Summer time is usually associated with travel and leisure, but a recent Harris Poll survey found that 78% of Americans do not use the maximum amount of paid time off allowed by their employer (Munk, 2024). Even with 45% of employees expressing burnout at work, the pervasiveness of “hustle culture,” uncertainty about the economy and job insecurity are just some of the reasons many people do not take time off to recharge (Munk, 2024). However, intentionally taking time to rest can be a very valuable and effective form of self-care. Whether traveling internationally or exploring closer to home, taking vacation time has many benefits for your health and well-being. Before you dismiss the idea of making any vacation plans this summer, check out these 5 ways that vacation and travel can positively affect your well-being.
1. Stress Reduction & Improved Health
Most of us are aware that taking a break from your daily responsibilities can lead to a reduction in stress. However, you may be surprised to hear just how impactful these short-term breaks can be for your long-term health and well-being. One study found that “men at high risk of coronary heart disease who took a vacation every year over a nine-year period reduced their overall risk of death by 20% and their risk of death from heart disease by as much as 30%” (Howard, 2025). Other studies have shown that travelers benefit from the sense of autonomy they gain while on vacation, which can lead to direct and indirect effects on overall life satisfaction (Artushin, 2025).
2. Having Something to Look Forward To
Have you ever noticed that you seem to be in a better mood when you have a vacation coming up? You are not alone because studies have shown that people are happier in the leadup to a planned vacation. One study by the University of Surrey found that people are at their happiest when they have a vacation planned and are overall more positive about their health, finances, and general quality of life (Fuller, 2018). Spending your money on a vacation may also be a more fulfilling investment since a Cornell University study found that anticipation of a travel experience produced greater happiness than anticipation of buying a material possession (Fuller, 2018).
3. Increased Empathy
Traveling to new places can broaden your horizons by increasing your empathy toward others. One study found that Americans who traveled abroad were better able to withhold judgement about a person until they learned more about them than just external characteristics like age, sex, race or ethnicity (Kashdan, 2018). The study also found that they were better at determining whether someone’s actions were due to deeply rooted personality traits or if unique situational factors were influencing their behavior (Kashdan, 2018). Whether done near or far, experiencing new things and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone helps us to broaden our perspectives and combat narrow-mindedness (Fuller, 2018).
4. Enhanced Creativity
As Psychology Today shares, “creativity is directly related to neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life), which means our brains are sensitive to change and are influenced by new environments and experiences” (Fuller, 2018). This means that when we have new experiences, our brain is forming new neural pathways that can enhance our creativity (Fuller, 2018). Research has shown that greater exposure to other cultures through travel, music, food, friendships, and languages is linked to unconventional problem solving (Kashdan, 2018).
5. Greater Emotional Agility
Emotional agility is defined as the ability to recognize and observe your own emotions before reacting to them, so that you can respond to different situations with awareness, understanding and flexibility (Kashdan, 2018). Whether you are navigating unfamiliar streets or asking a stranger for assistance, you can learn a lot about yourself when you are put into new or uncomfortable situations while traveling. Learning to accept and work through your discomfort can actually help you become more confident in your ability to persevere (Kashdan, 2018).
References
Artushin, Heather Rose. (2025, April 7). Traveling Is Good for Your Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202504/traveling-is-good-for-your-mental-health
Fuller, Kristen. (2018, November 27). Six Ways Traveling Can Boost Your Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201811/six-ways-traveling-can-boost-your-mental-health
Howard, Beth. (2025, April 20). Why Taking a Vacation is Good for You. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/04/20/vacation-health-cardiac-bedroom-benefits/
Kashdan, Todd. (2018, January 26). The Mental Benefits of Vacationing Somewhere New. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2018/01/the-mental-benefits-of-vacationing-somewhere-new
Munk, Cheryl Winokur. (2024, June 14). Taking a Vacation from Work May Soon Become Mandatory. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/14/taking-a-vacation-from-work-may-soon-become-mandatory.html