How Travel Can Benefit Mental Health
Written on May 15, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a vacation might be exactly what you need to alleviate your stress and anxiety. But how does that work, exactly?
The Anticipation of Vacation
Knowing you have a vacation on the calendar provides you with something to look forward to and plan for, which can help get you through stressful or mundane days by providing a metaphorical “light at the end of the tunnel.”
The process of planning and dreaming about vacation can be calming and enjoyable, providing a great deal of excitement and anticipation that builds towards a fun activity.
Our team will handle the details while you enjoy reading about your destination, watching YouTube videos, and shopping for new vacation clothing and travel gear!
Enjoying Your Vacation
Vacation is full of awe-inspiring experiences. If you’ve gazed upon the Atlantic Ocean from the Cliffs of Moher, swam alongside a colorful school of tropical fish in the Caribbean, spotted an orca breach from your boat, or watched the setting sun over Angkor Wat, you have probably felt that immense sense of peace and joy that comes with special travel moments. These boosts of mood don’t only benefit us as they happen; they return when we fondly recount or reminisce about our travels.
Vacation also acts as a mental reset that allows us to recharge our batteries. Taking a break from our to-do lists and family calendars provides an escape many of us desperately need. Setting an out of office, unplugging from our devices, and truly immersing ourselves in beautiful destinations with the people we love recenters us and reminds us how important these fleeting moments are.
Once You’re Home
The positive gains made while on vacation don’t immediately cease upon returning home. One study found that up to five weeks after vacation travelers experienced improved sleep and mood. Generally, the more satisfying a travel experience was, the longer these mental health benefits persisted.
If you’re ready to tend to get a vacation on the calendar, contact our team!
