According to researchers in Australia, positive tourist experiences can help you live longer.

On your next trip, you can leave behind the anti-aging serums and books of brain teasers. According to a new published study by researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia, travel itself can keep you young.

The positive experiences associated with trips — the social interactions, mental stimulation, physical activity and healthy cuisines — can delay the aging process, the scientists say.

In the Edith Cowan study, which Science Daily published earlier this month, the experts wanted to find out how positive travel experiences help maintain the human body’s “low entropy,” or gradual decline.

“Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation,” Fangli Hu, the study’s principal researcher, told The Washington Post on a Zoom call from Australia. “It also plays an important role in individual health and public health.”

In the theoretical study, part of a multiyear, interdisciplinary project that will include empirical data, researchers noted that many of the lifestyle practices espoused by medical and mental health experts are intrinsic to travel, such as social engagement, appreciating nature, walking or other types of exercise, and nutritious meals. Immersing yourself in a novel destination, the study reports, can slow the aging process.

“Environments, especially beautiful landscapes like forests or beaches, can help us reduce stress and boost our mental well-being and promote physical activity,” Hu said. “Exposure to other tourists, locals or even animals can improve our mood and enhance cognitive function. And travel can lead to healthy eating.”

Though the study did not single out a specific diet, research over the years has touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. A recent report published in JAMA Network Open, for instance, concluded that more than 25,000 women who adhered to this diet lowered their risk of dying by up to 23 percent during the 25-year study period. Scientists have studied the connection between local diets and exceptional longevity in five “Blue Zones” across Costa Rica, California, Japan, Italy and Greece.

The study said travel can benefit a wide range of populations, not just the fit. Many people can reap the rewards of travel, potentially averting or alleviating illnesses and extending their life span. The researchers envision this nascent category of travel as an extension of other established trends, such as wellness tourism, health tourism and yoga tourism.

“It could improve healthy people’s well-being and prevent related issues, promote recovery and halt deterioration for individuals in suboptimal health, and serve as a non-pharmacological approach to relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life for those with medical conditions,” the study said.

The researchers warn, however, that travel can also have an adverse effect.

“Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems,” the researchers wrote, “paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase.”

Hu noted that travel is filled with inherent risks, such as infectious diseases, accidents and violence. These hazards could activate the agents of aging, or entropy. The study also includes wildlife encounters on its list of potential threats. Travelers, therefore, should do their best to avoid the triggers that could lead to detrimental outcomes.

“Some places can make people with anxiety or depression feel even more uneasy. All this negativity may not be beneficial,” she said. “So the type of travel depends on each person’s situation, their needs and their health status.”

Jie Chen, director of the University of Maryland’s Center on Aging, concurs with the findings and recognizes the link between travel and aging gracefully.

“Overall, the study is promoting the spirit of healthy aging,” she said. “Where you are, the environment, the mental and the physical — it’s the whole package.”

Hu said future studies will focus on how travel can help people with dementia or other chronic illnesses. The researchers hope to expand this burgeoning field that, one can only hope, will lead to more vacation days and fewer sick days.

“The intersection of tourism and health is a very new and promising research area,” she said. “We want to comprehensively explain why tourism can have both a positive and negative impact on health.”

Bringing your furry friend along on vacation can make your summer adventures even better! Whether you are embarking on a cross-country road trip or flying to a neighboring city for a weekend getaway, traveling with pets requires preparation to keep everyone on the journey comfortable and safe! Begin planning your animal-friendly holiday with these useful tips for driving, flying, and traveling with pets!

Driving with pets

• Have a feeding schedule: Make sure your pet has enough food and water for the journey and prevent accidents by creating a food and water schedule. Determine the best times to feed your pets according to your route, especially on longer car rides.
• Make frequent stops: Long car rides can result in anxious and restless pets and humans. Stop every couple of hours for potty breaks and a chance for everyone to stretch their legs and paws.
• Secure pets at all times: For protection against potential car accidents, make sure uncaged pets are fastened with an animal-approved seatbelt, especially when traveling with open windows.
• Maintain a comfortable car temperature: A must in the summer months, be sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is functioning properly when traveling with pets. Keep cooling on during extreme outside temperatures, and never leave your pet inside a closed vehicle unattended.

