Benefits of Travel: New Study Points to Better Mental Wellbeing

The benefits of travel are many but a key advantage is a better sense of self, life and wellbeing. A recent poll by eDreams reveals the effects of travel on our state of mind, and what most strongly supports our mental wellbeing when we plan a trip. 

Respondents globally report a ‘very positive’ or ‘quite positive’ impact on their mental wellbeing. 

+ 63% of all respondents globally report that holidays a ‘very positive’ impact on their mental wellbeing, with a further 29% reporting a ‘quite positive’ impact – a total of 92% 

+ 42% and 39% of American respondents self-report a ‘very’ and ‘quite’ positive effect  – a total of 81% 

+ The most positive psychological effect of vacation travel reported by American travelers was from those in the Northeast, including states like New York, Connecticut, and Maine (58%), with 48% from the Midwest reporting a ‘quite positive’ effect. 

+ In the US, those aged 18-24 reported the highest percentage (61%) of ‘very positive’ effects of holiday travel, while those aged 25-34 reported a ‘quite positive’ effect (44%).

+ Portuguese (79%) and Italians (78%) are the highest percentage of travelers to rank its effects as ‘very positive’.

Benefits of Travel: Best Activities for Mental Wellbeing on Vacation

The overwhelming majority – 42% globally –  cite relaxing and doing nothing as being the most important benefit of travel of all possible activities, followed by sightseeing (35%) and reading (19%). 

+ Americans noted similar top choices, but opt out of reading for more social and adventurous activities.

+ Relax and do nothing 23%

+ Sightseeing 22%

+ Meeting new people: 21% of US respondents ranked meeting new people the 3rd most important benefit of travel, compared to 12% from Spain and Germany and 13% from the UK.

+ In the US, 20% of those from the Northeast reported doing yoga or meditation as their third top choice for an activity promoting mental wellbeing while on vacation. 

+ 24% of global respondents aged 18-24 derive mental health benefits from adventurous activities, compared to just 14% of those aged 45-54.

+ 34% of Americans in the age group (55-64) report the positive effects of sightseeing while on vacation, one of the key benefits for their mental health- compared to just 20% of those aged 25-34.

This survey polled 10,000 travelers from Italy, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Portugal, Germany, and France. In the USA the survey was conducted among a sample of 2,000 respondents from March 14 to 20, 2023.