restorative, with one 2022 study showing that certain qualities such as the destination’s perceived restorative qualities improve travel’s psychological benefits. The research also demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of travel rises when tourists undertake meaningful and self-actualizing activities during their trip. These activities align with their values and goals, promote self-awareness and introspection, foster self-expressiveness, nurture personal growth, and create a sense of connection and belonging. Equally significant is the extent to which tourists enjoy themselves during their trips. One shortcut to feeling restored and rejuvenated is to do things that give you pleasure, such as tucking into delicious food, having positive social interactions, and participating in region-specific activities.
The Invigorating Power of Nature-Based Holidays
If you want to give your physical and mental health a boost, consider taking a road trip to a natural landscape where mountain trails, beaches, or rural areas abound. Research has shown that trips to the Great Outdoors have significant restorative effects, as they help busy city residents escape daily routines lower stress, and improve their cognitive function. You can make your vacation even more relaxing by traveling comfortably in a van or caravan instead of a small car. To boost the pleasure of your road trip, prioritize features such as comfort, functionality, safety, and technology, so you always know where you’re going. Let your wants lead the way, stopping for as long or short as you wish instead of feeling like you have to tick every item on a checklist. When you’re out in nature, embrace mindful activities such as meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga. All these pursuits are powerful stress busters that can increase the relaxation that simply being amidst nature can bring.
Finding the Right Balance
When creating a travel schedule, consider leaving a few “rest days,” with nothing planned. On those days, aim to indulge yourself in at least one restorative activity; one that leaves you pampered and boosts your self-care efforts. Just a few ideas to consider include visiting a spa and having a massage, having a dip in a natural thermal bath, or taking a day cruise along a river or sea. On those days, make time for a healthy Mediterranean-style meal; one that is made with organic produce and healthy ingredients that make you feel nourished without sacrificing great taste.
Travel is something most people look forward to. However, when it comes to making the most of its restorative effects, it pays to choose holidays that are meaningful and pleasurable. From nature escapes to pampering massages, indulge in the experiences that attract you and make you feel fully present and content.