Flying with pets

• Book in advance: Many airlines require passengers to book pets on flights ahead of time. Check your airline’s requirements to avoid disruptions and denied entry.
• Get the appropriate cage: Pets should be comfortable and able to stand up and turn around in a safe, waterproof cage. Many airlines will check to see if you have the appropriate cage during check-in.
• Check breed restrictions: Some dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, are restricted from flying cargo due to breathing difficulties and must fly in the cabin. Check which breeds are restricted before making arrangements for the safety of your pet.
• Have vaccinations and shots up to date: Current vaccines are vital for the safety of your pet and others while traveling, especially for international travel. With an increase in canine illness, vaccinations can help prevent its spread during these prime travel months.

Additional pet travel tips

• Keep microchips current: Microchips are lifesavers when it comes to finding lost pets, especially when they are away from home.
• Book pet-friendly accommodation: Pet-friendly hotels and accommodations are becoming increasingly common, and they can sometimes be less expensive than overnight pet boarding.
• Use trusted pet-sitter apps: There are numerous apps available for booking pet daycare, overnight boarding, walks, and other services. These convenient apps help make sure your pet is exercised, fed, and cared for by a fellow animal lover and gifts you more freedom during your vacation.
• Practice caging beforehand: Your dog or cat may need time to get used to their travel cage. Before your trip, encourage your pets to sleep and relax in their new cage with treats and their favorite toys and blankets.
• Watch for symptoms of nausea: Animals, like humans, can also get car sick. Car sickness symptoms in pets include vomiting, excessive drooling, panting, whining, lip licking, and yawning. If you suspect your pet is becoming ill from the ride, crack open a window and make sure they are secured from the excessive bumpiness of the road.
• Never leave pets unattended: Supervise your pet at all times, especially while traveling. Keep pets in full sight, away from dangerous objects, and never leave them in a closed car without supervision.

Traveling with your pets is a valuable way to bond and create special moments and memories. Stay safe, hydrated, and aware during all of your travels this summer to guarantee a paw-sitive experience!

From vibrant cities to charming coastal towns, these are the best places to retire in Spain.

A mild Mediterranean climate, historic charm, excellent healthcare, and low cost of living are just some of the reasons retirees are choosing to move to Spain. Coastal communities offer beaches and an outdoor lifestyle, while cosmopolitan cities offer modern amenities and easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Regardless of where in Spain you choose to move, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life that’s less expensive than living in the U.S.

“The cost of living in Spain is a fraction of the equivalent lifestyle in the U.S.,” said Alastair Johnson, owner of Moving to Spain. “You’ll pay much less in Spain for eating out, groceries, rent, utilities, entertainment, education, and healthcare.” Seniors who are permanent residents (available after living in the country for five years) have access to public healthcare, which provides free and low-cost services. Prior to that, retirees will need to have private healthcare.

There are two main types of visas available to retirees. The first and most common is the non-working (non-lucrative) visa. This option requires an income of around $31,000 per year which can come from investments, savings, or a pension. The other type of visa is the investor, or golden, visa. It requires substantial investments in Spanish real estate, business, or treasury bonds.

Ready to learn more? Here are nine of the best places to retire in Spain.

1. Madrid

Madrid is a vibrant city that attracts many different types of people. “From babies in bars to octogenarians playing cards and drinking cañas outdoors, Spain, especially Madrid, welcomes everyone,” says Lori Zaino, an American freelance journalist who has lived in Madrid for almost 20 years. As Spain’s capital and the biggest city in the country, Madrid is buzzing with shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural activities. It’s a great choice for retirees who still want to be in the middle of the action.

A thriving expat community and low cost of living make Madrid an easy choice for American retirees. “Madrid is an affordable city, especially if you’re living on a U.S. salary or pension,” said Zaino. The city center is walkable, and there’s no need to own a car to explore further. Madrid has excellent public transportation, and residents over 65 are eligible for a free Metro Pass.

Retirees who are also avid travelers will love the convenience of Madrid; the biggest and busiest airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), which is less than a 30-minute drive from the city center.

2. Valencia

If your idea of a great retirement is coastal living in a city that is both historical and futuristic, consider Valencia. Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia is the country’s third-largest city. It features not only a bustling, walkable city center but also coastal communities with over 12 miles of serene beaches.

While you’ll definitely want to take in the area’s historic, Spanish charm (including The Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cathedral of Valencia), don’t miss the City of Arts and Sciences. This ultra-modern complex includes a concert hall, a science museum, an aquarium (the largest in Europe), a digital 3D cinema, and a large public garden.

