Travel & Mental Health

With so many of us deprived of travel for so long, holidays have taken on a greater appeal more than ever. Never have more of us been dreaming of jetting off to a sun-kissed island for a week of doing nothing or being enveloped in a warm hug at the airport by much-missed family.

Whether your idea of heaven is lying by the pool, wandering tropical rainforests, or slaloming through crisp powder snow, all holidays have one thing in common: they offer us a sorely needed escape.

Of course, we all have stories of holiday disasters – lost luggage, poor food, long queues. Yet somehow these never put us off travelling. Why? Because the positive emotions triggered by the excitement of a holiday are a powerful draw.

Over the last few years, rates of depression have risen significantly and many people with severe mental health problems have struggled to gain access to the help they need.

So, while there's no question that holidays can benefit everyone's mental as well as physical health, many of us should be tailoring our holidays to maximise the chance of a truly positive experience.

The Mental Health Benefits of Travel

Travel has long been recognised as a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. Stepping away from the routine of daily life and immersing oneself in new environments can foster relaxation, reduce stress, and help gain a fresh perspective.

Whether exploring a bustling city, connecting with nature, or indulging in cultural experiences, travel can provide an invaluable opportunity to recharge and reconnect with oneself.

This section explores the profound ways in which travel can support mental health and enhance quality of life.

Stressbusting

Whether relaxing by the beach, exploring a new city, or immersing yourself in new experiences, there's compelling evidence that a change in pace and routine can work wonders for your mind and body.

Taking time away from the daily grind allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and return feeling refreshed and focused. Holidays provide an opportunity to step back, reflect, and gain a fresh perspective on life, often helping to spark creativity and reduce mental clutter.

The benefits kick in surprisingly fast. According to one survey, almost 9 in 10 people reported their stress levels significantly dropped within a couple of days of being on holiday. It didn’t matter whether their trip involved a relaxing retreat or an adventurous getaway; the positive effects were consistent.

This was true regardless of their initial health condition before the trip, showing that even short breaks away from routine can have a profound and lasting impact on mental and physical well-being.

Reconnecting

In today’s busy world, it often feels like there’s no time to connect with loved ones. Between work, school, and daily responsibilities, meaningful conversations and bonding moments can easily slip away.

Even for those who live with others, social isolation is a growing issue and a major driver of depression and anxiety. It’s easy to feel disconnected when communication is reduced to quick, transactional exchanges like, “Whose turn is it to take out the rubbish?”

That’s why taking a holiday with family or friends is so important. Stepping away from daily stresses creates the perfect chance to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Sharing meals, exploring new places, or laughing over silly mishaps helps strengthen relationships and build lasting positive memories. A holiday isn’t just a break - it’s a chance to bring everyone closer and focus on what truly matters.

Broadening Your Horizons

New experiences are crucial for keeping your brain healthy and sharp. Without regular mental stimulation, the risk of cognitive decline increases. Passive activities like watching TV can be entertaining but don’t offer the same benefits as actively engaging your mind.

Challenging your brain with activities like learning a new skill is especially beneficial. Whether it’s picking up a new language, learning to crochet, or solving puzzles like crosswords and sudoku, these tasks promote deeper thinking and problem-solving, keeping your brain resilient.

Brain-boosting activities aren’t limited to hobbies. Travel also helps keep your mind active. Immersing yourself in a new culture and stepping outside familiar environments forces your brain to adapt to new customs, languages, and situations. This stimulates cognitive function and boosts creativity as you see the world from fresh perspectives.

These benefits can even enhance productivity and problem-solving in daily life. Whether it’s learning a skill or exploring new places, breaking out of your routine can work wonders for your brain.

Recuperation

We all need time to recharge our batteries – and holidays can play a crucial role in helping us do just that. However, not all holidays are equally effective in leaving us feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Factors like getting enough good-quality sleep, having plenty of free time to relax, the chance to meet and connect with new people, staying active through exercise, and enjoying warmer climates all contribute to a better chance of returning home feeling refreshed.

On the other hand, certain challenges can diminish the health benefits of a holiday. For instance, dealing with health issues while travelling or struggling to adjust to a significant time-zone difference can leave you feeling more drained than when you left.

What Increases the Risk?

Several factors, related both to your mental health and your choice of destination, can make it more likely that you'll suffer mental health problems while you're away.

Some apply to everyone:

• Language barriers – especially if you're alone and don't have anyone to help.
• A sense of isolation – particularly if you find yourself in a completely different culture.
• Jet lag and sleep deprivation.
• Travel delays or disruptions, lost luggage, etc.

Others depend on personal circumstances:

• Becoming physically unwell during your holiday can have a disproportionate effect on your mental wellbeing.
• Needing medical treatment whilst abroad can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local healthcare system or if language barriers come into play.
• If you're taking medication for mental health problems, not taking it regularly can have an even greater impact than it would at home. It can be hard to adjust to taking your tablets at the right times due to time zone changes.
• Recreational drug and alcohol use is always a risk for your mental health, but there are additional risks abroad – counterfeit alcohol, spiked drugs, being under the influence of drugs and alcohol in an unfamiliar setting.
• If you're travelling for an unwelcome reason (such as a funeral) or have not chosen the travel (e.g., business or work), you may be more likely to find it stressful.

How Can You Risk-proof Your Holiday from Mental Health Problems?

Whether you have mental health issues or not, you can still benefit enormously from a holiday. But there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of crises.

For Everyone:

Stay Connected: Stay in regular contact with family and friends at home if travelling alone. Set up a regular time to contact them, so they'll be alerted if you miss the engagement.

Get Enough Sleep: Think about your stressors and plan your holiday accordingly. If you react badly to lack of sleep, time your flights and any trips to ensure you get enough sleep. And consider a destination that doesn't include a significant change in time zones.

Don't Overdo It: Sleep deprivation harms everyone's mental equilibrium. Remember, you're there to enjoy yourself!

READ MORE: How to Beat Holiday Insomnia

Reduce Your Drinking: Keep alcohol intake to a minimum and avoid it completely if it might interact with any medicines you're taking (your pharmacist can advise).

Stay Sun Safe: Some depression medication can prevent sweating, which increases the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Take breaks from sunbathing in extreme heat to avoid getting sick while trying to relax!

Let Someone Know: Be aware of your warning signs. If you're travelling with others, confide in someone about possible signs to look out for so they can seek help on your behalf.

Do Research: Before heading away, make sure to do a little research into nearby medical facilities and pharmacies, just in case. Also, create a list of local health service contact numbers, to take with you.

Whilst our thoughts and feelings can sometimes overwhelm us, heading away on holiday is typically an opportunity to improve our wellbeing and recharge. However, it’s important to acknowledge that things don’t always go as planned.

Unexpected challenges, feelings of isolation, or unforeseen stress can sometimes turn what was meant to be a relaxing escape into a source of worry. To make the most of your holiday, it’s crucial to prepare, manage expectations, and focus on creating moments of joy and relaxation.

Remember, holidays are meant to be a time to unwind and enjoy, so prioritise what brings you happiness and look after your mental and emotional health throughout the journey.