“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”  St. Augustine

Those words are so very true, right down to the ground! Whether you are talking about the opportunity to see new places, and broaden your mind with fresh experiences, or the chance to re-connect  with friends and family by sharing exciting travel destinations, which leads to relational bonding and unforgettable memories, travel is a key element to good health.

In my own experience I have lived the truth of this. When I am planning a trip, from the research of where to go, to the final booking, to the actual trip itself, I have a sense of excitement that permeates everything I do. I love the planning , the shopping, the packing, and the reading about my next destination. If it’s a foreign country, I love to learn a bit of the language, facts about the people, the history, and the land. Whether it’s an excursion to the same comfortable beach condo, or a completely new place, after the trip is over, I carry the wonderful memories with me for months, as I share photos and stories of my latest adventure; and I always meet new friends, many of whom become life-long correspondents, and future travel partners! I love to travel, and I love to hear about other peoples’ travels. All of the things mentioned above show the emotional, mental, and relational benefits of travel, as it induces a feeling of euphoria, excitement and well-being.

According to the TIA, which is the Travel Industry Association, there are plenty of measurable health benefits. Here are just a few of them, which were published in a very interesting article, published by that organization, called, “The Benefits are Everywhere”, which can be found online. I will be sharing more in my future blogs, so stay tuned.

According to the TIA’s findings:

“By taking an annual vacation, a person cuts their risk of a heart attack by as much as 50%.” Allerton, H. E. (2003) Not Funny Ha Ha Funny peculiar. T + D; Vol. 57 Issue 12, p87-88, 2p.

According to Gump and Mathews, as they reported on a 9-year mortality experience after the multiple risk factor intervention trial, in Psychosomatic Medicine, 62, 608-612, “Middle-aged men at high risk for coronary heart disease who take frequent annual vacations are 21% less likely to die of any cause and 32% less likely to die of their coronary heart disease.”

“Homemakers who vacation only once every six years or less have almost twice the risk of developing myocardial infarction or coronary death than do homemakers who take two or more vacations a year.” Eaker, E.D., Pinsky, J., Castelli, W. P. (1992). Myocardial infarction and coronary death among women: psychosocial predictors from a 20-year follow-up of women in the Framington study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 135, 854-64.

“Blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of epinephrine- a stress hormone- decline on holidays of only one or two days.” Borins, M. (2000)Go away: just for the health of it. Wholistic Press.

“Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) while on vacation. They also get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 minutes more each night after their vacation.”  YPartnership ” National Travel Leisure Monitor“.

These are just a few of the interesting health benefits discovered about travel. I will be sharing many more, and would love to hear input and examples of others’ experiences.

“Voyage, travel, and change of place impart vigor.” Seneca, 1st Century philosopher

So, it seems that travel is an essential part of good health!

Travel, for the health of it!

Tamyra Nash

My Savvy Vacation

www.mysavvyvacation.com
www.mysavvyvacation.com