AM ERICAN AS S O C IATION O F S INGAP ORE
Since 1958
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October 2016
American Association..... 1-3 Member Discounts............. 3 CRCE & Business............ 4-5 Community News......... 6-10 Big Trips..................... 12-27 Food & Dining............ 28-29 Health and Wellness........ 30 What’s Happening.......... 31
CRCE & Business 4-5
Community 6-10
Food & Dining 28-29
Starting a Unique Travel Company in Thailand
Read All About Our New DCM and Admiral
The Glorious Food of Chile, Santiago
Big Trips12-27
Share Some Magical Adventures Around the Globe
MCI (P) 116/04/2016
Photo by Jim Tietjen
Travel: It’s Good for You! By Faith Chanda
I
n 2012, the one billionth tourist arrival in the world was recorded, according to the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO). The benefits of tourism to the global economy are well-documented: The volume of tourist receipts is more than US $920 billion globally. Tourism accounts for about ten per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP), with some countries counting tourism as the largest contributor to their economy. But does tourism also benefit the tourists? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Here are some of the ways vacations can actually be good for you! Improved Physical Health: One study published in Science Daily, aimed at proving the benefit of wellness vacations, such as meditation retreats, were somewhat surprised to find that the control group (which were average vacationers who did not participate in the meditation) also showed scientifically measurable benefits related to immunity and coping with stress. Increased Overall Happiness and Well-being: The results of a 2014 Gallup Poll showed that overall well-being is more directly associated with how often people took vacation than with their income level. And
another study by Joudrey and Wallace showed that anxiety and depression can be significantly reduced by an increase in leisure time away from work, such as vacations. The more time spent away, the lower the stress levels. Greater Productivity and Work/Life Balance: People are more satisfied at work when they take vacations on a regular basis, according to Nielsen Consumer Research. Travelers reported they felt less pressure at work and better about the balance of their work responsibilities and their personal lives outside of work. And leisure travel is associated with greater creativity, which can also improve work performance. Better Relationships: Travel offers busy people and families time to connect in a way they often don’t during the grind of daily life. As Singaporebased travel writer Mandira Rai (who reviews luxury family-friendly hotels on www.withmandy.com) puts it, "My two kids, husband and I just returned from ten nights in the Maldives. So that's 30 meals together, ten days in the same room and ten nights all together in one bed. To me, that’s pure gold and nothing brings us closer than a family holiday."
A survey by Disney revealed that children get to know new things about their parents and families, such as stories about their parents’ childhoods, when they spend quality time together on vacation. Kids’ Higher Achievement: In analysis of data provided by the US Department of Education, it is clear that “children who traveled with their families scored higher on academic achievement assessment tests than those who did not travel.” These results held true even when traditionally educational places such as historic sites and monuments weren’t on the agenda. Locations such as zoos and beaches still improved the kids’ scores over other kids who don’t travel. Broaden Your Horizons: Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” All it takes is travel to remind us how small the world really is and how blessed our lives truly are. So don’t feel guilty about those beach vacations with umbrella drinks and never-ending buffets. Enjoy! Faith Chanda has reinvented herself as a writer, after spending most of her career in Marketing Communications and Event Planning, spanning multiple industries and roles.
American Association of Singapore’s Annual Strategic Partners