If you’ve ever needed a reason to travel the world, studies have shown that it can have profound effects on a person’s well-being. Not only can it help improve your mood and outlook, but it can boost productivity at work as well. Researchers have found that you don’t have to travel far to reap the positive psychological benefits of taking a trip. If you’re still not convinced about packing up a suitcase, read on for ways that travel helps your overall mental health.

It is a stress relief

Life can be pretty stressful, and vacations just happen to be the perfect antidote to that reality. Traveling gives your mind and body a chance to reset by enjoying new sights, people, and experiences. You can abandon the daily monotony of work, household chores and family commitments in favor of thrilling activities or lazy days spent on the beach. Dinner can be enjoyed without the thought of dishes looming over your head and there are no deadlines on vacation! So just sit back, breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy your lowered stress levels.

It bolsters creativity

There’s a reason why so many famous authors, artists, and musicians have traveled the world and consider it their muse. Our brains are highly susceptible to changes, so a change of scenery is a great way to jump-start your creative juices and get your inner artist to shine. To get the best creative results, immerse yourself completely in your destination’s culture: talk to the natives, eat the local food and enjoy the ways in which these things differ from your everyday life.

It strengthens relationships

Taking a vacation together is one of the best ways to connect with your partner on a deeper level with long term benefits. Couples who travel together report increased closeness and a stronger relationship post-travels. One of the reasons for this increased closeness is, of course, all of the bonding that comes with shared vacation experiences. But, surprisingly, working together through the burdens of travel (such as missed flights or navigating a new, unfamiliar city) strengthens your relationship more than the blissful moments.

It broadens your perspective

Getting out into the world tends to push us past our comfort zones. It’s a great way to change your perspective on life. Traveling forces us to see how other people live and it helps to open our minds and teach us about the world. Even if you just travel to the next state over, you’re experiencing new sights with new people and environments. You’ll  have to communicate with strangers to find your way around. You’ll need to try new foods or you’ll have to barter on a price and all of these things help to expand your horizons and impact your perspective on life.

It gives you prolonged happiness

Studies have proven that you don’t even need to be on vacation to reap the benefits of one. Simply having a trip booked for the near future is enough to create happiness and anticipation. And that happiness extends beyond the trip, also. Travelers are generally happier even weeks after their vacation has ended, thanks to all of the great memories and the rejuvenation from their experience.