Another highlight is Valencia’s Central Market; with over 1,200 stalls selling various meats, cheeses, produce, seafood, nuts, and spices, it’s heaven for foodies.

3. Sitges

Retirees who are looking for a small-town feel with quick access to big-city amenities may want to consider Sitges. Located on Spain’s northeast coast, it’s just 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car from Barcelona.

“Spain has a different lifestyle and pace of living to most of the U.S. People take time to enjoy life, from a chat in the market to having a morning coffee with a friend outside a café,” said Johnson who is also an expat living in Sitges. Moving to Spain found that Spain was a more livable country compared to the U.S. and the U.K. when considering factors including cost of living, healthcare, and life expectancy.

Sitges is a laid-back town known for its beaches, natural landscapes, and walkable city center. It’s also home to a diverse population that includes families, retirees, an expat community, and an LGBTQ+ community.

4. Barcelona

For retirees who want it all, there’s Barcelona. This city has arts, culture, history, nature, beaches, nightlife, and so much more, making it a popular choice for expats.

“​​The most significant American expat communities are in the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona,” said Johnson.

Barcelona has a varied climate that’s warm in the summer and chilly in the winter (although it rarely snows), with average high temperatures ranging from 56 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents enjoy strolling along the waterfront, dining al fresco or shopping along Las Ramblas, visiting one of the city’s many parks, or taking in an FC Barcelona game.

The nearby international airport — as well as train, bus, and ferry stations — make Barcelona a fantastic jumping-off point to explore the rest of Europe or even Africa. “Pay $30 for a flight to Ireland or $50 for an express train to Germany. Hop on a bus to France or a ferry to Italy or Morocco,” said Johnson.

5. San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a small beach town on Spain’s north Atlantic Coast, just under 14 miles from the French border.

“We’re seeing a lot of Americans starting to explore living on the Spanish Atlantic Coast,” said Johnson. “These [cities] offer cooler weather, less tourist traffic, and an exciting cultural experience vs. the Mediterranean coastline.”

San Sebastián is one of the most popular cities in the Basque Country, an area known for its alluring beaches and unmistakable cuisine. In the Basque language, it’s often referred to as Donostia.

One of the highlights of the city is the bay of La Concha which is flanked by the Urgull and Igeldo mountains. With a two-mile-long promenade and the shell-shaped La Playa de la Concha, this area is frequented by tourists and residents alike.

6. Palma de Mallorca

Palma is a resort city on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean. It’s the capital of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago that also includes Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to see why Palma is known primarily as a beach town. However, it has so much more to offer, including a historic and charming old town, hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, or golfing at over 20 championship courses.

Palma residents won’t need a car; much of the city is accessible by foot, and buses and trains connect every part of the island. The Airport of Palma de Mallorca offers hundreds of flights per day to domestic and international destinations. There’s even a seasonal direct flight to the U.S. (Newark) on United Airlines.

7. Almuñécar

Almuñécar, located on Spain’s southern coast in the province of Granada, has been called the best place for retirees in Spain.

“Almuñécar still feels like a genuinely Spanish town,” said José Correa, real estate agent and owner of Tropicana Estates, a local real estate agency. “The locals are warm and welcoming, the cost of living is very affordable, and of course, the fabulous subtropical micro-climate has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year!”

Residents can hike in the Sierra de Almijara mountains or Cerro Gordo Natural Park, explore historical sites like the Castle of San Miguel, swim at one of the area’s 20 beaches, enjoy green spaces like the Parque del Majuelo, or dine on local delicacies like torta de alhajú at an outdoor cafe.

Even though Almuñécar is a small town, multiple clinics and medical facilities, including Almuñecar Medical Center, offer retirees easy access to medical care.

8. Seville

Seville is a traditional city known for its tapas, flamenco dancing, Spanish guitar music, and regional art.

Its architecture is extravagant and elegant, and much of it dates back to the city’s time under Roman and later Moorish rule. One of the highlights is the Royal Alcázar, which is one of the best places to visit in Spain. (It was also a filming site for Game of Thrones.) Together with the cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Retirees are attracted to Seville’s slow pace of life and favorable climate. While not as large as Barcelona or Madrid, Seville is still the fourth most populated city in Spain with an active expat community.

Seville’s downtown is flat and walkable, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces. Residents can even go canoeing or rowing on the Guadalquivir River.

