I’ve been writing about travel for years, and I’ll admit to being a travel addict. The moment I set foot in an airport, I smile. As a nomad by vocation, I’ve always been aware of the formative and educational value of travel: discovering new destinations opens the mind; stimulates curiosity, creativity, and our imaginations; exposes us to different ways of life; teaches tolerance; and trains us to live lightly. When in transit, you can achieve an almost Zen-like attitude when it comes to possessions and mishaps.

But a different aspect of travel has been highlighted by several recent studies: Travel is also good for the body, according to a study published in the Journal of Travel Research, if it’s done the right way. We’re not talking about the weight-training benefits of lifting suitcases, but how travel more broadly can have a positive impact on our overall health, while preventing premature aging. In short, it’s a longevity-boosting practice that can extend our lives while benefiting our mental health. But how? And why? And are there any tips and tricks for planning and executing the perfect anti-aging trip?

A new study claims that traveling extends life

Conducted by Fangli Hu, a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, the study argues that instead of retinol creams, travel may be the best way to combat premature aging.

“Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation,” says Hu. “It could also contribute to people’s physical and mental health.” In short, travel could become a real form of therapy. “Tourism typically exposes people to new surroundings and relaxing activities, and novel settings can stimulate stress responses and elevate metabolic rates, positively influencing metabolic activities and the body’s self-organizing capabilities. These contexts may also trigger an adaptive immune system response,” the ECU Newsroom reported in a story covering the study.

4 major longevity benefits of travel

Travel encourages socializing, which keeps our brains young

Much research regarding the Blue Zones of the world, where the social calendars of centenarians are packed, points to one conclusion: A rich social life is one of the keys to a long, healthy life. Travel provides opportunities to meet people, learn languages, and try new activities. All of this creates new pathways between the brain’s neurons, improving cerebral neuroplasticity and preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. It’s clear that these rewards are part of why many people choose to travel. According to a survey conducted by Amadeus, 41% of travelers hope to return home with a “calmer nervous system,” while others describe their goal as having a “refreshed brain.”

It offers new opportunities for physical activity

When traveling, we often try our hand at new activities: we go for walks, ski, hike, and climb mountains; at a resort, we might try aqua aerobics or yoga; at the beach, we’ll swim, stand-up paddleboard, surf, or join a windsurfing class. The combination of physical activity and being in the great outdoors gives the body a boost of vitality. Exercise also strengthens muscles that lose mass with age, helping us stay strong and flexible.

Travel strengthens the immune system and improves circulation

“Participating in [physical] activities could enhance the body’s immune function and self-defense capabilities, bolstering its hardiness to external risks. Physical exercise may also improve blood circulation, expedite nutrient transport, and aid waste elimination to collectively maintain an active self-healing system. Moderate exercise is beneficial to the bones, muscles, and joints in addition to supporting the body’s anti–wear-and-tear system,” says Hu.

Travel lowers stress (and cortisol) levels

According to the study, leisure travel can also help alleviate chronic stress, one of the key factors in premature aging. Stepping away from our usual routines in a different setting, far from our commitments and deadlines, can give us a sense of calm, detachment, and tranquility. Ideally, this will take place immersed in nature, the quintessential stress-relieving environment. In those situations, levels of stress hormone cortisol drop while those of serotonin and endorphins rise. The important thing is to be able to completely unplug, leaving worries at home. Stress-relieving travel can also slow the shortening of telomeres, one of the indicators of biological age.

Tips for planning the perfect anti-aging trip

Go easy on social media

Constantly creating and posting hyper-curated images of your travels can lead to anxiety that undermines the relaxing effect of travel. Use your smartphone in moderation, or even better, treat yourself to a few days of digital detox—experience things firsthand and admire nature or a work of art with your own eyes rather than through a smartphone screen. Ignore the unnecessary pressure to create perfect content. Your followers will survive just fine without you for a while.

Choose destinations off the beaten path

Overtourism is now an undeniable reality in many of the world’s most popular destinations. Put your geography skills to the test and find less-traveled paths and destinations that aren’t overrun yet. You don’t have to fly to a remote tropical jungle to find somewhere fascinating and interesting to explore. True gems can be discovered close to home when we look in unexpected places.

When possible, travel off-season

If your job allows it, choose to go on vacation when most tourists are at home. The off-season’s advantages go beyond lower fares and better rates on accommodations—it also lets you experience authentic local life, unspoiled by mass tourism. Stay away from destinations where tourism is a year-round reality.

Choose your travel companions carefully, or travel alone

A dream destination, a five-star hotel, and perfect weather can all be ruined by annoying company. Choose your travel companions with care: Traveling often reveals unexpected aspects of the personalities of even those we thought we knew well. When in doubt, consider traveling alone: You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and it will be easier to make new friends on the road.

Travel light

Even when I’m away from home for a month, I travel with just carry-on luggage. Aside from the endless wait for luggage upon arrival and the risk of losing a suitcase—which can send cortisol levels skyrocketing—traveling with only carry-on luggage creates a sense of freedom. It forces us to pack only the essentials and reminds us of how much excess we have in our closets. Plus, a minimalist wardrobe eliminates the stress of wondering “what should I wear?” while giving us an excuse to shop in our destination if we find ourselves needing an item we left at home.

Bring a book (or buy one at the airport)

You should bring a carefully chosen book and preferably one of those old-school paper ones, not a digital version downloaded onto your Kindle. A book is a faithful companion when you’re traveling, helping pass the time during tedious layovers, and keeping you company when you’re eating alone at a restaurant. A good book lets your mind wander even when you’re already in a new and different place. The positive impacts of your escape from daily realities are doubled.

Try a new hobby on vacation

Have you always wanted to try painting, riding a surfboard, cooking Japanese or Thai food, throwing a pot, or perhaps learning to knit? Travel is the perfect opportunity to explore. Choose destinations where you can sign up for a course for a few hours or even a few days. This will not only introduce you to a new activity but also allow you to socialize with other travelers. You’ll return home more motivated and connected, and you’ll probably feel younger too, both in terms of your body and mind—though it’s completely fine if you want to keep using that retinol cream at night.