Everyone loves to travel. You’ll probably have muttered at least once to yourself this week that you need a holiday. You are not alone. Travelling has changed massively over the past decade, with travelling becoming cheaper and more accessible to people. Not only does our generation travel further and more cheaply than the previous one, but attitudes towards travelling has changed also. As the years have gone by, the number of people and families who travel abroad has increased incredibly, making the aviation and tourism industry one of the richest in the world.
Motivations to travel and explore is at an all-time high for Millenials and Gen Zs. These generations choose to spend their time and money on experiences rather than materialistic items. Whether it be the adventure, the cultures or the Instagram photos, there are a huge number of reasons why travelling is more enticing than ever. The common denominator has to be the feeling that it gives people. No one can argue that travelling abroad doesn’t make you feel good.
With awareness of mental health issues being more prominent than ever, travelling has been a tool for many to combat issues. There are some clear links to improve mental health and travelling. Whether that be that depression or social anxiety there is a multitude of ways in which travelling can help. Let’s look at some of the ways travelling does this.
Mental Health & Travelling Abroad
So how does this help those with issues with their mental health? Travelling obviously isn’t a cure for all of these issues but there is an extensive number of benefits which helps support those struggling. This can compliment more medicinal methods such as therapy and now CBD oils.
There are some clear links to improving mental health and travelling. Whether it be the need to recharge after a long period of working or something to help you with some mental health problems. Be that depression or social anxiety. Let’s look at some of the ways travelling does this.
When you put the words travel and mental health together, there’s an instant parallel – whether it’s ‘I can’t wait to relax’, ‘I can’t wait to take a break’ or ‘I can’t wait for a week of all-inclusive food and drink.’ Whatever it may be, there’s a switch in your head that immediately flicks to ‘relaxation mode’ and you’re finally in your happy place.
Travelling Gives You a Change of Scenery
Many of the modern generations are disillusioned with globalisation and how all cities and urban areas are made to look the same. Whether it be due to their daily commute or just the general urban environment they live in, a change is often needed.
This is why changing the scenery with travelling is very appealing for young people. It helps them engage with their surroundings more and regain lust for life. These new environments can help give you inspiration for your work or your studying, helping give you back that drive. Travelling can be the perfect way to restore yourself.
Staying in one place and doing the same thing every day may be a comfort to some but for others, it can often make you feel trapped both physically and mentally. Switching up your daily routine and location by journeying somewhere new will help stimulate your mind, boost your happiness levels and make you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile with your time.
Travelling Promotes Independence
With the current housing crisis in the UK, it is harder than ever for young people to move out permanently. This robs them of their independence and makes them feel trapped, denying them the growth of moving out and starting for yourself.
Setting yourself the challenge of going travelling for a few weeks (or months!) will definitely give you a sense of independence. This will allow you to experiment with many tasks or responsibilities not available to you, like budgeting and putting yourself out there in new areas. Staying in hostels is the perfect time to do this.
All these classic travelling experiences can seem daunting, but you’ll realise just how good they’ve been for you when you get home and find simple day-to-day situations so much easier to handle.
Help Find Yourself
There is definitely a bit of a cliche when it comes to travelling and “finding yourself.” However, there is some substance behind it. When you’re suffering from your mental health issues, finding yourself again can be a positive step in the right direction.
Travelling allows you to undergo a period of self-reflection. You have the chance to evaluate yourself in a holistic way alongside your thoughts and how you choose to change or adapt these for the better. Doing this while travelling provides you with a good space in which to do this.
Before You Go…
If you are going on holiday, you’ll have better peace of mind if all of your documents are ready. Be aware of countries that may need visas. Paperwork can be a mess but luckily these days, countries such as Oman will offer an Oman E-Visa, so it can all be done online before you go. Even Canada is offering a form of electronic visa through a Canada eTA. Make sure you get down to your Birmingham travel agents and book an exciting trip.
Always make sure that your passport is in date (it needs to have six months left before you travel) and that you have researched where you’re going so that you know the customs and traditions.
