The world is vast and varied, with countless things to see and do. Whether you prefer beaches and bars, cultural experiences or hiking to lofty peaks, the right trip can unlock new parts of yourself—and the world around you. Our writers travel the globe to bring you informative and inspirational features, destination roundups and travel ideas that will help you plan your next getaway.
Whether it’s a dream vacation, a bucket list experience or simply the chance to get away from it all, traveling can have a profound effect on our lives. For some, it’s an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and discover a new culture, language or cuisine. It can be an eye-opening and empowering experience that changes the way you view your home, your family and yourself. For others, it’s a chance to disconnect from everyday stresses and immerse themselves in the moment—and ultimately, to find peace.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that the benefits of travel have been well documented: It’s an incredibly powerful and meaningful activity that helps us learn more about each other and ourselves, and can be transformative in both small and large ways. In addition to fostering better understanding between people, it can help alleviate stress and even improve our health.
In fact, a recent study found that the benefits of travel include enhanced brain function and heightened immunity to disease. It’s also shown to reduce stress, increase self-esteem and promote a healthier lifestyle.
World travel can be a rewarding and educational experience, but it’s not without its risks. Overdevelopment, pollution and overtourism are just some of the many challenges that the industry faces.
Travelers can help alleviate these problems by staying conscious of their impact and making smart decisions when it comes to choosing a destination.
For instance, they can support local businesses by spending money in small shops and restaurants rather than big hotels or chains. This can make a real difference in a destination’s community.
Additionally, travelers can help protect their destinations by being mindful of environmental concerns and by avoiding activities that disrupt natural habitats. By practicing responsible travel, they can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same opportunities and experiences that they do.
The upcoming year promises to be an exciting one for the world of travel, especially as millennials and Gen Z are planning nearly equal amounts of international trips in 2024. Meanwhile, baby boomers are more willing to spend on travel if they think it’s worth the money, unlike their younger counterparts who are more likely to cut other categories before trimming their experiences.
If you’re interested in booking a world trip, consider a cruise that offers a flexible itinerary. Repositioning cruises—which take place when ships relocate between regions—can be up to $50 less per day than classic cruises and typically occur during shifting seasons like the fall and spring. And if you’re planning to use trains as part of your trip, Great Rail Journeys and Star Alliance both offer around the world rail passes that are based on miles.