If you’ve recently toyed with the idea of taking a vacation, there’s now an even more compelling reason you should pack your bags. Not only does going on a trip act as a much-needed mental health break, but it’s also good for your physical well-being, too. Yet, a study by Glassdoor and Harris Interactive shows only 25% of Americans use all of their PTO, and 61% of vacationers actually work while away!

Clearly, there’s a need to change the way vacations are approached. Here, DiMaria Travel Agency in Rochester, NY, explains why traveling is important to your overall health and why you should book your next trip ASAP:

• Lower Stress Levels: You probably know about the impact of stress on your health. The Mayo Clinic links it to long-term health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Vacations are great for reducing stress, as they allow you to focus on what you enjoy doing. Whether it’s a trip filled with action-packed excursions or a relaxing cruise, taking a break from the pressures of your everyday routine can do wonders for lowering stress levels.  
• Improve Heart Health: Among the most surprising advantages of getting away is its connection to a decreased heart disease risk. Studies like the one published in the American Journal of Epidemiology show regular vacationers are less likely to develop heart disease and may have a lower risk of a heart attack.
• Boost Mental Health: Could taking a trip actually improve your job performance? Studies say yes. A report in the Journal of Happiness Studies shows effects like higher energy levels and greater overall life satisfaction are commonly experienced post-trip. The results of better mental wellness and clarity could transfer to your work, so consider your trip an investment in your career!

While the factors listed above are certainly motivators for scheduling your next getaway, there are even more perks to taking a vacation. From new experiences to unforgettable memories, the list of benefits goes on and on. Don’t let your PTO go by unused: allow DiMaria Travel Agency to plan your trip so you can reap all of the advantages listed above. Call (585) 271-0100 or visit their website for additional information.