© PHOTOS COURTESY OF GO RVING
TRAVEL IS THE BEST MEDICINE: HOW A NATURAL VACATION CAN IMPROVE YOUR WELLBEING
With a hopeful return to travel on the horizon, the world is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pack our bags and set out on new adventures. Getting away from your routine is often the key to rediscovering the things you love and taking time to reflect on personal goals. Travel is the perfect opportunity for your mind to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate, and can be an incredible way to boost your mental well-being. Research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy (often called nature therapy) shows a strong connection between being in nature and reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies also show that spending time in nature boosts memory, creativity, and work satisfaction. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that so many Canadians are turning to RVing to get outdoors and safely explore what our backyard has to offer. Even planning a trip can boost happiness and feel incredibly rewarding. This year to date, GoRVing.ca—the destination for everything RVing—has reported a 57% spike in traffic to its Trip Planner, an interactive tool allowing Canadians to map out their road trip route. According to a study done by researchers at Cornell University, the anticipation of a trip can increase your happiness substantially. 48
The anticipation of an experience like taking a trip can be more fulfilling than the anticipation of receiving a material item. Planning a vacation gives you something to look forward to, making the days leading up to your trip seem more exciting! For those looking to take an RV trip or camp in the 4,000 campgrounds that Canada has to offer, it’s important to be mindful of our natural surroundings. As a not-for-profit association that promotes the RV lifestyle, part of Go RVing Canada’s mandate is to educate Canadians on environmental stewardship and encourage the industry to continue offering more sustainable RV options that consume less energy.
This year, over 10,000 trip itineraries have been viewed on the Planner’s Saved Trip Itineraries to date, a section where Canadians can take inspiration from other RV trip routes. Aside from the excitement that planning a vacation can bring, travel itself grants you the freedom to do what you love, take time to rest, and live in the moment. Travel is not just an enjoyable pastime—it’s also an essential part of fostering a positive and healthy mindset. PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY AT GORVING.CA
