A recent study by Edith Cowan University (ECU) shows that travel can slow down premature aging by enhancing mental and physical health. Discover how exploring new places and engaging in travel activities contribute to improved well-being, backed by scientific evidence.

Looking to slow down the aging process? Planning a travel journey might be your best bet. Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia has shown that travel could be a powerful tool in defying premature aging. Here’s how taking a break and exploring new places can benefit your health.

The Entropy Theory and Aging

A recent study by ECU applied the theory of entropy to tourism, revealing that travel could positively impact your health and slow down aging. Entropy, a concept from physics, refers to the universe’s tendency towards disorder and decay. In this context, positive travel experiences might counteract this trend by reducing entropy and improving overall health.

ECU PhD candidate Ms Fangli Hu explains that while aging is an irreversible process, it can be slowed down. “Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation. It could also contribute to people’s physical and mental health.”

Tourism often introduces people to new environments and relaxing activities, which can stimulate stress responses and boost metabolic rates. These novel settings positively impact metabolic functions and enhance the body’s self-organizing capabilities. Additionally, such experiences may activate an adaptive immune system response, further benefiting overall health.

Benefits of Travel on Physical and Mental Health

Traveling immerses you in novel environments, which can provide numerous health benefits. The exposure to new surroundings can stimulate your stress response and elevate metabolic rates, positively influencing your body’s self-organizing systems. Engaging in physical activities such as hiking, walking, and cycling while traveling further boosts metabolism and energy expenditure, supporting these self-organizing processes. Additionally, positive social interactions and emotional experiences gained during travel can significantly enhance your overall well-being.

Ms. Hu notes that leisure travel activities can alleviate chronic stress, balance the immune system, and relieve muscle tension, helping maintain metabolic balance and effectiveness of the body’s anti-wear-and-tear systems.

“Leisurely travel activities might help alleviate chronic stress, dampen overactivation of the immune system, and encourage normal functioning of the self-defence system. Engaging in recreation potentially releases tension and fatigue in the muscles and joints. This relief helps maintain the body’s metabolic balance and increases the anti–wear-and-tear system’s effectiveness. Organs and tissues can then remain in a low-entropy state,” Ms Hu explained.

Potential Challenges of Travel

While travel offers numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize potential challenges. Researchers have noted that tourists may encounter health risks, including infectious diseases, accidents, and safety concerns.

“Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems, paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase. A prominent example is the public health crisis of COVID-19.”

Traveling is more than just a leisure activity; it can be a crucial element in slowing down the aging process and enhancing overall health. By exposing yourself to new environments, engaging in physical activities, and fostering positive emotions, you can potentially reduce entropy and improve well-being. However, it’s important to stay mindful of the potential risks and plan your travels wisely.

Keeping a checklist of the equipment for your next bush getaway will help prioritise what you need to pack and what you don’t. Keep this essential list of 7 bush-ready tools on hand:

1. Binoculars

Whether you’re an avid birder, looking to get the most out of a game-viewing experience, or simply feel safer navigating the bush with a pair of sharp eyes, binoculars are a must. You’ll be the first to spot the Bateleur or leopard on the horizon!

Most outdoor equipment stores should have a selection of binoculars for sale – find a pair best suited to your needs and budget. It’s always best to do further research into finding a pair of binoculars that will work for you, before you commit to purchasing your own.

2. Sunscreen

Never underestimate the danger of the sun, it’s crucial to wear protection whenever you are adventuring outdoors, even in winter. Cover any exposed area of skin with a decent, long-lasting sunblock – SPF 50 works best.

3.Swiss Army Knife

A Swiss Army Knife is an indispensable tool for any outdoor adventure. It proves useful for various tasks you might encounter in the bush! From opening cans and bottles to cutting rope or repairing gear. Look for a model with a good selection of tools, including a knife, can opener, screwdriver, and scissors.

4. A powerful torch

A reliable torch or headlamp is essential for navigating in low-light conditions or during nighttime. LED models are typically the best choice due to their brightness and long battery life. Consider packing extra batteries or a rechargeable model with a portable power bank. A headlamp can be particularly useful as it leaves your hands free for other tasks.

5. Safari hat

Protect yourself from the harsh sun with a wide-brimmed safari hat. Not only does it shield your face, neck, and ears from harmful UV rays, but it also helps keep you cool. Look for a hat made from breathable, quick-drying material. Some models come with a chin strap to keep the hat secure in windy conditions – we’ve all lost a hat on a game drive one time or another.

