Does traveling really have a positive effect on your body?

Yes, according to experts, traveling usually has a positive effect: you move more, often become fitter, and your body can really recover from daily stress.

Why do I sleep poorly the first night on vacation?

That is due to the ‘first night effect’: your body has to adjust to the new environment, different sounds, smells, temperature, and light exposure. After that, you often sleep better than at home.

Should I keep exercising during vacation to stay fit?

Not necessarily: even without a gym, you often move more than at home, for example by walking, cycling, and exploring the surroundings. This way, you still stay fit.

How does traveling help against stress?

By taking a step back from your work and daily obligations, you can recharge both physically and mentally. Even the prospect of a vacation reduces stress and makes you happier.

Why am I often more creative and productive after a vacation?

New impressions, cultures, and situations stimulate your brain. This leads to new ideas and solutions, making you more creative. Moreover, your stress level decreases, which is good for your concentration and motivation.

Body & Mind

Experts say: This is what traveling does to your body

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Bella Hadid lying on the beach in a bikini with wet hair

After often stressful vacation preparations, we step onto the plane with one thought: time to relax, and hopefully return refreshed. But once home, it almost immediately feels like you never left. You might even wonder if, apart from all the beautiful photos, you gained anything from your trip. Good news: according to experts, traveling does have an effect on your body; and usually in a positive way.

This is what traveling does to your sleep

Okay, maybe after the travel day you are so exhausted that you fall asleep immediately. But generally, that first night on vacation is not great. Experts also refer to it as the ‘first night effect’. Your body needs to get used to the strange environment with different sounds or smells. The temperature and the amount of light entering your room can also affect your sleep. You will notice that you sleep a little better each day after that and eventually maybe even better than at home. Because you have much less to do and focus on relaxing, you will also rest better at night; and you will notice that during the day.

Then there is of course one important exception: the jet lag. If you travel to a country with a significant time difference, your natural rhythm will get completely disrupted. You may feel tired early or lie awake late. After a few days, your body usually gets used to it, but it can also take longer. The rule is: the further your journey and thus the greater the time difference, the longer your body needs to fully restore your rhythm. This can also play a role in not feeling really rested after your vacation.

Why you naturally become fitter while traveling

It probably feels like you completely ignore your strict workout schedule while traveling, and can start fresh again at home; but that is certainly not the case. You may not visit a gym on vacation, but you often move more than you would in daily life. Think of all the hikes you take to explore the area, and the many hotspots you visit on foot. Renting a bike is often popular on vacation, and then you are of course also active. It may not be as noticeable, but traveling is actually very good for your physical health; it makes you fitter.

This is how traveling helps you let go of stress

Once you arrive at your destination, you can completely let go of all work stress and everything that needs to be done in ‘normal life’. Unless it's a business trip, of course, but we won't count that. The focus is now on relaxing and discovering new places. Your mind can relax and recharge. And that is not a luxury for your physical or mental health. Regularly taking time for such a reset moment also reduces the chance of burnout. That mental boost can start even before you step onto the plane. Knowing that there is a holiday trip on the horizon can help you get through stressful or boring days and lift your mood a bit.

Why you are often more creative and productive after a trip

While traveling, you will encounter all sorts of unfamiliar places, languages, cultures, and people; and all those impressions are good for your creativity. You will have to adapt to local customs and step outside your comfort zone. You come up with new ideas and solutions, and thinking in that way remains a useful trait even after your trip. Traveling is not only good for your creativity but also for your motivation. If you normally experience a lot of stress, it can affect your memory and productivity. A reset moment on vacation reduces that stress, allowing your brain to rest and you return with more focus and motivation.

This is how you get the most out of your vacation

Do you really want to get everything out of your trip? Then we have a few more tips:

1. Choose the right travel partner
Who you travel with can determine the effects your vacation will have. On a solo trip, you can almost be sure that you will face more challenges that you then have to solve alone. On one hand, this can cause more stress, but it can also be a good boost for your creativity. Traveling with someone can strengthen your bond, and you create special memories together. It’s also a bit of a test; you are far from home and dependent on each other. Before booking, it’s good to consider whether you are the same type of traveler. Going on an active vacation with someone who just wants to sunbathe is not the ideal match.

2. Try not to plan too much
Before departure, you probably made some lists of must-visit hotspots and nice restaurants. In some cases, it can also be handy to reserve some things in advance. However, it’s also wise to leave enough room for spontaneous plans and not to schedule your entire trip. Those unexpected things often create the best memories, and of course, it’s not the intention for it to feel like there’s a lot to do while traveling.

3. Go out with a bang
You often remember the most recent events best. And that’s why it’s good to end your trip with a bang. That special memory gives you something nice to look back on at home and to draw a bit of energy and motivation from. Enjoy it a little longer, even if that suitcase has long been unpacked.

Source: Women’s Health, Sleepfoundation, WebMD, Allina Health | Image: @bellahadid