Stress Buster

Given today’s fast-paced environment, stress has unfortunately become a near-constant mental companion. Yet one of the best remedies? Getting away from it all. Travel isn’t just an indulgence — it’s a valuable mental health tool. Numerous studies, including a 2024 article from WebMD, emphasize that discovering new destinations can decrease stress, boost joy, and positively impact your mental health. So, let’s pack the bags, and go!  

Travel > A Natural Anti-Depressant  

According to a 2024 article by WebMD, taking a vacation and experiencing a different or new environment can lower stress and increase a sense of calm. Unplugging and disconnecting from daily pressures allow the brain to recharge, reducing cortisol levels — that pesky hormone linked to stress. Plus, the simple anticipation of a trip can increase dopamine, enhancing your mood before you are even wheels up. What’s more, a 2013 Travel Hub study found that 80 percent of participants reported improved mood and outlook on life after traveling, with 75 percent noting reduced stress.

And don’t think you need to be on a plane for 16 hours to get a much-needed mood boost. Short getaways are equally as impactful as longer journeys. Weekend retreats in nature? Your mind and body will thank you. The key lies in stepping away from daily routines and savoring the present moment. Here are three additional ways travel combats daily stress:

1. Amplify Your Creativity 

Discovering and exploring new environments trigger wonder and awe, which are both linked to improved emotional health. An added bonus? Travel enhances creativity. Exposing the mind to diverse ideas and cultures can magnify problem-solving skills and motivate innovative thinking. 

2. Create Emotional Connection

Travel, by nature, means you’ll meet and engage with new people, whether locals or fellow travelers. New interactions and communication can enhance empathy, and cultural understanding, and increase emotional intelligence. One of the biggest motivators to travel is to reconnect with family and friends, while solo travel, especially among women, is at an all-time high, as we all aim to further connect with ourselves, too.

3. Say Thank You

That old saying about “putting things in perspective” has stood the test of time because experiencing other destinations and cultures deepens gratitude for our own circumstances. Time spent away from routine encourages introspection. Fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose? Yes, please! 

Where to Go & What to Do: Club Favorites  

These highly curated escapes reduce stress via treatments for both body and mind. 

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (Tucson, Arizona) 

Miraval encourages presence via mind-body balance. A serene Arizona desert landscape inspires the resort’s many holistic wellness programs and classes. 

Stress-Buster: Floating Meditation. This guided experience uses silk hammocks to combine meditation and gentle movement, promoting relaxation and clarity while reducing anxiety. 

NEW: The Ranch Hudson Valley (New York) 

Nestled just 45 minutes from Manhattan, The Ranch Hudson Valley celebrates the power of physical movement and an unforgettable immersion in the surrounding nature. Personalized wellness experiences are certain to boost mood and alleviate daily stressors.  

Stress-Buster: Daily Guided Hikes. Daily scenic hikes through the Hudson Valley connect guests with nature, known to lower cortisol levels and boost endorphins for a calmer mind. 

1 Hotel South Beach (Miami, Florida)

This Florida escape combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The result? A serene getaway to nurture mental and emotional health (and if you want the Miami nightlife for some let-your-hair-down escape, that’s easily accessed, too). 

Stress-Buster: Bamford Wellness Spa Massage. This restorative treatment employs organic oils and unique pressure techniques to release tension and promote relaxation. 

Cal-A-Vie Health Spa (San Diego, California) 

This award-winning spa in Southern California is a peaceful sanctuary for serious R&R. Expect European-inspired spa treatments and wellness programs — all poised for de-stressing. 

Stress-Buster: Lavender Garden Massage. This customized aromatherapy massage uses locally sourced lavender to reduce stress and promote relaxation through soothing scents and gentle pressure. 

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