9. Málaga

Málaga is a city on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Named as Europe’s sunniest destination, it sees about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

This thriving port city has no shortage of things to do. One of the highlights of Málaga is Muelle Uno, an open-air seafront shopping promenade. In addition to great shopping, this bustling spot hosts concerts, performances, kid-focused activities, arts and crafts shows, and other events.

The historic city center is home to Marqués de Larios Street, another hot spot for shopping and dining. This street hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year and is a popular gathering spot for residents and tourists alike.

There’s nothing like gallivanting around the globe on your own. These are the best solo travel destinations in the world

Packing your bags and jetting off somewhere alone has always been the dream for a lot of people, but ‘solo travel’ as a concept is becoming more and more popular. Nowadays, hotels and holiday companies are doing solo travelling packages, and social media enables us to feel connected even when we’re out there on our own.

But if this sounds like your kind of dream, it goes without saying that some countries are better than others for solo travel. Above all you should feel safe, but it’s also great to visit places where locals are hospitable, or there’s lots of opportunities to meet new people. Of course, it’s important to research how to stay safe (especially for women), but to start, we’ve rounded up the best destinations for solo travel, right here. Happy travels!

1. Japan

Japan is such a comfortable, safe and accessible destination for solo travellers that it’s almost a cliché. Yes, the locals are unfailingly friendly. Indeed, everything works so dependably that getting about is delightfully stress-free. Aye, eating and drinking on your own here is marvellously normal. But it’s all so true. I spent three months travelling solo around the country last year, from Sapporo in the chilly north to Kagoshima in the semi-tropical south, and at no point – no matter how far I strayed from the tourist trail – did I feel like any of the country was beyond my reach. A few words of Japanese go a long way, of course (especially in rural areas), but there’s no better way to do Japan than on your own.

2. Ireland

When it comes to feeling welcome, you’d be hard pressed to come by a nation who are more hospitable than the Irish. I might be a bit biased – my family all hail from the Emerald Isle – but I can guarantee that whether you’re in the hectic centre of Dublin or the easy-going shores of Galway, something about the people here will make you feel right at home. In fact, I’ve found that the plush countryside and dramatic hills paired with the wood-covered, pint-filled walls of pubs where a local is usually spinning a tale strikes the perfect balance between tranquillity and community – it’s primed for solo travel.

3. East Coast Australia

It goes without saying that Australia is absolutely massive. Mahoosive. Ginormous. And while that fact might make it seem daunting, particularly for those of us travelling solo, most of the action is concentrated on the East Coast. There are plenty of classic routes that run from Adelaide to Brisbane and beyond, allowing intrepid explorers to visit a variety of exciting towns that each seem to have their own magnificent ocean view. Australians are famously sociable, too, so meeting new people will never be an issue in this isolated corner of our beautiful planet.

4. Iceland

The aptly-named ‘land of fire and ice’ is a magnet for nature fanatics, and perfect for those travelling solo. An abundance of caves, caverns, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and geysers should be plenty to keep you occupied, as the landscape and scope of this Nordic island is second to none. The country’s charming capital, Reykjavik, is jam-packed with activity – why not add the Blue Lagoon or the Laugarvatn Fontana to your to-do list for some solo relaxation? And the best thing about Iceland for solo travellers is the safety. The country is named time and time again named one of the safest places for travellers, thanks to low crime rates and a generally accepting society. Plus you have a seriously good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s definitely one for the bucket list.

5. Botswana

For those keen to explore the wonders of Africa, Botswana is likely your best bet. The country has a wealth of wildlife to appreciate and observe, with nearly 40 percent of its land area being devoted to national parks. The Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert and Chobe National Park are world-renowned safari spots, home to everything from giraffes to rhinos. Botswana is also a politically and economically steady nation, and ranks highly on safety indexes for African countries. This, plus the fact that many Botswanans speak excellent English, makes it a great destination to navigate on your solo travels.

6. Canada

Canada’s name is one thrown around most often when it comes to solo travel. The population has a worldwide reputation for their friendliness, and the country has everything you could want from a travel destination. Incredible off-the-grid adventure opportunities like visiting the Rockies, Niagara Falls and Banff National Park offer up plenty to see for intrepid globetrotters. However, Toronto is considered one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Vancouver is famed for its unique urban design, stunning surroundings and the fact it’s on the doorstep to some incredible nature. The weather? Not so great, but the people? Incredible.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam’s unique beauty and complicated history make it a compelling travel destination, particularly for those doing so alone. The country has grown into a popular travelling hotspot, and that’s led to a thriving social scene – the well-established tourist route means it should be really easy to meet like-minded travellers to journey alongside. Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop are three of the nation’s tourist highlights. There are also great transport networks, it’s budget-friendly and full of hostels. What more could you ask for when you’re travelling alone?

