Embracing your wanderlust might just be what you need for a health boost. Travel is increasingly recognized for its positive effects on both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates it can diminish stress levels, bolster your immune system, facilitate mental rejuvenation, enhance productivity and concentration, and even foster creativity.
The Benefits of Taking a Break
Traveling brings numerous health benefits. Vacations often allow for the crucial additional 60 to 90 minutes of sleep nightly, which can enhance memory and focus, as highlighted by the American Psychological Association.
Additionally, a vacation can lead to physiological changes: levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine can drop, enabling your immune system to better fight off ailments like colds, the flu, or potentially severe conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
Participation in active pursuits like hiking or cycling can boost heart and lung health, while indulging in a therapeutic massage brings advantages like improved blood circulation, increased flexibility, and a strengthened immune response.
Meet Linda and David Holland
Adventurous Retirees
Linda and David Holland, who operate the blog Retired and Travelling (retiredandtravelling.com), spend approximately six months annually traveling beyond Canada, fully reaping the benefits of their adventures. Their adventurous spirit is evident, with Linda having completed over 150 skydives while David served as a navy diver.
Their travels encompass a blend of urban exploration, hiking, and outdoor experiences, continually driven by a desire for discovery—both prior to and during their trips.
“We’ve visited over 100 countries and explored all seven continents,” Linda shares. “Friends and family often wonder if we’re ‘finished’ traveling. Each journey only inspires new places to revisit or explore; we have so much more to see.”
Introducing Greg Goodwin
Finding Growth Through Travel
Greg Goodwin hails from Atikokan, Northern Ontario, now residing in Lethbridge, Alberta, with his husband, working within a biotechnological research and distribution firm.
At age 20, his first international experience took him to Kajaani, Finland, through an exchange program, where he encountered significant challenges in adaptation.
“As the sole native English speaker, I often felt out of place,” Goodwin recalls. “Each day featured its struggles, yet the adventure was exhilarating.”
Travel remains pivotal in his life. “Through my travels, I’ve developed an incredible sense of confidence and resilience that has positively impacted my daily life,” Goodwin notes. “These experiences have helped me to find peace within myself, for which I will always be thankful.”
Meet Aranka Golphy
Chasing Dreams and Healing
Aranka Golphy, a lawyer, amateur boxer, and content creator (@boxing_jd on Instagram), was propelled by a severe COVID-19 experience to elevate her boxing pursuits. This journey led her from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Ocala, Florida, for intensive training under expert coaches—enhancing her access to female competitors.
During a recent trip to Tampa for a boxing event, she took the chance to explore the nearby Lakeland Antique Mall, inspired by a vlogger whose journey played a significant role in her recovery.
Golphy notes that such experiences have fostered a sense of connection and healing, stating, “I’ve developed a profound link that affirms my place in the world.”
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Budgeting for Travel
When organizing your next escape, financial experts advise calculating the overall vacation budget. Consider potential expenses and leave room for unplanned costs.
Each month, set aside funds into a high-yield savings account designated for your getaway. Setting up automatic transfers can help prevent the temptation to use this money elsewhere.
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Importance of Sun Safety
Whether your travels take you far or keep you close to home, sun safety is paramount.
In Canada, over 80,000 new cases of skin cancer are reported annually, with ultraviolet radiation linked to 80 to 90 percent of these cases.
The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for most adults and children.
The David Suzuki Foundation suggests that mineral sunscreens offer a safer alternative, providing effective broad-spectrum protection. Always apply generously, as research shows that most people use only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount.
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This content first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Intomodel magazine.
