 Matt traveling with friends and family October 2023 Set your out of office reply and crank up Pharrell’s “Happy” – it’s time for vacation! Ok, maybe not exactly. But chances are good that even reading that sentence, your brain experienced a tiny, momentary spike in happiness. In fact, recent studies emphasize that travel can change our brain’s chemistry and improve our mental health. The mental health benefits of travel indicate that our vacations aren’t just something we could do, but something we should do to ward off anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. 1. It brings us joy According to a Cornell University study, even planning and anticipating a trip can be a mood booster. 2020 might have temporarily interfered with our visions of poolside lounging or urban exploration, but having positive things to think about is key to our mental well-being. Once we arrive in our destination, even if it’s just a quick drive from home, those fluttery feelings of fulfillment of having reached our goal kick in. 2. It relieves stress 91% of Americans say that they see a vacation as a chance to “hit the reset button” on their stress and anxiety. A separate study of 1,500 women found that those who traveled twice a year were less likely to suffer from chronic stress and depression. Why? Travel allows us to focus on ourselves and brings us back to the things we find most meaningful in our lives, which we tend to ignore when we are running on tight schedules and to-do lists. 3. It’s a workout for our brains Not only are we more physically active when we travel, but our minds are more engaged. Much of what we do during the course of our daily routines we do without thinking, but on vacation, we’re constantly exposed to new surroundings and information. Immersing yourself in a new place enhances creativity, which in turn helps us develop new long-term neural connections, according to Psychology Today. In short, traveling lets us flex our brain power! 4. It gives us confidence. Facing unfamiliar situations and stepping outside our comfort zones can be thrilling, but they can also test our patience. Learning how to adapt, even if it’s just to a new form of transport for a few days, makes us more emotionally flexible and resilient. When we go back to our normal lives and are confronted with a challenging situation, we can draw on the times we’ve successfully navigated a tricky travel situation and use these skills to quash our insecurities. For our brain, a vacation is like a room without a roof. It makes us happy. Even short trips, like a weekend getaway, sustain weeks of lowered stress and feel-good vibes. Contact Matt Travel about the mental health remedy you need for your next vacation.  The countdown is on for the debut of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas. An icon in every sense of the word, this innovative new ship is unlike anything we’ve seen on the seas.
A good friend of mine within the travel industry, KHM Travel Group’s President and CEO Rick Zimmerman was invited to be one of first to see this revolutionary ship while it was in drydock this summer in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. But before we get to Rick's thoughts, let's talk about the June 1, 2024 sailing date for Icon. Don't ask me how, but I was able to score special rates for this date that are about half off what you'd find on Royal Caribbean's own website. Click here for details and rates. Watch the video below to get an idea of how Icon of the Seas adds up to one epic adventure of a vacation. While not yet complete, Rick was able to get an inside look at what excitement will be added to this amazing ship. What is he most eager to experience when Icon debuts in early 2024? “Royal Caribbean is known for making a splash and that’s certainly the case for Icon of the Seas! From the Category 6 Waterpark, to the tallest waterslide at sea, and all the pool options for cruisers of different ages, there are countless ways to have fun with water on board.” - Rick Zimmerman Along with the eye-catching thrills, Rick was also impressed by the attention to detail found in the layout and features of the ship. The design of the areas with elevators provide more open space to help with the traffic flow. New technology will also make it easier to navigate the ship and find the right elevator to take you where you want to go. “The small details show that Royal Caribbean thinks about the cruise experience differently. They’ve found ways to innovate and make it easier to use all the amenities,” said Rick. Icon of the Seas sets sail from Miami starting January 2024. |
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(408) 718-4872
[email protected]
Click here to schedule a free consultation about your next trip!
(408) 718-4872
[email protected]
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California Seller of Travel Registration # 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval. Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Registration # ST37113. Hawaii Seller of Travel License # TAR 7231. Washington Seller of Travel UBI # 602 775122.
California Seller of Travel Registration # 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval. Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Registration # ST37113. Hawaii Seller of Travel License # TAR 7231. Washington Seller of Travel UBI # 602 775122.
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