9
min read

10 amazing health benefits of taking a holiday vacation

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If you're looking for undeniable reasons to book a holiday, you've come to the right place!

A vacation is increasingly becoming a way to escape and get a much needed break away from it all.

Well-being through travel is a growing theme and we think it’s an awesome thing!

We have 10 reason you need to know that will convince you to take that journey, it might just be what you need!

Remember, a holiday doesn’t have to be in another country, nor does it have to be 100 miles away from where you live.

A vacation is at least one night spent away from your regular place of residence (preferably more!)

Money is often a reason that stops one from going ahead with travel plans. With all the other areas of life to worry about this gets pushed to the back of the queue.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of travel and holiday options for every budget.

1. Mental health

Lush green scenic view with rolling hills, UK

This should be the number one reason on any sound list, report or analysis of this topic.

Overwhelming stress, creeping depression, anxiety, a growing negative outlook on life; these are feelings we can all be susceptible to.

In this day and age with the complexities and pressures of life, our mind is stretched far more than ever and, in more ways than ever.

The mental health benefits of travelling and going on holiday are extensive and shouldn’t be underestimated.

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A dominant ‘stress hormone’ called cortisol is released by your body when you are in a stressed-out state. This hormone reaches all areas of your body and so can affect blood pressure, glucose levels, heart rate, muscle tension and more.

Getting away has a proven effect to reverse the effects of a high level of cortisol in your system. So while on vacation you should feel noticeably calmer, happier, less tense and your mental fitness should start to replenish.

A vacation is also a natural remedy that can help with periods of depression, anxiety and a poor outlook on life as it takes your mind out of the bubble of its usual routine - which itself can be a trigger for all of these emotions – and immerses it in new sights, sounds and vibes.

Pack your bags, look after your mind. Even a short trip can have lasting mental health benefits.    

2.  Before you leave: excitement of the upcoming trip

Calendar set on wooden table alongside a gold pen

The positive impact of a trip extends past the actual time you are away.

The excitement of knowing you are soon about to jet off can make that last week of work more bearable, maybe a tough time you’re going through won’t seem so bad as your holiday is that light at the end of the tunnel.

Tell your family and friends, they will usually share in your excitement which in turn makes you more excited. And there is nothing wrong with having that buzz long before you actually go away.

This positive feeling will seep into your everyday life. People may notice you smile more, are more optimistic and less bothered by things.

Keep that energy, it’ll only make you feel more amazing when you finally reach the day when you go on vacation!

3. Travel abroad or stay at home?

Skyline shot of a beach and chalets, on a sunny island

We added this because as we mentioned, it absolutely doesn’t have to be a trip abroad to make it a holiday. But there are positive benefits so whichever is best for you, it’ll be a choice you won’t regret.

  • Abroad – new scenery and culture, different weather perhaps? Travelling abroad can increase your passion and creativity as you experience other walks of life. It's also mentally stimulating

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  • At home – the comforts of home sometimes are better than the unfamiliarity of a new place. And there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s not always the right time to travel 500, 1,000, or 10,000 miles! There’s no place like home – we agree Dorothy – there really isn’t. Finding your perfect getaway in the country you call home requires less admin, feels like less of a big commitment and you still get that holiday vibe being around new things, people and scenery

So both will serve beautifully to give your body and mind a much-needed breath of fresh air.

4. Reverse a burnout/reset

Young lady meditating on a terrace overlooking lush green vegetation

Full-time job? Full-time household?! If we don’t take time to reset every now and again, we increase the chance of burning out.

Many of us already do this in cycles and it can be a hard thing to break out of. But motivate yourself to change direction, we know where the paths lead that we’ve been down before.

Break the mould, change your life pattern and you’ll find you suffer less fatigue and exhaustion. This is just what you need to take life on and it’ll keep you more positive, for longer. It’s also said that those who are more energised look and feel more youthful and vibrant 😊.

Don’t burn out, schedule in that vacation and fuel yourself with tension-busting endorphins!  