8. Croatia

Another super-safe solo-friendly destination is this jewel of the Adriatic. Boundless glorious beaches, fascinating mediaeval towns and relatively low prices are what Croatia has become so popular for. The nightlife is another perk of this place – the festival calendar is absolutely jam-packed, and Croatian cities are known for their cheap drinks and plethora of party spots. Eight national parks are also dotted around the country. Like waterfalls? There’s a whopping 90 of them at Plitvice Lakes, though if you want a dip, head to the smaller falls at Krka National Park instead. Croatia is also an underrated wine producer and, of course, a hotspot for Game of Thrones fans.

9. Chile

In South America, Chile leads the way in terms of quality of life, and unsurprisingly, lowest crime rate. It’s the perfect destination for people travelling alone thanks to its tight-knit community of backpackers, and, of course, abundance of sights to see. Atacama, the driest desert in the world, is located in the north, while there’s plenty to see in Santiago, the nation’s capital. You won’t go thirsty either, thanks to the fantastic Chilean repertoire of beer and wine. It’s also considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude.

10. Slovenia

Small but perfectly formed, Slovenia is a tremendous destination for solo travellers. The old ‘four seasons in a day’ adage is very much alive and well in a place where you can spend the morning skiing in the Alps before heading for a romantic solo sunset on the Adriatic at Piran. The capital, Ljubljana, is the perfect base for exploration, a city of friendly people and social spots an easy bus or train from Slovenia’s famous lakes and less-famous postcard villages. Pro tip: pick up a €15 IZLETka train ticket and get unlimited travel on the weekends.

11. New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that just gets things right. For one, it takes its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world very seriously, meaning travellers can explore in total security. But it isn’t usually safety that brings individual adventurers to New Zealand; instead, it’s the dazzling landscapes, buzzing towns and cities and convivial people that make NZ the place it is. All of the bigger towns are backpacker paradises filled with history, culture and booze (the great trifecta of backpacking), and the scenery in between is staggering.

12. Greece

No matter your preferred form of travel, a spot of island-hopping in Greece is almost a rite of passage for any traveller. That’s why you’ll meet everyone from excitable backpackers to considered veterans of the road here, each with a different story to tell. Athens and the mainland are fabulous, but the Greek Islands are particularly great for solo travellers, not to mention packed with excellent food. Each one seems ready to capture your heart and convince you to stay forever and ever. Kefalonia and Corfu are the most popular and thus offer endless social opportunities, while the serenity of Naxos and Icaria will appeal to more introverted explorers.

13. Portugal

Portugal’s most popular spots frequently pick up travel awards and plaudits alike, and the hype is not without good reason. Lisbon is a backpacker’s dream, while the dreamlike beauty of Porto attracts wide-eyed adventurers from all over the world. The Algarve is much more than its budget holiday destination suggests, and the rest of the country is packed with stunning sights and spots. This European treasure boasts 800km of coastline, and it’s a particularly surfer-friendly paradise, thanks to the fact it’s perched on the edge of the Atlantic.

14. Bhutan

What could be safer than a culture so infused with Buddhism? Bhutan is definitely a place to include on your list should safety be one of your top priorities. The Trans Bhutan Trail reopened in 2022, meaning travellers can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and monks who trod the 400km route. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the tiny country is of course perched on the very edge of the Himalayas, meaning the views are truly unmatched. There’s also tranquil lakes, luscious green valleys and dazzling glaciers to admire. Take heed: you will need some extra cash to splash in Bhutan, as the country has a pretty steep tourist tax.

15. Singapore

The phrase ‘melting pot’ is ridiculously overused, but one place that’s truly worthy of the label is Singapore. The island nation is a glorious meeting of different cuisines and cultures, with a landscape characterised by ancient temples and towering glass skyscrapers. Singapore is also incredibly safe, according to 96 percent of locals who we surveyed last year for our annual list of the world’s best cities. There are plenty of hostels if you’re wanting to meet other travellers. Spend your time soaking up the year-round tropical climate, and make sure to go on a food tour through Singapore’s markets.