Travel Could Be the Secret to a Longer Life

If you're looking for another reason to book that getaway, here’s one backed by science: traveling might help you live longer.

A new study published in the Journal of Travel Research suggests that travel when experienced positively may slow biological aging. Researchers examined the relationship between travel and health through the lens of entropy, a scientific concept used to describe disorder and chaos. According to the study, higher entropy in the body can speed up aging, while travel may help lower entropy by promoting physical activity, social interaction, and mental well-being.

But the health benefits depend on how you travel and how you return. Here’s what the research reveals, and how to turn your next trip into a tool for long-term wellness.

Travel May Support Healthy Aging

Positive travel experiences appear to lower biological entropy, which could help delay signs of aging. Study author Fangli Hu, a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University’s School of Medical and Health Sciences, noted that travel can nurture both physical and mental health.

Key factors that support this include:

• Increased physical activity

• Social connection and novel experiences

• Mental detachment from daily stressors

Hu emphasizes that the benefits don’t require luxury or international trips. “Local travel or weekend escapes might work well too,” she said, as long as they fit a person’s preferences and health needs.

Learning to Relax May Be the Greatest Takeaway

Chronic stress is a known contributor to faster aging. Studies show that even a short vacation such as four nights away can significantly reduce stress levels. But to truly benefit, it’s essential to mentally unplug.

“If you’re constantly thinking about your to-do list or worrying about work while you’re on vacation, that’s not a break,” said Dr. William Chopik, associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University.

Instead, focus on being present. Whether you're watching a sunrise, wandering a new city, or simply doing nothing, allowing your brain to rest is a key part of reducing entropy and supporting mental longevity.

Chopik added that travel can even teach new coping strategies. “Maybe you discover a hobby, or a mindset, that helps you manage stress when you return.”

Stay Physically Active While Exploring

Travel often leads to more movement walking through airports, exploring landmarks, hiking trails, or biking around town. These activities contribute to better health outcomes, including:

• Improved heart health and circulation

• Stronger bones and muscles

• Lower risk of dementia

• Enhanced immune system function

Even light activity while traveling can make a difference. Research shows that a single session of physical activity can help reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety, and improve sleep. And consistent exercise has been linked to a slower rate of biological aging and stronger immune defenses.

Kristin Weible, PT, MS, ScD, a physical therapy professor at the University of Arizona, recommends planning ahead to stay active while traveling. “Wear appropriate footwear, pace yourself, and stay hydrated especially when you're out and about enjoying the experience,” she said.

The Real Benefits Begin When You Get Home

While a vacation can be refreshing, it’s what you carry back into your daily routine that counts. Discovering new ways to move your body or manage stress on vacation can inspire longer-lasting lifestyle changes.

“As far as lasting effects, you’re going to need to come home and build on that,” Weible said. “Maybe you found a new activity or mindset that you enjoyed keep it going by finding a local club or community to stay accountable.”

Travel Smart: Tips to Maximize Longevity Benefits

To ensure travel becomes a wellness asset, not a stressor, consider these science-backed tips:

• Choose trips that align with your preferences and health

• Don’t overpack your itinerary build in downtime

• Stay physically active in ways that feel fun

• Hydrate and nourish your body on the go

• Be present and engage with your environment

• Bring home one new habit to integrate into your life

The Bottom Line

Travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be beneficial. Whether you take a weekend hike, a road trip, or an overseas adventure, approaching travel with mindfulness and self-care can make it a powerful tool for healthy aging. Just remember: the benefits aren’t only in the escape they’re in how you return and what habits you carry forward.

If this inspired you to prioritize your well-being, share it with a fellow traveler or subscribe to our newsletter for more wellness and lifestyle insights.