Niche travel

ANOTHER NEW YEAR, another raft of New Year’s resolutions. Smoke more, drink more, eat more, all the usual. Also, only pay heed more to survey results that suit you.

So far, in this respect, the year looks to be off to a great start with new research from the US indicating that travel improves your health.

The results are from the American Travel Behaviour Survey which found that 81 per cent of travellers reported feeling more energised and productive after returning from a leisure trip. (Presumably the other 19 per cent were travelling with kids.)

Adding frequent travel to your list of New Year’s resolutions can, the survey suggests, provide substantial health benefits and contribute to your general sense of overall wellbeing.

There’s even a science bit. “Travel stimulates the brain and promotes the growth of new synapses, heightens creativity and may even resist Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr Matthew Edlund, director of the Centre for Circadian Medicine and author of The Power of Rest.

“Your brain, like the rest of your body, rebuilds itself constantly, but it needs to be given the regular opportunity to do so. Taking frequent leisure trips at regular intervals continually rests and rejuvenates you, increasing your productivity and sense of satisfaction.”

At this rate it won’t be long before we can claim our air fares back from our medical insurers.

And so what if the survey was conducted on behalf of Hotwire, a travel company? Its findings are perfectly in keeping with New Year’s resolution number four, to only pay heed to survey results that suit you. Eight out of 10 people would surely agree.

So here’s to a happy, healthy and well travelled 2012.