As you probably already know, traveling is a great way to help you relax, see famous sights, and get some amazing photographs and stories! But – did you know that traveling also comes with a slew of benefits that you may not normally think of? Here are our top 7 reasons why you should travel the world – and not just to make your Instagram look pretty.
Why travel the world?
1. It’s great for brain function.
According to a study done on traveling Americans in 2013, 80% of travelers noticed a decrease in their stress levels as soon as after the first 24 hours of traveling! Seeing the world is a great way to reduce stress, think more critically and outside of the norm, and can even improve your problem-solving skills! Also, a little bonus – traveling can improve your mental productivity at work – the US Travel Association released a study saying that employees who take their vacation days have a 6.5% higher chance of getting promoted than those who don’t. Go travel – it’s for your job!
2. It boosts creativity.
Along with the improving the left side of your brain, traveling has a dramatic effect on the right side of the brain as well. Traveling, learning about other cultures, and being more open minded can improve your cognitive flexibility, which in turn improves your creative thinking!
3. It improves your social skills.
When you travel, you can’t help but meet new people, whether they be on the same flight as you, or you meet them on the streets of where you’re going. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and attempting to talk to people who most likely live a drastically different life from your own, you can improve your own social skills for when you return. It will make you a better conversationalist, as well as more eager and ready to talk to people.
4. It’ll help you lose weight.
Bet you didn’t see this one coming, did you? When we think of vacationing, we think of lazing around in the sun, eating the day away and enjoying dishes we would otherwise never get to try, only by ending the night drinking our cares away. The reality is – people who travel are more likely to take care of themselves, whether at home or on holiday. Chances are, you’ll be moving around a lot more and generally more active than you are at home, and you most likely won’t be eating as much, as other countries tend to have smaller portions than their American counterpart.
5. You’ll become more cultured.
From learning another language, to participating in a country’s daily activities, to meeting other travelers from countries you may not have even heard of – it’s unavoidable to get immersed in what the world has to offer when you travel. By seeing first-hand how other people live, you’ll not only get a better knowledge of how the rest of the world works, but you’ll also be more appreciative of the life you currently live – or, you’ll want to make some drastic changes to improve your quality of life!
6. Your heart will thank you.
Traveling has been scientifically proven to lower the risk of heart disease. Harking back to point 1, traveling lowers stress, which lowers strain on your heart. It also improves your circulatory system from all the movement and exercise, as well as boosts your mood, which is always great for heart health!
7. You’ll be happier.
This benefit can be felt from the moment you begin planning, according to a study from Cornell University. The anticipation alone has been proven to boost mood levels more than the anticipation of a purchase or obtaining a physical item. Travel is also great for those who suffer from depression – a study from the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin shows that women who vacation twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression than those who travel less than once every two years.
So, what are you waiting for? Start booking your next trip – your mind, body, and soul will thank you (and we promise your boss won’t mind).
When was the last time you traveled? How do you benefit the most from traveling? Let us know in the comments!
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