I love to travel. Granted, there are parts of "getting there" that aren't so fun--including the packing and planning time away from work, standing in lines, delayed flights, etc. All those issues aside, there's many things to love about travel.

Travel gives us the opportunity to see new places, learn new things, try new food, and create memories that last as long as we live. These benefits are what motivate us to wander, despite the hoops we have to jump through to make it happen. On top of that, there's an interesting body of research that shows that there are health benefits to travel, too.

By now most of us are aware of the toll that stress can have on our physical, mental, and emotional health. So the fact that travel can measurably aid in reducing our stress levels is huge. When we are able to manage our stress levels and keep them at a reasonable level, it's also easier for us to focus on other things that matter to us.

Furthermore, travel may even be beneficial to heart health. The evidence seems to show that adults who travel on a regular basis seem to enjoy a lower risk of heart attacks over time. Brain health is also helped by travel. Why? There's a growing consensus that having new experiences and learning new things can have a protective effect against dementia.

Overall, travel seems to help people enjoy improvements in overall life outlook and mood and often develop friendships and connect with a sense of being part of a global community. Seeing as how we are social creatures, this is definitely good for human health. Perhaps that is why when we see people who have just returned from a good vacation seem to have a bit of a glow about them.

Ready to make some travel plans? Good. Send pics.

Wanna learn more about the study? Click here.

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