There’s a saying about using travel to reinvent yourself, to find joy in the ordinary and peace in exploration. Of course, these are very compelling reasons, but I would also add to the list to stay young.
Through travel, I have found ways to remain young despite my years. Whether I’m with others or traveling solo, these eight benefits of travel keep the mind and body young.
Marie in her balcony room, Rapallo, on the Italian Riviera
1. Keep A Stimulated Brain
Traveling is a great way to stimulate my brain. From the time I start planning a trip to deciding what to bring to arriving at a foreign destination, my brain is taken off autopilot and on a new path of discovery.
After flying for 23 hours from Australia, I arrived at Fiumicino Airport in Rome. I was traveling alone without a fixed plan. Read also : Cosmic Love arrives on Prime Video tonight. I didn’t have to think much during the flight, but suddenly I had to turn on my brain. Where are the trains to the city? Can I buy a ticket from a machine or do I have to buy it at the counter? Can I remember the few Italian phrases I know?
As scary as it sounds, this type of stimulation slows brain aging and cognitive decline. If we don’t stretch or challenge ourselves, we age faster mentally.
The natural beauty of Marie’s home in Port Noarlunga, South Australia
2. Find Avenues For Incidental Exercise
I know that physical activity is important for my health, especially as I age. This may interest you : JUL-AUG 2022 – Music – The Brooklyn Rail. It can prevent or delay health problems later in life.
Travel necessarily offers opportunities for exercise. Going for a bike ride, climbing the stairs to a viewpoint, window shopping; None of this feels like exercise when I’m traveling because I’m immersed in my new surroundings.
I visited Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the Dolomites region of the Italian Alps, on a bus trip. It is a world famous ski resort, but I was there in the middle of summer. After many hours of sitting on the sofa, I had the perfect opportunity to put on my walking shoes and stretch my legs in a unique place.
A brisk wind reddened my nose, watered my eyes, and quickened my steps, and I took in gusts of fresh pine-scented air as I walked through the dirty streets.
Exercise when traveling doesn’t have to be a cardio workout. Keeping our bodies mobile and flexible has advantages that will allow us to travel comfortably.
Marie for a walk in the Italian Dolomites
3. Connect With Nature To Improve Mental Well-Being
In my home of South Australia, I am lucky to be surrounded by nature. I live near the beach, and kangaroos graze freely half a mile away. On the same subject : Tech Hacks To Make Traveling Less of a Headache Now. Nature and fresh air are important to me.
While I love airplane travel, airports, and cities, I make sure that my travels include time spent in nature and outdoors. Whether it’s walking barefoot on the beach or getting close to wildlife in the countryside, any time spent in a natural environment improves my mental well-being.
While visiting the Croatian city of Dubrovnik on a cruise, I went for a walk and lunch with a group of friends. We walked the perimeter walls of the Old Town, marveling at the terracotta roofs against the turquoise backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. Diners in bustling cafes sought shade from umbrellas as the June sun radiated heat from ancient baroque buildings.
The allure of the glistening sea became irresistible to our hot, sweaty bodies, and we soon plunged in, enjoying a sudden dip in the cool, soothing waters. After sharing the boat with 3,300 people, this quiet but exhilarating connection with nature was a welcome break.
Marie swimming in the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. Be Ready To Make New Friends
I do not grow in connection with nature; I also thrive on interacting with people, especially when I travel. Learning about the locals is a wonderful way to get to know a location better.
My life has been enriched by the people I have met while traveling, both locals and other tourists. It adds another level of enjoyment. Taking an interest in others and having them show an interest in my story is incredibly satisfying.
When my partner and I toured Tasmania in a rented campervan, we met two couples in Hobart. We traveled together for three days, got to know them and enjoyed their company so much that we had a reunion a year later. Friendship and laughter had a very positive effect, which created an unforgettable holiday.
As humans, we have a primal need to connect with each other, and the mind that grows up is young.
Hiking with new friends at Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Australia
5. Never Underestimate Happiness And Laughter
Laughter has many benefits, including reducing stress and depression, improving memory, and building immunity. That’s why I try to look on the bright side when I travel. Especially when things go wrong, as they always do.
I’ve run into hotels that lost reservations, luggage was left on a flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane, a tour was canceled at the last minute, and it rained the entire time on my beach vacation.
Getting angry and frustrated doesn’t change the outcome. Finding the fun or light side. And a happy, smiling face, regardless of age, will always have an angry or angry face.
