Travelling can make you healthier. Here’s how.

From picturesque natural landscapes and game reserves to our diverse cultural heritage and historical sites, South Africa has it all when it comes to local travel. For many though, travelling is considered an infrequent luxury.

But what if it could help make you healthier?

New research shows just this – with a link between people who travel for leisure and better overall health and wellbeing.

5 reasons to travel more this year

1. To get more exercise

Not the active type? A holiday is a great opportunity to kick start a fitness routine – even if this just means increased walking while you’re out sightseeing. You’ll also be more inclined to try something new like hiking, swimming, or surfing. Tip: Take your Vitality-linked fitness device with you to track the steps while you’re away.

2. To reduce stress

Stress relief tops the list for many who need a holiday away from home. Going away gives you a chance to clear your head and see work or life problems from a different perspective. By prioritising travel, even if only a 2-hour flight away, you’re less likely to suffer from burnout. Added to this, an increase in long-term productivity and work performance are two work-related benefits linked to leisure travel.

3. To bond with loved ones

Travelling offers the chance for couples, friendship groups or families to relax and reset together with new shared experiences. Plus, the benefits extend after the travelling. Studies show reminiscing with loved ones about pleasant holiday memories may help with improved relationships long after your trip.

4. To boost your mood

Studies also suggest that travel can improve our emotional state. A 2014 survey conducted by Diamond Resorts International found that 75% of survey respondents reported feeling happier when they planned a trip at least once a year.

5. To make new friends

Travelling somewhere new helps you to meet new people and can result in you building strong social ties. Travel offers the opportunity to discover not only new places but new people from different backgrounds which can help you to build empathy and increase your levels of compassion.

Another reason to travel more – see South Africa with Discovery Card

You can now boost your Vitality travel rewards discounts up to 50% with Discovery Card. Travel and explore more local destinations than ever before with Discovery Card and Vitality for much less. Save up to 50% on local flights, accommodation and car hire, based on your Vitality status, Discovery Card spend and your health claims level. Another reason to travel more this year.

References:

BBC Travel. 2013.
Can travelling make you healthier?

Forbes. 2015.
Yes, Travel Is Extraordinarily Good For You: Experts Show How And Why.

Global Coalition on Ageing. 2016.
Latest Research & Reports

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2015.
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.