Embracing your travel passions could be just the remedy you need. Engaging in travel has been shown to positively affect both mental and physical well-being. Research indicates that it can reduce stress and anxiety, bolster the immune system, facilitate mental rejuvenation, enhance focus and productivity, and even boost creativity.
The Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation
There are numerous ways a holiday can enhance our health. For example, vacations often provide an opportunity to recover an additional 60 to 90 minutes of sleep each night, a boost that the American Psychological Association notes can enhance memory and concentration.
Relaxing away from daily pressures can also lead to tangible physical benefits, as the hormones associated with stress, like cortisol and epinephrine, are diminished. This reduction can help the body fend off illnesses such as colds, flu, and even more serious conditions like heart disease or cancer.
Moreover, while engaging in active pursuits such as hiking or biking can bolster cardiovascular and respiratory health, indulging in a massage also offers significant benefits, including enhanced circulation, improved flexibility, and a stronger immune response.
Meet Linda and David Holland
Retirees on the Road
Spending roughly half the year traveling outside Canada, Linda and David Holland, who blog at Retired and Travelling (<retiredandtravelling.com>), reap many health benefits from their adventures. They have a strong appetite for exploration: Linda has completed 150 skydives and has experience piloting a plane, while David’s background includes serving as a navy diver.
The couple’s travel plans incorporate a blend of city exploration, hiking, and outdoor activities, and they are always eager to learn—doing thorough research before and during their travels.
“We’ve visited over 100 countries across all seven continents. Friends often ask if we’ve finished traveling,” Linda shares. “Yet every trip adds more destinations to revisit or new places to discover. We are nowhere near done with our adventures.”
Introducing Greg Goodwin
Embracing Growth Through Travel
Greg Goodwin hails from a small town in Ontario called Atikokan and currently resides in Lethbridge, Alberta, with his husband, where he works in a biotechnology research and distribution firm.
His inaugural travel experience abroad at the age of 20 occurred through an international exchange program in Kajaani, Finland, a venture filled with challenges.
“I soon found out I was the only native English speaker and was out of my comfort zone,” Goodwin reflects. “Not every day was easy, but the experiences were thrilling.”
Travel remains a vital component of his life. “It has instilled a great deal of confidence and resilience in me, greatly enriching my everyday experiences,” Goodwin states. “Travel has allowed me to truly understand myself, and I will always cherish those experiences.”
Meet Aranka Golphy
Chasing Dreams; Discovering Healing
Aranka Golphy, an amateur boxer, lawyer, and content creator (Instagram: @boxing_jd), was inspired by a severe COVID-19 infection to pursue her goal of becoming an amateur boxer. This led her to relocate from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Ocala, Florida, for four months of training with esteemed coaches and greater access to female competitors.
During a recent trip to Tampa to cheer for another female boxer, Golphy took the opportunity to visit the Lakeland Antique Mall, following the trail of a vlogger whose content had significantly aided her during recovery from COVID.
She has discovered that experiences like these have created a sense of connection, making the wider world feel closer and aiding her healing process. “I feel a profound sense of belonging, affirming I am where I should be,” she shares.
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Budgeting for Your Travels
When preparing for your next vacation, financial experts advise you to calculate the total expected cost of your trip. Consider all possible expenses, and set aside a buffer for any unforeseen costs.
Every month, contribute to a high-yield savings account earmarked for your travel expenses. To avoid the temptation to spend this money elsewhere, consider implementing automatic transfers.
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Important Sun Safety Tips
Whether your travels take you far or keep you local, prioritizing sun safety is essential.
In Canada, over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually, with ultraviolet rays linked to 80 to 90 percent of these cases.
The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 for most adults and children.
Furthermore, the David Suzuki Foundation suggests that mineral (natural) sunscreens are a safer choice, providing effective broad-spectrum protection.
Always use enough sunscreen: research indicates that people typically apply only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount.
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This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of up7op magazine.
