by Annette Pinder 

For Rose Becerril of Andiamo Rose Travel, nothing is quite like a well-planned vacation. Whether it’s a young family traveling with children, an extended family adventure spanning several generations, a couple taking a much-needed break, or retirees enjoying the freedom of a more flexible schedule, travel offers something valuable at every stage of life. 

And the benefits may extend well beyond simply having fun. 

“Travel is great for your mental health and your physical health,” says Becerril, a former school counselor and mental health counselor. “Even the anticipation of travel puts you in a different frame of mind.” 

Research suggests she may be right. A 2025 analysis of 32 studies published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that vacations can have a substantial positive effect on employee well-being, with benefits that may last longer than previously believed. Mentally disconnecting from work and staying physically active while away were particularly beneficial. 

Even looking forward to a trip can boost mood. In a study involving more than 1,500 people, vacationers reported greater happiness before their trips than people who were not planning a vacation, suggesting that anticipation itself can be part of the pleasure. 

For children and families, travel can provide opportunities to step away from everyday routines, spend uninterrupted time together, explore new surroundings, and experience different people and cultures. Trips that involve parks, beaches, hiking, swimming, walking, or other outdoor activities also naturally encourage movement. Research on children’s experiences in nature has found associations with benefits including greater physical activity, self-esteem, resilience, and cognitive performance. 

Older adults can reap many of the same rewards. Exploring a destination can encourage walking and other physical activity, while navigating new surroundings, learning about different places, and interacting with others provide cognitive and social stimulation. These activities—staying physically active, socially connected, and mentally engaged—are all associated with healthier aging. 

Travel can also offer something increasingly difficult to find in busy lives: a break from the ordinary. Leaving household responsibilities and familiar routines behind can provide an opportunity to relax, reconnect, and return home with a different perspective. 

Becerril believes travel doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant to be worthwhile. The right trip depends on an individual’s interests, abilities, budget, and stage of life. Careful planning is especially helpful for multigenerational families, where travelers may have very different needs. 

“The old saying tells us an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” Becerril jokes. “But that apple might seem even better when you’re enjoying it at a hotel or aboard a cruise ship.” 

Perhaps the healthiest part of travel is that it gives us something to anticipate, experience, and remember. At any age, getting away can encourage movement, curiosity, connection, and joy—all important ingredients of healthy living. 

Learn more about Rose Becerril and Andiamo Rose Travel at andiamorosetravel.net, or call 716-863-1493 to start planning your next adventure.