What pops first into your mind when you hear the word “travel”? Sea, sun and sunglasses, mountains, discoveries? Whatever it may be, travel means escaping routines to embrace the unknown and new challenges.

Every globe-trotter understands how it feels to move from new and different place to another. As an adventurer, travelers keep searching for interesting spots to head to in order to fulfill their respective travel goals. Some travel amateurs may just want to satisfy their challenge and travel experience desire by getting to somewhere new, while others may only look for bettering their life and personal well-being. Having this in mind, traveling presents loads of benefits for health, either physical or mental. It is scientifically proven that going to new other places is good for our health. Some psychologists tout the mental benefits of vacationing elsewhere.

A 2013 survey of 485 in the adults in the U.S. showed that exposure to foreign travel greatly enhances the ability to direct attention, focus and energy, and develop empathy. These help travelers function effectively in diverse situations and become more tolerant when dealing with discomfort. Similarly, other research suggests that visiting more countries and getting immersed into local cultures boost creativity. Studies show that the more you travel, the more creative you become at work. Since travel allows your brain to make new pathways and connections, it, then, can act as a professional experience facilitator.

Research has also recently revealed that even only anticipating a trip and planning for it can be a great mental health booster. The only fact of thinking about the vacation before we even leave home is scientifically proven to be beneficial to our own happiness. A 2014 Cornell University study examined how the anticipation of an experience, like a trip, can increase a person’s sense of happiness. An earlier study about the impact of the expectation of a holiday on an individual’s sense of well-being, published by the University of Surrey, found that people are at their happiest when they have a vacation planned.

Here are three other scientific evidences on the positive impact of traveling on our health:

Travel strengthens antibodies. Studies show that exposure induces the multiplication of T-cells that guard the immune system. When you travel, you get exposed to new different conditions and surroundings. Therefore, you are introduced to new bacteria. You may be faced with dirt and germs when moving from place to place, allowing your body to get adapted and making your immune system stronger.

Travel relieves stress and lowers the chance of depression. This may no longer surprise you! Indeed, it is scientifically demonstrated that vacations can affect your stress levels. In addition, travel helps in building mental health, hence reducing the risk of depression. When you take regular time off, you recharge your batteries that make you keep totally away from the stress and deeply reflect on what is essential.

Travel improves brain health and increases life expectancy. Since travel helps reduce stress and depression levels, it may, thus, increase brain health resulting in a longer and healthier life. Furthermore, talking of brain health, in addition to instilling creativity, studies demonstrate that it also boosts emotional intelligence. Scientists say the more people travel, the more balanced their emotion will be.

There are always cons and pros for all human’s activities. Although traveling is advantageous for health, it may have also negative impact from another standpoint.

Sources: National Geographic / Harvard Business Review / NBC News.