Want to Age Better? Book a Trip

Travelling is linked with a range of health perks, including lower stress. New research now suggests it may even help you age well.

The study points to parts of travel that matter most—meeting new people, sleeping better and collecting fresh experiences—as behaviours that may reduce the risk of premature ageing.

“As tourism scholars, we are eager to see how travel could make a real difference in people’s lives, especially for health and ageing,” says author Fangli Hu.

What did this study find?

Published in the Journal of Travel Research, the paper applied the concept of entropy—the tendency toward disorder—to everyday life and tourism. The authors propose that breaking routine with new sights and activities may lower stress and lift metabolic processes that support immune function. They also suggest travel could influence hormones involved in tissue repair and regeneration, which might slow visible signs of ageing.

This is early-stage, theoretical work rather than a clinical trial. It links travel behaviours with mechanisms that support healthy ageing, but it does not prove that holidays directly prevent ageing. More research is needed to confirm cause and effect.

Can travel slow ageing?

It’s too early to say. The study is theoretical and did not compare signs of ageing in people who travelled with those who stayed home.

Still, the idea is compelling, says geropsychology and neuropsychology expert Shannel Kassis Elhelou. “It aligns with what we identify as pillars of brain health: sleep, nutrition, stress management, exercise, socialisation and cognitive stimulation,” she says. “Travel naturally weaves in many of these, especially physical activity, novel experiences that challenge the brain and the social interactions that come with exploring new places. These factors support cognitive and mental health and foster a sense of happiness and purpose.”

Travel can also nudge everyday habits in a healthier direction by encouraging more movement and social connection, adds Fangli Hu. “Additionally, travel could lead to healthier eating as we try fresh local foods,” she says.

Is there a right way to travel for longevity?

This is a new idea and it’s too soon to say travelling can slow ageing. That said, because most people find travel enjoyable, exploring more is unlikely to hurt.

There’s no single “right” way to do it. The best approach depends on your life stage, budget and health needs. An annual holiday may be enough for some, while others feel better with more frequent mini-breaks. It does not have to be overseas—day trips, local escapes or a weekend away can deliver the same mix of movement, socialisation and novelty.

Get out there when you can. It may help you feel younger and it will almost certainly lift your mood.