6. Feel Young And Vibrant With Awakened Senses
My senses were excited during a day I spent walking the streets of Rome. Conversations in poetic language, the splash of water flowing from ornate fountains, the smell of fresh coffee…everything around me had such an energy.
At a table outside in Piazza Navona, there was a lively atmosphere around the restaurant. The classical melody of violin and piano accordion wafted across the sun-drenched square as the sounds of musicians mingled with the clink of glasses and cutlery and cheerful chatter. I felt my face heat up; the welcome effect of sunshine and white wine while the saltiness of the seafood in my gnocchi de pescatore delighted my palate.
Awakening the senses is the perfect way to feel young and alive.
A meal to awaken the senses in Rome
7. Allow Time To Embrace What Brings Joy
I discovered my passion for writing and photography on my first solo trip abroad. My relationship was falling apart at the time and I found solace in journaling on my iPad.
The iPad was nearby as I sat alone in a bar in Rapallo on the Italian Riviera. Thunder, lightning and torrential rain poured down as Andrea Bocelli played through the speakers outside. I closed my eyes and lost myself in his voice. Something stirred inside me as a tear escaped my eye and tickled my cheek. More tears came, acting like a poultice, drawing out toxic emotions. Putting those thoughts into words became therapeutic.
Writing is a part of my life now and it adds to my love of food and wine. Traveling is the perfect time to focus on what brings me joy. I make sure I add a lot to my career to feed my passions well.
Marie fulfilling her passion for writing
8. Be Grateful And Appreciate The Cultural Differences
I choose not to suffer from “comparisonitis” when I travel. Our lifestyles are diverse, our cuisines are vast and our countryside is diverse. These things are not better or worse. There is no comparison – they are simply different.
When I accept differences and appreciate opportunities to see them, I never have a bad experience. Gratitude and appreciation strengthen my resolve and keep me in a healthier, younger frame of mind.
How I perceive life and how I act and spend time is what defines my life stage rather than the candles on my cake.
I have a spring in my step when I start planning trips. It’s a feeling I never want to lose and I’m sure we all share. We owe it to ourselves to have a young heart and to keep a fit and active mind so that we can enjoy our travels for as long as possible.
Can I put my shoes in my carry-on bag?
Yes, you can carry shoes in your hand luggage, no problem. Also remember the weight of your hand luggage.
Do I need to take my shoes out of my suitcase? If you do not have TSA PreCheck, you will need to remove various items from your luggage, such as liquids and electronics, and place them in separate containers before going through security. You will also need to remove shoes, pocket items, jewelry and large jackets.
How do I put shoes in my carry on?
Place your shoes heel-to-toe with the soles facing out, like in a shoe box, place them in shoe bags for protection and line them up in the zippered compartment of your luggage â starting at the bottom. If the shoes don’t fill the entire compartment, put clothes in between to keep everything in place.
What can you not pack in your carry on?
Firearms, ammunition and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and security knives (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and spare blades are also not allowed. Most tools cannot be placed in cabin baggage as they may cause damage.
How do you pack shoes on a plane?
When packing a walking shoe, place your heaviest shoes, such as sneakers or heels, at the bottom of the bag, near the wheels. This will help keep your bag more balanced as you try to make your connection through the airport. Lighter shoes, such as flip-flops or slippers, can be placed on the edges of the bag.
How do you pack light and look good?
Tips for Creating the Perfect Capsule Travel Wardrobe
- Think separates, not outfits.
- If you’re only going to wear it once, don’t bring it.
- Bring on the neutrals, but throw in some color.
- Add textured pieces to make your capsule wardrobe more exciting.
- Don’t be afraid of prints!
What does it mean to gather light? to pack light: take a small luggage when traveling.
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?
Liquids, gels, or pastes in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). Guns and ammunition (including BB guns and cap guns) Stun guns and tasers. Sharp objects (knives, axes, razors)
What can’t be carried in the hand? Aerosol cans (except limited quantities of personal care products 3.4 ounces or less), butane, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, matches for striking anywhere, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, arc lighters, plasma nozzles, electronic. lighters, E-lighters and replica lighters cannot be …
Is toothpaste considered a liquid?
Is toothpaste considered liquid by the TSA? Yes, the 3-1-1 rule for liquid and gel toothpastes must be followed. Toothpaste can be carried through TSA security in your carry-on bag as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1 liter bag.