6. A cooling towel

When temperatures are rough, a cooling towel can be a life-saver. They stay cool for hours when wet, and help to regulate body temperature. They’re perfect for draping around your neck or over your head during hot days. Most cooling towels are lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry, too.

7. A journal and pen

It is always useful to keep a journal when on a wildlife adventure. We encourage you to record and track your wildlife sightings, or sketch some of the interesting plant or animal species that you discover along your adventure. A log book can turn your trip into a lasting keepsake and even help you plan future excursions based on your experiences.

Plan ahead, bring a cooler when possible and don’t forget the water!

Eating right when you’re on the road can be a challenge. But whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, you can still stick to healthy eating habits on the go. (And, bonus, those healthy choices can give you more energy to enjoy your vacay.)

With a little advanced planning, you can steer clear of dietary roadblocks, says registered dietitian Sereen Zawahri Krasuna, RD, LD.

“Bringing your own snacks and small meals can make a big difference,” Zawahri Krasuna says. “Having healthy snacks around when you’re on the go can keep you feeling your best so you can enjoy your trip more. And planning ahead can be easier on your budget, too.”
So, what snacks, meals and drinks are the best choices for busy people on the go? Zawahri Krasuna offers advice.

Healthy road trip snacks

If you’re traveling by car, it can be easy to fall back on fast food options, rest stop vending machines and gas station snacks. After all, they’re oh-so-convenient. But those quick food choices come with a price: They’re typically loaded with sugar and saturated fats. And they come with a literal price, too — one with a pretty high markup.

Instead of relying on pit-stop snacks, a pre-packed cooler and icepacks in the backseat can go a long way to satisfying your road trip cravings without breaking the bank or fueling your tank with empty calories.

Grab a cooler and a picnic basket (or a canvas tote or other bag) and pack these healthy road trip snacks:

In the bag

• Applesauce.
• Single-serving bags of veggie chips.
• Single-serving containers of tuna.
• Single-serving packets of unsalted nuts, like almonds or cashews.
• Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit (add some dark chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness).
• Air-popped or bagged popcorn (stick to kinds that are low in salt and no butter).
• Low-sugar protein bars and powders.
• Peanut butter sandwiches on whole-grain bread.

In the cooler

• Fresh veggies, like baby carrots, celery sticks, bell peppers, snap peas or mini cucumbers.
• Fresh fruits that don’t make a mess, like bananas, apples, plums, apricots or grapes.
• Low-fat string cheese or cheese slices.
• Single-serving containers of hummus or guacamole.
• Whole-grain wraps with deli turkey or chicken, avocado, shredded carrots and hummus.
• Water.

Remember that stocking up for the drive home is just as important as when you head out.
“A lot of times, we’re really well-prepared and packed up when we leave, but we can neglect preparing as well for the ride back,” Zawahri Krasuna notes. “But stopping at a store to pick up a few healthy choices for the ride home is just as important.”

Shopping at convenience stores and gas stations

Sometimes, grabbing a bite from the gas station or convenience store might be your only option. And that’s OK. You can typically find healthy road trip snacks even in corner stores, if you know what to look for.

Sure, chips, candies and giant sodas may be plentiful in those aisles, but they’re not going to be your healthiest choices for the ride ahead.
Look instead for options like:

• Applesauce.
• Low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Hummus with veggies.
• Fresh fruits.
• Pre-cut veggies.
• Oatmeal.
• Single-serving bags of veggie chips.
• Single-serving containers of tuna.
• Single-serving packets of unsalted nuts, like almonds or cashews.
• Air-popped or bagged popcorn (stick to kinds that are low in salt and no butter).
• Trail mix without candies.
• Low-sugar protein bars.
• Bottled water or canned sparkling water.

Healthy choices for airports and train stations

You can find healthy food even in the airport and train terminals — sandwiched between the hot pretzel stands, cinnamon roll counters and fast food joints. If you’re looking to buy food at the terminal or train station, look for options like:

• Low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Hummus with veggies.
• Fruit cups made with fresh fruit.
• Pre-cut veggies.
• Oatmeal.

The prices at the airport can be sky high, though, and you may be on the run to make a connection. So, having some ready-go-roll snacks can help to fuel you for the trip.
Granted, you can’t take a cooler through airport security. But with some planning, you can still bring healthy food options along for the ride.

