Health

Overcoming Fears and Benefits of Outdoor Travel

Spending time outside is an overwhelmingly positive force. Even 20 minutes a day outside will reduce stress, increase cognitive function, improve memory, and generally promote well-being. Why aren’t people taking time off to travel and spend time outdoors then?

One of the main factors and fears is the lack of a vacation period. 28 million Americans get zero paid time off whatsoever, and 55% of those with time off don’t use it all. This comes from a fear of being replaced and falling behind in one’s workload. It’s one thing to be sick but another completely to use one’s vacation days, if there are any.

This fear is also shown in the fact that less than half of all vacation days are actually used for vacation. American work culture certainly promotes these fears and the work mentality, although Americans have to start looking at what they’re losing as well.

Outdoor getaways are cheaper, they are at low risk of infection amidst COVID, and they’re positive influences on kids, even pets. 86.1 million American households identify as campers, and it’s not hard to see why. From an RV or tent to a glamorous high-tech camper, there’s options for all.

It’s also important to mention that outdoor travel doesn’t have to be thousands of miles away, there are many local places in any area that offer smaller opportunities. Things such as hiking, fishing, pools, waterparks, theme parks, miniature gold, local outside performances, sports.

 These are just some things more casually available to those wanting to spend time outside. Not every vacation has to take one away completely from work, and many of the benefits of being outside can be felt in shorter periods, not just weeks away into the wilderness.