The benefits of a vacation are many, but a 2019 study released by the U.S. Travel Association reported Americans left 768 million vacation days unused in 2018, a trend that was growing year after year. Then the pandemic hit, and the world shut down, leaving nearly everyone unable to travel. It seems we have made it through the worst and countries are open again for visitors. Americans are now unwilling to leave their precious vacation days on the table and are asking for time off.

The problem is they are taking their work with them and this isn’t a good thing for many reasons. A vacation is supposed to help you disconnect and recharge so that when you return to work you feel energized again. But, if you don’t let yourself get off the productivity wheel, taking a vacation will not produce the needed benefits. In my opinion, travel enhances a person’s life for the better, but not everyone will agree. Some people see travel as a hassle and an increase in their stress level as opposed to a lowering of stress. I get it! So, hire someone to plan for you or organize a staycation instead. In any case, whatever you do, stop reading productivity blogs and enjoy the benefits of a vacation – whatever that means for you.

Explore New Cultures

One of the major benefits of taking a vacation for me encompasses exploring new cultures, making new connections, getting outside my comfort zone, and taking time to decompress. It’s not that I plan to achieve all this on one vacation. But, I do try to have at least one goal identified and plan my vacation accordingly. Learning about different cultures while traveling can expand our views and understanding of the world. It broadens our perspective and appreciation for people different from ourselves. This was certainly true for me when I spent three months living in South Africa during Apartheid. Never have I had a more meaningful and interesting experience – one that radically changed how I thought and felt about myself and the world.

During my time in South Africa I experienced new customs and traditions. The population of South Africa is incredibly diverse, composed of people from different backgrounds, speaking different languages. It might surprise you to know South Africa has eleven languages that are considered official for the country. The diversity of the country challenged my assumptions and helped me appreciate cultural differences without being judgmental. And while my stay in South Africa was not really a “vacation” I left with a different set of eyes by which to view the world. This in turn prepared me to make more meaningful connections with the people and the places I would visit in the future. If you are interested in a bucket list trip to Southern Africa, check out our blog on planning, and read about our experience here.

Make New Connections

Meeting new people, learning from locals, and exploring with new friends when traveling is a great way to make the most out of your travel adventures. We have traveled to Jamaica over twenty-five times, starting when we were in our twenties. What drew us back, again and again, were the people we met. Initially, it wasn’t just a single person, but more like we were charmed by the People as a whole. They were genuinely kind with a warmth that made us smile. Over the years we met many people on the island and developed lasting friendships with a few.

I find it is our connection to the locals, and even other travelers we meet along the way, that can make or break a vacation. It is the people we remember most when we return home and reflect on the experience. And now, with social media, it is even easier to stay connected after the vacation is over.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Stepping out of your comfort zone when traveling can result in a range of benefits, from personal growth to new experiences. When you try new activities, take risks, and face your fears you might find you have an increased level of confidence in your ability to adapt and survive in unfamiliar situations. You learn to understand yourself better and how you react to unfamiliar environments, which can be helpful in making decisions in the future.

I’m not saying you need to jump out of an airplane (unless that’s something you really want to do) or go spend three months living in a foreign country. What I am saying is that travel is an opportunity to challenge yourself, even when it is only a short three-night city break. We have plenty of opportunities to step out of our comfort zone if we only look for them. By taking a risk, facing your fears, or trying something new, you might find you are capable of more than you thought possible. These can be experiences you will reflect on for years to come.

Health Benefits of a Vacation

Another one of the major benefits of taking a vacation is taking time away from work which is critical to improving a person’s mental and physical well-being. In fact, traveling can be one of the best forms of self-care. There are data to support that travel can boost your immune system, improve mental health, and lower stress levels. I think this is less likely to happen when you are riding the productivity wheel and are unable to leave work behind when you go on vacation.

I have been guilty of working while I am supposed to be relaxing, enjoying a beautiful beach and turquoise waters. Not wanting to return home to five hundred emails I think, “Oh, let me just take a quick look,” and then I’m off down the rabbit hole only to return a few hours later. This is why I prefer vacations where I have no internet connection!

In the times when I can turn everything off and relax, I find I have a greater sense of purpose and clarity. I am more creative and new ideas come more readily. This happens more frequently when I am out in nature enjoying the solitude and serenity of a mountain stream or the beauty of a sunrise and the hope it brings with the dawn.

Conclusion

The truth is you don’t have to fly across the world to reap the benefits of a vacation. Opportunities abound close to where you live – in the city, in the country, in the next state over. Even in these places you may have the opportunity to experience a different way of life, meet new people, and step out of your comfort zone. On the other hand, if you want to fly across the world please do. There is so much to see and explore.

I want to suggest that you let your goals drive the direction of your vacation itinerary. And that whatever you decide to do, find time for you and your family to decompress, relax, and reconnect. Oh, and leave the work at home!