The Impact of Travel on Mental Health: A New Adventure or Familiar Experience?
We are blessed to live in a beautiful area that is a travel destination for many who want to experience the mountains, water, islands, and breweries, coffee, outdoor activities that Whatcom County has to offer. But during the dark days of winter when hibernation sets in and we need to recharge, leaving Bellingham might fare well for one’s mental health. Travel has long been associated with relaxation, adventure, and the thrill of exploring new places. One of the most immediate benefits of travel is stress reduction. But what relieves stress for one person might increase it for another.
One of the questions that I ask myself when planning a trip is do I want to go and do something new, exciting and adventurous, or do I want to go somewhere that is familiar and routine? Do I go to a place I have been to many times and know what I am going to eat, where I am going to sleep, and have consistency around what I will be doing?
Or do I go to a new place that is filled with unknowns, uncertainties, and surprises that can’t be fully planned out. Adventure meets the needs of one part of me while familiarity meets the needs of another part of me.
Both adventurous travel and familiar travel foster personal growth and resilience. Navigating new environments, encountering unfamiliar situations, and interacting with people from different backgrounds can build confidence and adaptability. These experiences challenge the brain, promoting cognitive flexibility and helping to develop problem-solving skills that can be beneficial in everyday life. Familiar places create nostalgia, solidifying important person narratives, and more time to reflect. One can be on auto pilot and not have to make so many decisions. Both travel experiences encourage mindfulness by immersing travelers in the present moment, whether it’s admiring a beloved breathtaking landscape or savoring a new cuisine.
In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly common, the positive effects of travel are a reminder of the importance of knowing oneself. I know for myself that I need a bit of both newness and familiarity built into my yearly vacation plans. If I only have adventurous vacations, then I can feel burned out. If I take relaxing vacations, then I feel a bit restless. Finding a balance of both works for me. What works for you?
By being mindful of who you are and what your body and mind need during travel, you can nurture your mental well-being in profound ways.