So the obvious question is: why are you talking about Travel when this webpage is dedicated to questions of health? Travel is what people do who have unlimited free time and money.

I disagree. Let’s define Travel first: first, let’s say that Travel is anytime you leave the 30 mile radius of your home. How did I get this number? I took the average commute of a working person, which is just under 30 minutes in the US, and assumed 60 mph speed. Basically, travelling is when you take more time than going to work for a trip. You don’t have to go to Europe to travel, but you do have to go somewhere other then work.

The next piece of definition involves intention. Why are you traveling? Maybe to connect with friends or relatives? Maybe for leisure: the sheer pleasure of a road trip or to see some beautiful sights? Regardless, the idea pushing you out of your work-home radius is to enjoy life. I like the word recreate defined as to give new life, or to refresh by means of relaxation and enjoyment.

Let’s break this down: travel is taking time to recreate in a distant setting. How is that for a definition?

Regardless, the benefits are measurable and do the following: lowers heart disease risk, boosts the immune system, lowers anxiety and stress, increases joy and happiness, promotes physical activity and gives creative juices a boost. Taking a travel vacation or a holiday is good for you!

When we decide to travel, we are taking time to enjoy life and refuel ourselves. It does not have to cost a lot of money and it can be close to home. It just has to be a break with the intention to enjoy. A Saturday at the state park on the bay or the river with a picnic and some fun games with the family can certainly fulfill this! Certainly bigger bucket list trips can do the same thing.

In my planning, I take a chunk of my earnings to set aside for this very intention. I plan to recreate. Make it part of your buget, and dream of the fun things you can do so that you can then anticipate, count down the days, and enjoy even more!

So, my posts are not just about watching calories or working out like crazy. I include a more holistic view of health, which recognizes that enjoying life is crucial to a healthy life. When I post hikes, trips, and other adventures, my intention is that all the pictures are not about making you feel jealous, bad about your own situation, or envious, but to inspire some curiosity. Think about those days in elementary school when you sat in the library, perusing whatever book you found on the shelf. I remember reading about Africa, and being very curious about the animals, the great rift valley, and the sand in the Sahara desert. The National Geographic magazine, though full of beautiful pictures, does not make me feel bad about myself. Quite the opposite. I feel inspired and want to go see these amazing things, and injoy them. And maybe not just the distant places, but the little adventures nearby, which are inspirational in small ways that have the same effect on health over time.

Travel is another piece of a healthy life. Take some time to consider next steps to create a life more full of adventure in your future.

Helpful websites:

• https://www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/5-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-traveling-abroad-n759631
• https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/notes/2021/12/power-of-recreation
• https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/upload/1536_ca-health_benefits_081505-2.pdf
• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/travel-preparation-checklist.html