We all hear the talk about wellness this and wellness that. It has become a word that we use loosely, but what does that mean for you and me? In essence, wellness will look different for everyone, but it’s up to you to define it. Let me share some of my learned perspectives, especially as it relates to traveling. Let’s talk….

In my opinion, travel wellness means extrapolating traveling into more than just something that is done for pleasure. May I suggest traveling it is more integral than you think?

There’s something about packing up, getting away and forgetting about adulting for a little moment. To me, it’s like having a busy day at work and taking a lunch break for an hour. You don’t just want it, you need it.

Let’s explore 5 ways traveling helps with overall wellness:

Mental Health  

This one is pretty obvious, but I’ll just say it for the people in the back. Traveling helps with mental health because it relieves stress and provides a sense of joy and happiness for most people. (some people can be born miserable) 

Physical Health 

Traveling also helps to improve your physical health, if you are intentional. With any vacation, there are a plethora of opportunities to exercise whether it’s hiking, walking on the beach, or other activities like canoeing. Studies will also show that there is a link to the improvement of physical health and happiness, which is in abundance when you are traveling!

Financial Health 

Okay, you’re probably already thinking in your head, “ha, what is this girl talking about?” But, bear with me! 

I know traveling can seem like it’s all about spending money. But remember, Travel Bien believes there is a right way to do it. If done correctly and responsibly, taking vacations can help many people budget and spend money responsibly. How? Well, when you book your ticket to go somewhere in 6 months, don’t you find yourself being more conscious about the other things that you’re buying? Don’t you start to cut back on buying takeout for lunch and dinner every day? All of a sudden you start meal prepping more so that you can save for those excursions?

Am I really the only person who uses their next vacation as a reason to cancel unnecessary events? It goes a little something like this: “sorry, I can’t make it out to that event. I have a trip coming.” Okay fine, maybe it’s just me, but believe it or not, traveling helps to put your priorities in order. Or at least it should! Haha

Spiritual Health 

Oxford defines the spirit as “the nonphysical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character- the soul.” 

I love this definition a lot. It’s so simple, yet deep. How does traveling help one’s soul? For any seasoned traveler, they could probably answer in a couple seconds and have so much to say without catching a breath. For those of you who are yet to have this life changing realization, let me fill you in. In addition to the other topics we discussed, there is a special experience that happens once you are out of your element, discovering a new place, and later to realize that you are also discovering yourself. People seldom return from a trip the same way they left. Exploring the world becomes a teacher of life and it’s one of the most transformational experiences that someone can encounter. Say it with me, traveling can heal! 

Social Health 

Phew, I’ve typed and deleted several times to make sure my words are politically correct, but then I thought, what the hay? This is my blog after all. So I will just get into it. 

So I know everyone has different circumstances, therefore I am not here to judge. However, I do feel a bit curious towards people who have never left their home country if they are able. Instead, they go to Florida every year and have a grand time. Nothing wrong with Florida by any means. But I guess it’s the cultural side of me that wonders what is so scary about leaving America? And then I begin to pay attention to those same individuals and then realize that maybe getting outside the bubble of America might do them some good. (if you know what I mean)

Exposure to different cultures and lifestyles helps us to be more inclusive and open-minded, especially given the tumultuous racial climate that we are living in. Sometimes people are just flat out ignorant and don’t know any better. (Emphasis on SOMETIMES). It also helps to get over social anxiety and other fears some may have interacting with people. 

If you’re reading this and this sounds familiar for yourself or someone you know, take some time to self-reflect. Are you limiting yourself when vacationing? Is there an underlying reason? Traveling to different countries can be an answer for you!

How has traveling helped you? Leave a comment below! #TravelWellness