Health Benefits of Traveling

Travel is the general movement of humans between different geographical areas. Travel can take place by foot, car, plane, train, bicycle, boat, bus or other mode, with or without gear, and is usually one-way or round trip. Common traveling areas include international traveling, such as between Europe and Asia, between North America and South America, between the United States and Canada, and even between Africa and Europe. The word “travel” can also mean a temporary crossing of geographical boundaries, for example, when people cross from one state to another for business or pleasure. The two major types of travel are “active” travel, which may include migration, and “passive” travel, such as vacationing or hunting.

Increased Risk of Infection and Complication: The increased risk of infection and complication is directly proportional to the amount of travel. People exposed to greater risk of illness and injury should make travel plans if they anticipate being in contact with these risks. For example, a nurse who travels between countries in order to provide health care to a starving community will be exposed to more risk of disease than a doctor who makes a similar journey without a similar mission. A backpacker who is planning to spend weeks in an unchartered area will also be at increased risk of accident or injury. While most backpackers stay in hostels, a few will find themselves camping out in unfamiliar areas.

Social Benefits of Traveling: Traveling helps people create and share new social experiences. When people travel, they come into contact with new places and people. Travel enables members of a group to experience the same culture or language whether or not they interact with each other. A teacher who travels to Africa to teach English to students who would otherwise not be able to learn the language benefits from his or her firsthand experience with the people of that region.