Written by Mia Taylor
Last updated: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:50 PM ET
In 2023, the travel and tourism industry accounted for 9.1% of global domestic production, generating just over $9.9 trillion.
Additionally, the industry is expected to reach a record $11.1 trillion in 2024, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The economic benefits of travel are well documented and analyzed in detail. However, the health benefits of travel receive far less headlines.
But the reality is that traveling does wonders for the human condition, improving mental health and overall well-being. Mental health experts agree as much (more on that later).
A recent report from Milwaukee-based advertising agency BVK also reinforces this idea. And when it comes to the direct mental health benefits that individuals experience as a result of traveling, we're not just talking about spa vacations.
“The positive impact of travel is much deeper than dollar signs,” the BVK report begins. “Travel allows people to become more connected to other people, experience a deeper awe of nature, improve their health and well-being, encounter different ideas and experiences, and improve their personal and professional lives. It provides an opportunity to grow.”
The report further states that 93% of Gen Z respondents agree that travel experiences can have a positive impact on mental health. They also point out that charging is the number one reason people will want to travel in 2024, regardless of generation.
In recognition of May being Mental Health Month, TravelPulse reached out to a variety of experts in both the mental health and travel industries to dig a little deeper into how traveling can improve your mental health. Here are some key takeaways from these conversations.
stress reduction
Travel's ability to reduce daily stress is perhaps one of its most established benefits.
For example, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Travel Research found that participants who took a vacation reported significantly less stress and felt better five weeks after their trip ended. I understand that.
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 focused on wellness retreats and found that attending a retreat that combined activities such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments was associated with lower stress levels ( and increased stress). Mindfulness as an added bonus. )
Need more evidence? A meta-analysis published in Environment Research (2020) found that spending time in nature, such as hiking or camping, while traveling is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It has been proven that there is a relationship between
Dr. Jasmine Thorne, a board-certified psychiatrist, says, “The benefits of traveling come from exposure to new environments, opportunities for relaxation and reflection, social interaction, and participation in fun activities, all of which improve overall mental well-being.'' and contributes to emotional well-being.” travel pulse.
higher level of creativity
According to mental health experts, traveling can also stimulate our creativity.
“The proven benefits of travel for mental health are very specific and quite broad,” Nilu Esmailpour, MSc, founder and clinical director of Lotus Therapy, a clinical counseling practice, told TravelPulse. “Travel exposes individuals to new environments and cultures, which should increase creativity.”
This creativity can be triggered by travel that requires overcoming challenges or adapting to a new culture. Additionally, a Vogue article on the subject reports that exposure to new experiences and new ideas expands your mindset and further stimulates your creativity. The article goes on to say, “These benefits don't just apply to a quick trip out of town; extended stays abroad have a lasting impact on lifelong creativity.”
In fact, some of history's most legendary artists have created their most memorable works through immersive journeys. Most famously, Ernest Hemingway was known to view travel as a key fuel for his creative endeavors.
Reducing depression and anxiety
For most people, the travel experience itself is physically active, whether it means wandering around a new city or skiing down a mountain. These types of activities can help lift your mood and reduce depression.
“Travel causes physical activity and engagement with the surrounding environment, which is novel and different, increases dopamine and serotonin levels, and ultimately enhances mood and overall sense of well-being.” Esmaeilpour explains.
Esmayyapour added that traveling also involves social interaction and new experiences, which can change perspectives and provide a sense of fulfillment.
Travel often also serves as a place of reflection, an escape from daily pressures. This, in turn, improves mental clarity and reduces anxiety. According to a report by BVK, 89% of Gen Z travelers report feeling less anxious and more positive when they return from vacation.
“The fact that you are away from the pressures of everyday life gives you the opportunity to take some space… and this leads to mental well-being,” explains Esmaeilpour.
Young female traveler enjoying summer vacation on a tropical beach in Krabi, Thailand. (Photo credit: Adobe Stock/Kittiphan)
Improving mental resilience
As any traveler will tell you, the experience doesn't come without the occasional challenge, setback, or delay. But here too there may be benefits for long-term mental health.
Complications that can occur while traveling can help make us more resilient, says Dr. Holly Schiff, a licensed clinical psychologist with South County Psychiatry.
“By dealing with travel delays and other things that can happen in a new environment, you can step out of your comfort zone and feel a sense of accomplishment when you are able to successfully navigate the challenges that arise,” Schiff said. I will explain.
On the other hand, educational aspects of travel, such as learning about different cultures, histories, and environments, stimulate cognitive development and promote open and adaptable thinking.
“This not only enriches your knowledge and personal growth, but also contributes to your mental resilience,” says Peter Hamdi, co-founder and managing director of Auckland & Beyond Tours. .
Reduced burnout
The best trips offer an escape from the monotony and stress of everyday life. This provides the necessary psychological relief and reduces the risk of burnout, Hamdi suggests.
“Engaging with new cultures, landscapes, and experiences fosters a sense of novelty and excitement, which greatly uplifts your mood and outlook on life,” Hamdi explains.
Hamdi, a longtime industry insider, added that burnout isn't the only thing travel can alleviate.
Travel can also help individuals develop a sense of community and belonging, as it also serves to foster deeper connections with other travelers and, in the best cases, with the locals of the destinations they visit. Hamdi suggests.
That's not all.
“Such social interactions increase empathy, understanding and communication skills, contributing to mental well-being,” he added.
Elderly woman taking a selfie at the airport (Photo credit: Yakobchuk Olena / Adobe Stock)
Increased sense of well-being and excitement
Raise your hand if you get more and more excited as the departure date for your big trip approaches. If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone. And again, there are mental health benefits.
“You can feel it too [mental health] Preparing, packing, and looking forward to your trip are beneficial to your mental health,” explains Schiff.
Schiff adds that having healthy expectations and giving yourself something to look forward to will increase your sense of well-being and excitement.
“Planning a trip allows you to escape from the mundane,” she says. “We also know that because a trip has a set beginning and end, our brains are more likely to want to savor the trip even before we take off.”
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