The Benefits of Travel: Why Seeing the World Is Good for Your Health, Mind, and Soul
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Understanding the Benefits of Overseas Travel
The Surprising Health Benefits of Travelling
The Many Benefits of Travelling by Train
Why You Should Consider the Benefits of Air Travel
The Best Thing About Travelling Isn’t What You Expect
A Practical Look at How Travelling Helps with Personal Growth
Thoughtful Tips for Enhancing Your Travelling Experience
Unpacking the Reason Why People Travel
Additional Insights from Stephanie’s Journey
Other Valuable Lessons Travel Can Teach
Travel and Tourism by the Numbers
Travelling is more than a holiday; it's a life-enhancing experience that transforms the way we see the world and ourselves. In a recent episode of her podcast, educator and accountability coach Stephanie Rumble recorded live from Ibiza, Spain, where she reflected on the pros and cons of travelling. Drawing from personal experiences, conversations with family, and her professional background, Stephanie explored the deeper reasons why people travel and the undeniable value it adds to our lives.
Below, we dive into the top insights from that episode, looking at the physical, emotional, and cultural benefits of travel, especially for those considering international journeys.
Understanding the Benefits of Overseas Travel
There are many reasons people choose to travel abroad, but at the core, international travel broadens our understanding of the world and deepens our appreciation for different cultures. It’s not just about seeing new places; it's about learning how others live, communicate, and connect. These insights offer a valuable lens through which we can better understand ourselves.
"Travel helps me reset, reflect, and return with purpose." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Key benefits of overseas travel include:
Cultural immersion that expands your worldview
Gaining perspective on your own country and lifestyle
Building tolerance through experiencing difference
Learning new ways to communicate and connect
Stephanie shared stories of her time in France and Spain, highlighting how even small cultural interactions (like ordering breakfast in a different language) can have a lasting impact. It’s not just about visiting famous places—it’s about connecting with humanity in new ways.
During her stay in Barcelona, Stephanie explored the vibrant city with her son Bryn and his girlfriend Lizzy. Their experience of the city’s colourful culture, people, and food offered a deeper appreciation of what travel can teach us when shared with loved ones.
If you're inspired by Stephanie’s hands-on approach to learning through life experience, you may also be interested in her range of health, safety and wellbeing education workshops that help individuals and organisations broaden their mindset and improve communication in everyday and professional settings.
The Surprising Health Benefits of Travelling
Travel isn’t just fun—it’s good for your health. Both mental and physical wellbeing improve when you break from routine. Many people report feeling more rested, recharged, and focused after even a short getaway.
According to Stephanie, these are some of the top health benefits of travelling:
Stress reduction and lower anxiety
Improved sleep and mood
Better cardiovascular health due to walking and movement
Mental clarity and reduced brain fog
Taking a break from your normal environment allows your nervous system to reset. Stephanie reported a complete disappearance of a long-term neck issue within days of arriving in Europe. These shifts are a strong reminder that rest and change of scenery aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.
The Many Benefits of Travelling by Train
Train travel isn’t just scenic—it’s also practical and low-stress. Having experienced train travel across Europe alongside flying, driving, and biking, Stephanie found it to be one of the more relaxing and enjoyable ways to move between destinations. While flying has its place for covering long distances, she found train travel especially enjoyable for its simplicity and comfort between stops. Unlike airports, train stations generally offer smoother transitions without the pressure of check-ins or baggage restrictions.
Some unique benefits of travelling by train:
Avoiding airport hassle and long queues
A more environmentally friendly travel option
Seeing the landscape between destinations
Relaxing and reading while in transit
Stephanie noted how relaxing it was to travel across Europe by train, giving the body and mind a break between busy city stops. There’s something poetic about watching the countryside drift by, letting the journey itself become a moment of reflection.
Why You Should Consider the Benefits of Air Travel
Despite the drawbacks (cost, emissions, long-haul exhaustion), there are still significant benefits of air travel—especially when it comes to long-distance trips. Air travel has made the world smaller, enabling deeper personal and professional connections across continents.
Flying offers:
Speed and efficiency for global travel
Access to destinations otherwise unreachable
A sense of awe and anticipation before arrival
Air travel enabled Stephanie to see her son compete internationally—a memory that would never have been possible without the accessibility of modern flights. While exhausting, long flights open the door to priceless experiences.
The Best Thing About Travelling Isn’t What You Expect
It’s not the sights, the food, or even the sun. For Stephanie, the best thing about travelling is the opportunity to grow personally and build deeper relationships. It’s about meaningful conversations, shared memories, and the small moments that deepen bonds.
