Juan Portillo

Prof. Peterman

ENGL 1120

25 April 2023

The Power of Travel: Exploring the Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Exploring the World


People have been engaging in the activity of traveling for many years, and it is still a very common pleasure to this day. Travel is done for a variety of purposes, such as recreation, enlightenment of other cultures, and exploration of new locations. Although some may consider travel to be a luxury, it actually provides a lot of advantages that might improve one's life. To further understand these advantages, we will explore the benefits of travel and its impacts on physical and mental health. With the advantages of traveling, there will be a betterment of mental stability, and loads of self-confidence and love. Although there can be minor limitations, nothing will be able to excuse the benefits and experiences that traveling will bring.

For some people, traveling can be stressful and frightening due to the fact that it can be financially expensive or risky. Even the planning and organizing of trips can also oftentimes bring stress amongst individuals. Yet, it is better to consider that traveling allows a person to experience new things or events out of their comfort zone. And, according to an article that touches on the physiological aspects of traveling called  “Psychology Today” states that, “[traveling] can also help people enhance their general well-being, lower their levels of stress and anxiety, and make them happier” (Psychology Today). People are frequently exposed to new and difficult situations while traveling, which can help them develop resilience and improve their ability to manage stress. Additionally, travel can offer a change of pace from everyday routines and a chance for self-reflection, which can promote personal development and self-awareness.  

Travel, especially for young individuals, can be advantageous. According to a study by author Vienselin Lim, young people who travel are more confident and self-assured, have better decision-making abilities, and have a better grasp of their surroundings (Lim, 3). Traveling may expose young people to many cultures, languages, and viewpoints, which can eventually foster greater understanding and empathy. With the addition of travel, a person is more prone to having the advantage of seeking physical activities that come through an increase in dopamine and endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals released by the body to decrease pain and triggers a positive feeling to your body which can be compared to morphine (Bruce phD, 2-3). Having the ability for your body to release these chemicals creates a reduction of depression and anxiety and increases in sleep and self esteem; something college students are extremely fond of regularly. The chance to switch off from technology and digital devices, says Virtuoso, a travel service, is one of the most important advantages of travel for physical health (Goldberg, 7). People's stress levels can be reduced, and their sleep can be improved by removing ourselves and our attachment to technology. In other words, taking a break from social media, or taking a mental break from the overuse of iPad's and laptops that highschoolers and college students use on a daily basis to submit assignments or watch videos for help in classes can be beneficial if we simply limit the technology. With looking down at our phones or laptops so repetitively, our posters are accustomed to being hunched and our appearance is seen as weak and displeasing. Our appearance shows who we truly are and how we feel, so why not look appealing with the luxury of traveling, helping us feel more confident, free, and full of joy. Taking this action will more than likely help towards bettering an individual's physical and mental health. 

However, there are many concerns on whether or not travel is worth it due to covid restrictions but mainly due to a tank in today's economy. A study shows that the average minimum wage in a certain state varies from $ 7.25-16.10 dollars an hour (Strella, 4). Traveling can be a stressful and lengthy process to achieve. Sometimes it could take weeks or even years for people to save enough money to become financially stable in order to safely travel. This could unfortunately and very quickly, become discouraging and disheartening for some individuals as they are forced to wait impatiently. Furthermore, whether you are traveling by plane or by car; gas, food, airfare and much more will be things to consider.  Sally French writes that according to the U.S Department of Labor, inflation has risen to 8.6% causing the prices to rise, greatly affecting the consumer price index which determines the prices of travel, groceries, clothes and cars (French). With that great rise of inflation, gas prices rose  48%, airline fares rose 23.6%, and necessary food items have accumulated to 13.7% (Smialek, 24). These statistics go to show how troubled the economy has become. Not only that, but homes and car prices have also increased and become harder to maintain. This is why traveling, especially for younger individuals, is so important because the responsibilities of having to finance and own a home or car are not typical; which creates an easier and less stressful route for traveling plans. An alternative to saving money when traveling can be limiting your stays in hotels and instead, living inside your car or renting mobile stays such as an RV. Also, if many things are excessively expensive, it would be more ideal to bring someone to travel with. Having a traveling partner or group of people would be extremely beneficial as it will help relieve more financial stressors during travel when expenses are being split up. This arrangement would be an amazing addition to a much greater experience because not only will it allow traveling expenses to be more flexible but having company while traveling allows individuals to interact and value their new experiences more. Tying this back to obtaining a stable well-being, one of the most important things a person interested in travel can do is find ways to exclude certain obstacles and limitations that come along with it (such as finances.) And although, like mentioned before, planning can be a tedious task, it will be much worth it in the long run.

In conclusion, travel is a fantastic method to enhance both one's physical and mental health. It can aid people in lowering their stress and anxiety levels, can enhance one’s general well-being, and promotes physical activity that will lower the chances of developing chronic illnesses. Most importantly, it will impact young people's self-esteem, confidence, ability to make decisions and overall increases happiness. Traveling to this day continues to be a favorite pastime for people all around the world since it offers so many advantages. Although it can be very expensive in some ways, we have to take in consideration that traveling is only worthwhile if you are doing something you truly want to do and cherishing and creating the memories. expensive trips don't create the experience, you do. Furthermore, with all of these advantages, it is simple to understand why people enjoy traveling and why doing so can be such a life-changing event.


Works Cited