5 reasons travel is great for mental health

There are so many reasons why travelling is a good idea, but did you know it’s also great for your mental health? Planning a trip, going somewhere different and trying new experiences all help to build mental resilience and reduce stress. So if you’re deliberating whether or not to book a getaway, have a look at all the ways that travel could have a positive impact on your emotional health.

1. Travel gives you a change of scene

You know the saying ‘a change is as good as a rest’? Well it applies to changing your location, too. Sometimes, a change of scene is exactly what we need to refocus and reset. Getting away from the stresses of your job, your home, or your studies gives you the time to take a step back from everyday stresses and focus on something else. And it doesn’t have to be a two-week Caribbean holiday – even a daytrip can give you that all-important chance to recharge.

2. Travel gives you something to look forward to

Looking ahead to something fun triggers the release of dopamine, AKA the feel-good hormone. And having something planned in the calendar – whether it’s a UK city break with friends or a holiday with family – gives you a reason to keep looking forward and can help to take your mind off a stressful situation by giving you something to plan. If you’re anxious about travel, start small and plan a short trip within a few hours of home. That way you can build up to longer stays and more exotic getaways in time.

3. Travel gets you out of your comfort zone

It’s really easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when you’ve been in the same place for a long time – as many of us have over lockdown. We can forget just how resilient we are, and travelling gives us a great reminder of what we’re capable of. Finding your way around a new city or tackling an activity you’ve never tried before is the perfect tonic when you feel the need to shake things up a bit. And the feeling of accomplishment when you’ve challenged yourself is unlike any other.

4. Travel broadens your horizons

A change of scenery literally wakes up your brain, because you have to think about lots of things you might otherwise do on autopilot. So when you’re navigating a map in an unfamiliar city or learning a few words in the local language if you’re abroad, you’re actually giving your brain a physical workout as well as mental one. In the process, you’ll discover new things, new places and new friends. And you’ll come home with memories to treasure.

5. Travel doesn’t have to be stressful

Thanks to modern technology there are so many ways to take the stress out of travel that your trip really can be stress-free. You can book ahead at restaurants using your phone, for example, and pre-book tickets for attractions so you won’t have any unexpected surprises. Plus, if you book a megabus coach you don’t even have to worry about driving or parking, and can use the on board WiFi to plan your itinerary on the way. Extras like our coach tracker help to make travel simple, so you can sit back and just enjoy the experience.