A solo female traveller embracing her healing journey.

Supporting Your Mental Health Through International Travel

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Originally published on
Breakfast Included Team

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Traveling to a new country is a powerful way to improve your mental health and gain a fresh perspective on life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preparation and a positive mindset are key to managing stress while abroad. Stepping away from a daily routine allows the brain to rest and recover from burnout. When you navigate a new city like Seville or Rotterdam, you build self reliance and confidence that stays with you long after you return home.

Cube Houses in Rotterdam. Photo by Adrien Milcent on Unsplash

Travel + Emotional Resilience

Official health resources often discuss how changing your environment can lower stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety. Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows that even a single short vacation can have large and immediate positive effects on your perceived stress and well being. The study found that these benefits can last for over a month after the trip ends.

Example: The Pura Vida Mindset

In the Limón Province of Costa Rica, the Pura Vida lifestyle encourages travelers to focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty around them. This cultural practice is more than just a slogan because it acts as a mental reset for those who are used to a fast paced environment. Nature based travel in places like Cahuita National Park provides fresh air and wildlife sightings that help the mind feel more grounded.

Solo female traveler embodying Pura Vida.
Pura Vida. Photo by Fabio Fistarol on Unsplash

Increasing Equity by Reducing Travel Anxiety

A major part of travel equity is making sure that everyone feels they have the right to seek healing through global exploration. Many people do not travel because they worry about the cost or the stress of being alone which can negatively impact their mental health. The Breakfast Included Travel Blog addresses these barriers by providing budget friendly tips and social strategies for solo explorers. By choosing accommodations that offer a free morning meal, travelers can reduce their daily financial stress and focus on their personal growth instead of their bank accounts. This simple step helps more people experience the benefits of a mental health reset through travel.

Social Connection as a Mental Health Tool

Human connection is a fundamental need that does not go away just because you are traveling by yourself. Meeting new people is a skill that can be learned and practiced in safe environments while you are in a foreign country. Social interaction while abroad can improve your mood and make your trip feel much more memorable. By staying in social hostels or attending community events, solo travelers can find a sense of belonging in a brand new place. This helps bridge the gap for those who may not have a traditional travel group but still want to experience the world.

Travel + Mental Health Advise with The Wellness Room

If you are concerned about how your mental health will fare while traveling alone, you should watch the video titled Meet New Friends While Traveling Solo Abroad. This video is presented by The Wellness Room and shares the best methods for making friends and feeling comfortable in new social settings.

Watch this video by Dr. April Brown to overcome your fears of solo travel.
Dr. April Brown of The Wellness Room provides tips on how to overcome your fears and anxieties surrounding solo travel. Watch video.

Off the Cutting Room Floor

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