According to an article by National Geographic, travelling and visiting new places can significantly improve someone’s happiness. This occurs in many ways such as people talking about their experiences travelling, being able to see new environments, and visiting new people. Additionally, because trips usually have a defined start and end, our minds are prone to savor them. But, what specific aspects of travelling help people’s mental health? Find out in this article as we go over certain aspects of travelling that can help stimulate happiness and improve mental health. 

A big aspect of travelling is enjoying natural beauty. Whether through hiking, sightseeing, or just stopping and taking pictures of nature are great ways of doing this. By looking and taking in natural sights, we can ground ourselves with nature, which greatly improves mental health and significantly reduces cortisol, reducing stress as a result. Places known for having lots of natural features include areas such as Costa Rica and Hawaii, known for its distinct and unique ecosystems, high biodiversity, commitments to being environmentally friendly, and for being near the coast and having lots of beaches. 

One reason many people travel to different areas is to try out new things and for people to get out of their comfort zones. This can be through living in environments you aren’t used to, participating in adventurous activities, or even something as small as trying new food that you usually wouldn’t see. For trying new experiences through experiencing different cultures, Chinatown in San Francisco is a great example for a relatively near location. Being the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, the area has many special shops and restaurants, and also does a great job at preserving and educating people on Chinese culture. 

Part of traveling and going on vacation is also making new connections and meeting new people. This can be either through tour guides, people you talk to at the airports or people you meet on trips. This can facilitate communication, which can reduce stress, provide new perspectives. Doing this while traveling can also increase empathy by understanding different regional and cultural perspectives of things. While there aren’t any specific places, city areas are a great place as many people are in one area, allowing for multiple perspectives on city life and lots of communication.

Travelling and visiting new places can be extremely fun and memorable. With many aspects being able to help with wellness and mental health, next time you’re afraid to plan a trip, just remember all the benefits going on vacation can give you.