Alternatives to Travelling Overseas

People usually travel to distant, serene locations for their well-being, but you don’t have to travel far to take charge of your well-being. Engaging in local activities and trying wellness practices at home can be just as fun and rewarding!

Immersive travel is about having experiential, authentic experiences, but you can immerse yourself in your local community too. Studies show that participating in such activities can significantly boost well-being.

For example, a study by Williams and Packer (2013) highlights that engaging in activities like community-based cultural events and nature excursions can enhance psychological well-being by fostering a sense of connection and purpose.

Hence, a local cooking class or a guided nature hike can offer similar benefits, providing mental stimulation and relaxation without the need for travel. Similarly, Hartig et al. (2014) demonstrated that exposure to natural settings reduces stress and improves mood. Exploring nearby parks, trails, or beaches can offer similar benefits, providing a refreshing change of pace and opportunities for mindfulness.

Solo staycations offer a unique opportunity for self-care and relaxation. Research by de Bloom et al. (2012) found that taking time off work, even if spent at home, leads to improvements in stress levels and overall health. By creating a personalized retreat with activities such as meditation, yoga, or leisurely reading, you can achieve significant mental and emotional benefits. These solo experiences allow us uninterrupted time to focus on personal well-being, which is crucial for reducing stress and enhancing life satisfaction (Chen & Petrick, 2013).

Engaging in the arts is another way to enhance well-being. Research by Creech et al. (2013) indicates that participation in artistic activities is associated with reduced stress and increased happiness. Whether it's painting, attending local art exhibitions, or participating in creative workshops, these activities stimulate creativity and offer a sense of accomplishment. Engaging in such hobbies can enrich your life and contribute to a positive emotional state.

By integrating these local alternatives into your routine, you can achieve wellness benefits comparable to those gained from traditional travel, improving your overall quality of life while remaining close to home.

Written by: Tan Jo Yee

08/2024

References

Chen, C.-C., & Petrick, J. F. (2013). Health and wellness benefits of travel experiences: A literature review. Journal of Travel Research, 52(6), 709-719. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287513496477

Creech, A., Hallam, S., Varvarigou, M., & Clift, S. (2013). A study of the effects of group singing for dementia patients. Journal of Music Therapy, 50(3), 345-356. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/50.3.345 

De Bloom, J., Geurts, S. A. E., & Kompier, M. A. J. (2012). The impact of vacation from work on health and well-being: A review of the literature. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 17(1), 64-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026481

Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207-228. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182443

Williams, S., & Packer, T. (2013). The therapeutic benefits of cultural and nature-based tourism experiences. Tourism Management, 37, 164-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2012.10.015