Wanderlust: The Best Investment in Anti-Aging (and keeps you happy)

Planning your next destination yet?

If not, it is the best time to start regardless of how old you are!

I am just back from my 1st trip in 2024 and I can’t wait to share the magic travel does to me.

Wanderlust isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s your best investment in anti-aging. 

I am going to share my own experience of how travel does wonders for keeping me feeling happy and young.

Workout of Brain

First off, jet-setting around the globe isn’t just about ticking off destinations—it’s a workout for your brain. 

Experiencing new cultures, navigating foreign streets, and immersing yourself in unfamiliar languages all stimulate your mind, keeping it sharp and agile.

I make it a point to explore a new destination every year.

Last year, it was Bali. 

From my own experience, I advise doing as much research as possible before you set off.

It’s part of the brain workout, and all the information could be super helpful during your trip. 

For example, to respect Balinese offerings, you’ll need to know what “Benten” is. 

You’ll see it everywhere—it’s a small basket on the floor with incense sticks and some sweets and fruit. 

It’s for the gods in Balinese culture, and to respect that, don’t step over or on it as long as the incense stick is still burning.

Learning from different cultures enriches one’s mind, and you’ll find there are so many different perspectives on how life should be. 

For me, the more I learned, the more I became aware that age is really just a number. Everyone has a unique timeline, and it’s never too late to try something new, as long as that’s what your heart wishes for. 

We only live once, and it’s such a big world full of beautiful views, interesting ideas, and people from all walks of life.

Another way that travel helps to keep your brain younger is by staying alert.

In a new country with a new currency, you need to be alert about conversions and payment methods (not everywhere accepts credit cards). 

And in all popular destinations worldwide, you must be extra careful to keep your belongings safe and stay alert for people who suddenly approach you.

Rejuvenate the Five Senses 

Travel offers more than just a workout for your brain—it’s a total adventure for your five senses. 

The thrill of exploring new places, tasting exotic foods and beverages, and engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities keeps every sense alive and youthful.

During my visit to Seoul last December, while it wasn’t my first time in the city, it was my inaugural experience at The Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), a public park that was once the presidential residence. 

Despite the biting -15 degrees Celsius cold, with my bottle of water frozen solid in my backpack, the experience was exhilarating. 

It wasn’t solely about the park itself; rather, it was the novelty of the unexpected encounter that made it memorable. 

After all, life’s best moments are often discovered outside of our comfort zones.

Immersing oneself in new environments stimulates not only the mind but also each of our senses. 

Whether it’s the vibrant colors of a bustling market, the tantalizing aromas of street food, the soothing sounds of nature, the touch of a foreign fabric, or the taste of a local delicacy, travel ignites our senses in ways that rejuvenate and invigorate our entire being.

Keeps Walking, Stays Young

There’s a Chinese saying that goes, ‘Ten thousand scrolls are no better than ten thousand miles of journey,’ and I found it to be true through my travels.

I hit a weight loss plateau in early March, just before embarking on my first trip of the year to Shanghai and Nanjing. 

I had little hope of making any progress during the two-week travel period. 

I thought I wouldn’t have time or opportunity for strength training or cardio, especially with social gatherings and the temptation of alcohol. 

It seemed like everything was working against me, so I didn’t hold out much hope.

During the trip, I made a point to walk more than 10,000 steps every day. 

Whether sightseeing, visiting museums, or exploring restaurants and cafes, I kept moving. 

Though I tried to control my calorie intake by occasionally skipping breakfast and opting for smaller meals, I suspected my consumption wasn’t significantly lower than usual.

To my surprise, I broke through my weight loss plateau. 

Upon returning to the gym, I noticed improvements in my strength and endurance—it felt like magic. 

Trying to maintain this level of activity in my daily routine hasn’t been as easy as during travel, but I’m still making an effort, whether by planning mini adventures to explore new places or simply taking walks in my neighborhood.

So let’s not underestimate the power of walking during travel. Whether strolling through city streets or hiking scenic trails, walking is one of the best assets for weight control, mobility, and therefore anti-aging. 

It keeps your body moving, strengthens your muscles, and enhances your overall well-being.

If you want to stay happy, sharp, and youthful, it’s time to embrace your wanderlust. Start planning your next adventure—it might just be the best thing you do for your anti-aging regimen