Travelling strengthens family bonds
Shared experiences create lifelong memories
Challenges lead to self-confidence and resilience
"We grow together through experience. We become more connected." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Time away from normal routines encourages families to slow down, communicate, and rediscover joy in each other’s company. These moments become anchors—memories that last well beyond the trip.
A Practical Look at How Travelling Helps with Personal Growth
For Stephanie, travel has become one of life’s most powerful learning tools. Being in unfamiliar environments challenges you to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and grow through discomfort. These moments of stretch, reflection, and discovery often leave the deepest and most lasting impact.
"The best part of travelling isn’t the place—it’s who you become on the way." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Ways travelling helps you grow:
Enhancing decision-making and problem solving
Encouraging optimism and flexibility
Building confidence by navigating the unknown
When you’re in a new environment, even basic tasks like finding a train or ordering lunch require awareness and flexibility. Over time, these experiences build a sense of resilience and independence that spills over into everyday life.
Stephanie’s travel experiences add depth to the perspective she brings to her accountability coaching—enriching how she helps clients change habits, manage stress, and build confidence in everyday life. If you’re ready to reset your approach to health and lifestyle, Stephanie’s accountability coaching is a powerful next step.
Thoughtful Tips for Enhancing Your Travelling Experience
Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, you can make your trip more meaningful. Small tweaks to your planning and mindset can dramatically improve the quality of your journey.
Stephanie’s top tips for enhancing your travelling experience:
Alternate busy and rest days to avoid burnout
Book night flights to ease jet lag
Pack medications and essentials in carry-on luggage
Choose accommodation with air conditioning and breakfast included
One of Stephanie’s most effective travel habits is budgeting by the day and prioritising meaningful experiences over extravagance—a philosophy that reflects her practical and mindful approach to travel. Simple comforts—like booking accommodation with air conditioning in hot climates—can make the difference between simply coping and genuinely enjoying your holiday.
"Taking a break isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. That’s where the magic happens." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie also highlighted the beautiful colours of Spain, particularly the vibrant decor and architecture that make cities like Barcelona and Ibiza visually unforgettable.
The local food was another highlight, with Stephanie enjoying nutritious meals like fresh salads topped with eggs, and sampling exotic fruits from the famous outdoor food markets in Barcelona.
Among the memorable cultural experiences was visiting Gaudí’s Güell house and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família cathedral in Barcelona with her family. These moments added depth and inspiration to her journey.
Of course, no trip to Barcelona is complete without a bit of retail therapy. Stephanie also took time to enjoy shopping, capturing a few treasured pieces to take home as souvenirs.
The journey continued in Ibiza, where Stephanie recorded her podcast. Watching the sunset and reflecting on life offered the perfect backdrop for deep introspection and gratitude.
A peaceful visit to Santa Eulària, where Stephanie and her husband Dave relaxed by the beach, rounded out their travels with calm and connection.
Unpacking the Reason Why People Travel
Travel is so much more than just a break from routine—it’s a conscious decision to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most. For many, it’s the chance to break away from the daily grind, reconnect with loved ones, and feel truly present in a way that everyday life often doesn't allow.
"Distance brings perspective. And with it, a renewed appreciation for what you have." ~ Stephanie Rumble
For Stephanie, stepping outside of New Zealand and immersing herself in different cultures wasn't just refreshing—it was grounding. It was a reminder of how easily we can lose touch with ourselves in the noise of modern life. But distance brings perspective. Being away offers the space to reflect, recalibrate, and return home with a clearer sense of purpose, appreciation, and joy in the everyday. It’s not just about what you see—it's about what you come back with inside.
Additional Insights from Stephanie’s Journey
Stephanie’s podcast touched on more than just destinations:
She talked about the positives of travelling for physical health
Reflected on how her trips shaped the way she wants to lead and work with others
And acknowledged that not everyone has the privilege or desire to travel—and that’s okay
She also reminded listeners of the importance of planning for things like health risks, cultural differences, and potential misunderstandings. These challenges, when managed well, can also become part of the reward.
Other Valuable Lessons Travel Can Teach
Beyond the most talked-about highlights, travel also brings with it many perks of travelling, such as using a travel agent for complex bookings, having travel insurance for peace of mind, and the unique benefits of traveling solo when seeking independence.
Her insights and experiences are equally relevant to the realities of business travel, where adaptability and resilience are essential, and also highlight the many advantages of travelling by plane when efficiency is a priority. Additionally, she framed holidays as a vital reset for mental wellbeing, aligning with the known health benefits of holidays.
Travel and Tourism by the Numbers
While Stephanie’s personal reflections speak volumes, they’re backed up by solid data that shows how strongly New Zealanders value travel—both personally and nationally.
