As 2025 begins to take shape, many of us are emerging from the whirlwind of the holidays—a season of joy, connection, and perhaps a fair share of stress. While the new year often inspires fresh goals, it’s just as vital to hit pause and reset mentally before diving in.

Author Michael Fitterling revealed that traveling is a powerful way to refresh the mind. A quick getaway or a change of scenery might be just what you need to ease back into the year. In this article, experts and seasoned travelers share how trips can boost mental health and inspire new perspectives.

If you’ve just returned from a vacation, save these tips for your next great adventure. Who says the holiday spirit has to end? Let this be your sign to take more trips and well-deserved escapades in 2025!

Learn their culture as it brings emotional freedom

Immersing yourself in a new culture opens your mind and challenges your perspectives. Studies have shown that engaging in cultural experiences can increase emotional stability and adaptability. A 2015 study titled "Thinking Outside the Box: Multiple Identity Mind-Sets Affect Creative Problem Solving," published in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that exposure to multiple cultures and identities can foster creativity in problem-solving directly affecting emotional resilience.

Car enthusiast and frequent traveler, Reph Bangsil, shared that traveling taught him the value of adaptability and respect, “Every place has its way of doing things, and experiencing them firsthand made me more open-minded and patient.” Navigating unfamiliar traditions and practices improves adaptability and emotional resilience, helping you better manage life’s ups and downs.

Stay positive so you don’t miss the good in the world

Travel allows you to step out of your routine and discover new possibilities. Traveler and soon-to-be dad, Mikael Daez says he travels to expand his world and be hopeful of what’s to come, “Exposing yourself to different things just generally means putting you in an uncomfortable situation, sometimes mildly, sometimes more extreme. But that's why we travel -- to expand, to grow.” 

Positive psychology supports this view, with research from Cornell University showing that anticipation of travel experiences boosts happiness, while travel memories contribute to long-term well-being.

Moments like witnessing a breathtaking sunrise in a foreign land remind you that the world is full of wonder, renewing your sense of hope. 

Gain a deeper appreciation for life’s diversities when you travel

Breaking away from the monotony of daily life helps you gain a fresh perspective. Taxumo CEO Ginger Arboleda shares how traveling changed her perspective, “Traveling has opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world. It’s made me realize how much there is to learn beyond books and screens—lessons you can only gain by experiencing different cultures, meeting people with unique stories, and stepping out of your comfort zone.” 

A 2020 article from National Geographic says that immersive travel experiences increase cultural understanding because they can break down cultural barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy. Whether it’s the serene beaches of Bali or the vibrant streets of Tokyo, traveling can reignite your appreciation for life’s beauty and possibilities.

Always prepare for the unexpected

Numerous studies and real-life experiences highlight the transformative impact of travel on mental health. It helps you reset, reframe, and reconnect with the world and yourself. However, challenges like lost baggage or unexpected emergencies can add stress to what should be a rejuvenating trip.

That’s where having reliable travel insurance comes in. AXA Smart Traveller, for example, provides comprehensive coverage for trip disruptions, medical emergencies of up to PHP3.5 million each for accidents and sickness, and more, ensuring your adventures are safe, secure, and as stress-free as possible. Moreover, this Schengen-accredited insurance provider also offers discounts on multi-trip plans and those who travel in groups so you don’t need to blow off your budget to go on your well-deserved mental break.

Be ready to engage in activities that make you think sharper and enhance your creativity

Experiencing new environments stimulates your brain, enhancing cognitive flexibility and creative thinking. The mental workout you get from navigating unfamiliar places or trying new activities can make you more innovative and inspired. Columbia Business School professor, Adam Galinsky, found that foreign experiences improve cognitive flexibility, a key component of creativity.

Reph tells us how traveling enhances his mental ability and physical well-being, “Mentally, it keeps me sharp—I’m constantly navigating new environments, learning new things, and adapting to different situations. Physically, the movement itself—whether it’s walking around a new city, hiking, or even just packing and unpacking—is a workout in itself.

Travel with loved ones to create moments of connections

Institute For Family Studies says traveling as a family can enhance communication, improve cohesion, and create lasting memories. As a busy mompreneur, Ginger shares how travel has helped her spend more quality time with her family. She notes, “As parents, traveling also provides countless teaching moments that help our children grow and become more independent. Whether it’s showing our pre-teen how to navigate a train schedule, encouraging her to order food in a new language, or letting our toddler help pack her bag, these experiences build confidence and life skills.”

It’s important to gift your mind and body the joy of exploration. With #AXASmartTraveller, know you can enjoy wild adventures or a relaxing getaway—worry-free.  Learn more and get a quote here.