5. Physical Health

Woman rock-climbing in a sunny loaction

Do you know that physical activity can actually be relaxing? Why not look for leisure activities that involve a bit more effort like hiking, water sports, camping or touring?

It’s a great way to burn off steam, increase fitness without even realising and, particularly if you’re surrounded by nature, it has calming effects on your mood, as well as positive impacts on your heart health, happiness and self-confidence.

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You may find the adventure boosts your morale hugely, but be warned – you may get the travel bug as many, many have before you! Getting away then, for some real activities, becomes for people part of a richer, more balanced and varied lifestyle.

6. Family and relationships

Group of family side by side on a beach at sunset

We love family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours. But going on holiday together adds to the experiences you’ll share with them and actually plays a large role in bonding with one another.

Have you ever had the experience of that person who you never really talked to, then one day you end up speaking, finding something in common and immediately you spark up a friendship that can last a lifetime? It’s shared experiences like these that draw us together.

Well, part of great relationships involves spending quality time, which in turn creates shared moments that connect you with one another.

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And we are here to help make that come true, we were created not only as a travel search engine, but a hub for inspiration – find it with us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We’re always open, for you!

Particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic - which has put a heavy strain on a lot of relationships of all kinds - when we aren’t relating well, we suffer inside and out, we are social creatures so of course this is natural.

What a brilliant excuse to take a holiday together!

Spend time with your family or friends away from the usual setting of home or the workplace, it’ll make you all so much happier and the impact can last for years and years.

7. Immune system boost

Assortment of citrus fruit, lemon, kiwi, mango and more

With all the positivity and good chemicals fizzing around in your body, one thing is inevitable – a stronger immune system.

And we don’t need to tell you how important it is for your body to be in its best defensive shape to keep you healthy and performing at your best.

A vacation is a great way to boost the immune system as it decreases stress, is great for positive mental stimulation and gives your body a chance to reset.

Oh, and if you wanted to travel somewhere with some sunshine, vitamin D is also a fantastic and natural way to boost your immune system, we just thought you’d want to know 😊.

8. Time to think/not to think

Woman on a hammock outside villa at sunset

Taking a trip away from home is a great way to think and sort things in your mind. Maybe you have a busy year coming up, major plans, life-changing events, and even positive ones can still cause anxiety, stress and even fear.

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A new environment is proven to relax and clear your mind, allowing you to sort through life’s challenges in a more tranquil way.

On the other hand, some want to get away so they don’t have to think about home! A holiday is just what you need then! There are so many amazing distractions on holiday, so if this is what you need, remember to find somewhere that you feel will give you just that.

Think or not to think, is that the question? Go on vacation, that’s the answer to both!

9. Relax, relax, relax

Lantern on a wooden deck and a mans feet, overlooking the ocean

In case we weren’t clear, RELAX, RELAX RELAX! It may have been obvious throughout this read that this is an essential part of journeying away from home. But we still struggle to really let go, so we thought it’d be a good idea to emphasise it.

Get more sleep, lounge, wake up late, don’t rush for anything.

Let your mind go down a gear or two, and let your whole body have a chance to ease itself.

Remember, you are taking this holiday to relax and yes, you deserve it. Relaxing can take many forms, you know yourself better than anyone and what your paradise would be.

So have a think, ‘what’s the best way I’d like to relax on holiday?’…now book exactly that with us!

10. Increased life productivity

Group of friends laughing together in group shot, by a lake

We hope you’ve found this list useful. If so, share it with someone who you think would also benefit from it. It’s probably one of the nicest subtle hints you can give!

The overall benefit from the previous points is this: That your overall quality of life will move even more in the right direction though small additions to it such as taking a holiday vacation.

So, wherever you feel on the scale from 1 to 10, unless you are currently living the perfect life, find some time to look after yourself, your family, friends or any other loved one or person you care about.

Be inspired, be positive, your glass is half full and there are really so many incredible mental and physical health benefits of travelling and taking a holiday vacation.  

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