80% of New Zealand residents reported personally benefiting from tourism activity in their local area in 2023 (source).
Nearly 9 in 10 New Zealanders believe tourism is good for the country, recognising its contribution to the economy and improvements in facilities and infrastructure (source).
According to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, 95% of New Zealanders say spending time in nature—including travel and outdoor experiences—boosts their mental wellbeing (source).
Active travel and physical activity associated with travel reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and improve mood and mental health. Regular physical activity through travel decreases anxiety, raises mood, and lowers the risk of depression (source).
These statistics reflect a shared truth: travel is more than just movement—it’s a wellbeing and economic contributor that shapes how we live, connect, and thrive.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Rumble's reflections remind us that travel is more than ticking places off a list. It is a journey into ourselves, our relationships, and our worldview. Whether you're planning your first big trip or are a seasoned traveller, taking time to reflect on the benefits of travel can turn a holiday into something transformative.
So pack your bag, do your research, and prepare to learn more about the world—and yourself—than you ever thought possible.
For those interested in going deeper with personal style and confidence—whether travelling or at home—Stephanie’s personal and commercial styling services can help you express your identity with ease.
If you’re part of a business or team seeking to build confidence, wellbeing and resilience in the workplace, Bright Red’s workshops are a powerful step toward creating a mentally healthy culture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest challenges of travelling from New Zealand?
Travelling internationally from New Zealand often comes with long flight durations, high costs, and significant time zone changes. These challenges can lead to fatigue and require careful planning, especially when travelling to Europe or North America.
Stephanie highlighted that budgeting, managing energy, and factoring in the time it takes to acclimatise are essential. Choosing night flights and scheduling downtime during your trip can help offset the impact of long-haul travel.
How can travel impact your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Travel offers a powerful reset for mental and emotional health. Breaking out of daily routines can reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a sense of renewal. It creates space for reflection and helps people reconnect with themselves and others.
Stephanie found that removing herself from her usual environment improved her clarity and reduced physical tension. These benefits are echoed by wellbeing research across New Zealand and globally.
What are the best ways to manage travel fatigue?
Managing travel fatigue starts with smart planning. Alternate busy days with rest days, stay hydrated, and prioritise sleep during flights. Booking accommodation with air conditioning and comfortable sleeping arrangements can also make a significant difference.
Stephanie recommends travelling with a flexible mindset and building in breathing space, particularly when travelling across time zones or in hot climates.
How can travel help with personal growth?
Travel encourages you to navigate unfamiliar places, adapt quickly, and solve problems in real-time. These experiences build confidence, resilience, and a broader worldview.
Stephanie views travel as a tool for growth—both personally and professionally. She often brings these insights into her coaching and leadership development work.
Why do some people feel happier when they travel?
Being in new environments can break the monotony of routine, which is a common source of stress. Travel exposes you to novelty, beauty, and often deeper connection with others—all of which contribute to happiness.
As Stephanie reflected, the opportunity to share meaningful moments with loved ones and create new memories together was a major contributor to her sense of joy while travelling.
How can you travel without overspending?
It starts with setting a realistic daily budget and sticking to it. Choose experiences over extravagance, seek out accommodations with included meals, and aim to spend less on days when you’re not actively sightseeing.
Stephanie uses a balanced travel strategy that combines comfort and cost-effectiveness. This includes avoiding overly expensive accommodation while still ensuring basic comforts are met—something that’s important for travel sustainability.
Is solo travel beneficial for personal development?
Yes, travelling solo can boost confidence, foster independence, and help you get to know yourself on a deeper level. It can also give you full control over your itinerary and pace, which some people find liberating.
While Stephanie’s trip was family-based, the themes she explored—like self-awareness, resilience, and reflection—are very much part of the solo travel experience too.
How do cultural experiences enrich travel?
Cultural experiences allow you to see the world through a different lens. Learning how people live, eat, communicate, and interact helps build empathy and curiosity. It often challenges assumptions and deepens your understanding of others.
Stephanie’s experiences in France and Spain offered many such moments, from trying new foods to navigating language barriers. These interactions added richness to her travels.
How do you stay healthy while travelling?
Staying active, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep are key. Travel can disrupt routines, so having a simple plan can help—like walking daily, taking rest days, and staying hydrated.
Stephanie also advises bringing essential medications and making sure comfort factors (like air conditioning) are included in your accommodation, particularly when travelling in warmer climates.
How can travel improve your relationships?
Shared travel experiences can strengthen bonds with loved ones. Facing new situations together encourages communication, cooperation, and creates lasting memories.
For Stephanie, travelling with her family deepened their connection and created meaningful conversations that carried well beyond the holiday. These shared moments can become the foundation of stronger relationships at home.
