The Unexpected Health Boost of Travel That No One's Talking About (But Should Be!)

If you ask people why they travel, you’ll likely receive a unique answer from each one. Some may want to explore new cultures, others might be on a bachelorette trip, some may hope to enrich their children’s lives, and others could simply be visiting family.

One reason that’s less frequently mentioned, however, is slowing down the biological aging process.

Regardless of their motivations, older adults are traveling. According to a survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Talker Research, 59% of retirees are planning to travel more during retirement. Some are even taking “retirementmoons,” celebrating the end of their careers with a journey.

The health benefits of traveling are substantial, according to a recent study in the Journal of Travel Research. Data from the study suggests that positive travel experiences can benefit physical, mental, and social health. Similar findings were reported in a previous study published in the Journal of Transport and Health.

Experts find these results logical. “It’s no surprise that a recent study out of Australia has shown that travel can slow the aging process,” shared Doni Belau, CEO of Girls’ Guide to the World. “I witness this firsthand as I lead women of all ages on trips around the globe.”

A specific client came to Belau’s mind. “She’s in her mid-80s, a widow, and very sharp as well as widely traveled,” she said. “On holiday, my 80-year-old client loves her sweets and Coca-Colas but keeps up her walking routine.”

How Traveling Slows the Aging Process

When you think about the benefits of travel, images of sunny days, sleeping in, bright blue waters, and hammock reading may come to mind. All of this — and more — plays a role.

“Travel offers more than just a break from routine; it’s fantastic for both the mind and body,” said Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.

Jenny Munro, a gerontologist at Home Instead, explained that travel can slow aging by promoting movement, learning, and social engagement. When Munro’s parents visited Ireland at ages 70 and 75, they walked, climbed, and hiked.

“All of these activities my parents engaged in while in Ireland can boost metabolism, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of dementia,” she said.

Traveling Benefits Physical Health

Many travel experiences involve physical activity, from city strolls to mountain hikes. Ferri noted this helps maintain flexibility and bone health. She added that it’s also “excellent for cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength — factors that contribute to slowing down the aging process.”

Traveling Can Reduce Stress

A break from daily stressors is one of the most obvious benefits of travel. According to Dr. Sajad Zalzala, physician and co-founder of AgelessRx, travel can lower cortisol levels and reduce systemic inflammation in the body.

“Chronic stress accelerates aging, so reducing it helps slow the process,” Zalzala explained. “Travel may slow telomere shortening by lowering stress and supporting overall well-being. … Telomere length is a key indicator of biological aging.”

Physical activity during travel is also beneficial for stress and brain health. Dr. Gary Small, a geriatric psychiatrist and chair of the psychiatry department at Hackensack University Medical Center, pointed out that movement elevates mood and enhances circulation to the brain and body.

Traveling Boosts Cognitive Health

Ferri highlighted how new environments keep the brain engaged. “Experiencing new cultures and settings strengthens brain health and may protect against dementia,” she said.

Small elaborated, explaining, “This mental stimulation enhances mood and activates neural pathways that combat cognitive decline associated with aging.”

Travel also regulates cortisol, serotonin, and endorphins, which benefit mental health. These “boost mood, improve sleep, and support overall well-being, all of which contribute to healthier aging,” Zalzala shared.

While these internal processes are often invisible, Belau has seen their impact. “With thousands of women I’ve traveled with across 83 countries, I find it’s the novelty of travel, those ‘WOW’ moments like seeing a giraffe on safari for the first time, that sparks the neurons,” she said.

This stimulation doesn’t need to be limited to travel itself. Munro’s parents, for instance, researched Ireland’s rich history, culture, and architecture before their trip.

Travel Promotes Social Health

According to Small, people with strong social bonds age more slowly than those who feel isolated. In fact, a study in Aging found loneliness and unhappiness accelerate aging more than smoking.

“For someone with an isolated lifestyle, visiting new places connects them with others,” Small said. “Taking a break from daily work routines also aids relaxation, which is another factor in longevity.”

Yet, it’s important not to let travel goals detract from enjoyment. “As long as you’re interacting with people and encountering new experiences, you’ll gain cognitive benefits,” Munro assured.

Choosing the Right Type of Travel

When considering destinations, you may wonder what types of travel are most beneficial for slowing aging.

Start by identifying your goals. Different travel experiences can serve various purposes. Would you like your trip to be more mentally, physically, socially, or spiritually enriching?

Mindset is equally important. “What matters is an adventurous spirit, whether traveling far or exploring nearby,” Ferri advised. “Even brief trips can be beneficial; they break daily monotony and recharge mental and emotional energy.”

For Mental Stimulation...

“If your goal is to stay mentally active or learn a new skill, consider immersive trips,” suggested Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Inc., a travel insurance provider. “Many tour companies offer local experiences that immerse you in the destination, like a cooking class in Italy or language lessons in Latin America.”

Traveling abroad provides a new and stimulating environment. “International travel is especially beneficial because of the challenge of navigating a foreign language,” Munro explained.

For Physical Activity...

If physical activity is your aim, Murchland recommended safaris, national parks, and European walking or biking tours. Affordable options include local city visits or mountain trips.

Ferri emphasized that travel engaging both mind and body is ideal for slowing aging.

For Social Engagement...

For those seeking social connection, choose trips focused on interaction. “Loneliness is a major issue with aging,” Murchland noted. “Consider multigenerational family vacations.”

Cruises are popular for their variety of activities, and volunteer trips offer connections with like-minded individuals.

For Spiritual Enrichment...

Nature can enhance any travel experience. Zalzala noted that it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and increases well-being.

Belau agreed that environments rich in green and blue, like forests and water, are effective in slowing aging. Welcome to forest bathing!

If Mobility Is Limited...

Slow travel, which involves exploring a culture at a leisurely pace, is an option. Zalzala mentioned it promotes longevity by reducing stress.

Murchland suggested adjusting goals for accessibility. “For instance, if you want to learn Spanish, some South American destinations may be challenging if you have mobility limitations,” he noted. “Puerto Rico, being a U.S. territory, complies with ADA regulations, making it easier to access accommodations.”

In short, travel at any age is achievable and can be immensely rewarding. “By knowing your limits and working within them,” Murchland concluded, “you can get the most out of travel and keep aging at bay.”