For a plane ride, particularly, it helps to keep your snacks low in sodium to help guard against retaining water on a long flight.

Zawahri Krasuna suggests packing nourishing snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated. Divide them into clear baggies to get through security. Healthy options that will travel well in your backpack and carry-on include:

• Applesauce.
• Single-serving bags of veggie chips.
• Single-serving containers of tuna.
• Single-serving packets of unsalted nuts, like almonds or cashews.
• Air-popped or bagged popcorn (stick to kinds that are low in salt and no butter).
• Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit (add some dark chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness).
• Peanut butter sandwiches on whole grain bread.

Particularly important for air travel is to bring a refillable water cup, Zawahri Krasuna says. You’ll need it emptied before going through security, but filling your own cup of water at a bottle-filling station before your flight will help ensure you stay well-hydrated on the way.

Eating out on vacation

Sure, it can be tempting to “treat yourself” on vacation and set aside your healthy habits. But Zawahri Krasuna advises sticking to healthy eating patterns as much as you can.

“Keeping your body healthy and nourishing it is going to go a long way,” she continues.

“Eating healthy foods will help you feel your best to enjoy your trip. And keeping up healthy habits even away from home will mean not having to try to undo any changes in your habits that you got used to during vacation.”

Going all-out on sugar for a few days, for example, will mean your body will crave more sugar even after you get back from your trip. Sticking to healthier choices, on the other hand, will help you stay on track long after you return.

Keep up your healthy eating habits at restaurants and even fast food locations by choosing options like:

• Veggie appetizers.
• Salads (go for dressing on the side so you can control how much you use).
• Steamed vegetables.
• Lean, grilled protein, like chicken or salmon.

When it comes to eating on the go, planning will take you far. Bon voyage!

Jet lag can be a challenging issue when flying across time zones taking away precious time from our holidays, which is why we put together this list of tips and tricks to get over jet lag.

1. Understanding Jet Lag

Jet lag is a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm caused by travelling across three or more time zones. It leads to symptoms like sleep disturbances, daytime drowsiness, reduced performance, and gastrointestinal issues. The severity and duration of jet lag can vary based on factors such as travel direction, number of time zones crossed, total travel time, and your normal sleep schedule.

2. Realigning Your Circadian Rhythm

To overcome jet lag, you must align your body’s internal clock with the day-night cycle at your destination. Light exposure and melatonin play crucial roles in retraining your internal clock. However, the timing of these interventions is crucial, and improper use can worsen jet lag. Consider using light exposure and melatonin supplements to help adjust your circadian rhythm effectively.

3. Pre-Trip Adjustments

Planning ahead can significantly reduce the impact of jet lag. Gradually shifting your sleep schedule in the days leading up to your flight can help you adapt to the new time zone. Online resources and apps like Timeshifter can offer personalized strategies to minimize jet lag based on your travel details.

4. Minimizing Jet Lag Symptoms

While you may not fully recover from jet lag until your circadian rhythm adjusts, you can take practical steps to alleviate symptoms. Prioritize restful sleep before your trip, stay hydrated during the flight, and avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine intake. Opt for lighter meals to prevent gastrointestinal issues and consider exercising at your destination to align your circadian rhythm.

5. Naps and Sleep Aids

Quick naps can help combat daytime sleepiness due to jet lag, but keep them short and well-timed. Sleep aids like melatonin may assist with sleep deprivation caused by jet lag, but consult your doctor before using them to ensure safety and effectiveness.

6. Prepare for Jet-Lag Misery in Advance

Start preparing for jet lag before your trip by adjusting your sleep schedule in small increments.

7. Take Your Flight Seriously

Avoid red-eye flights whenever possible and try to sleep on the plane in accordance with your destination’s time zone.

8. Don’t Over-Schedule Your First Days

Allow yourself time to adjust to the new time zone and avoid scheduling important activities on your first day at the destination.

9. Seek Out the Right Kind of Light

Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, can help regulate your circadian rhythm. Adjust your light exposure according to your destination’s time zone.

10. Make Your Sleep Space Extra Sleepy

If staying at a hotel, communicate your sleep needs to the staff to create a comfortable sleep environment.

11. When All Else Fails, Give In

Accept that jet lag may cause temporary fatigue, and be kind to yourself during the recovery process.