While many consider Summer to be the prime vacation season, those in the know understand that Fall can be a great time to travel. With fewer tourists in top spots and costs down from the fees of peak season, you’ll likely get to travel in an exciting and meaningful way for much less than you might have paid during the summer. And if you think that your traveling days are behind you or it’s more hassle than it’s worth, think again. New research out of Edith Cowan University in Australia recently made the case that travel may have positive health benefits, for both your physical and mental health, when you are exposed to new surroundings and novel settings, and low stress and relaxing activities, such that travel is pitched as a great defense against aging. To underscore the health benefits of travel, there is already scientific evidence that travel can lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your chronic stress, improve your relationships, and boost your happiness. 

While travel itself may boost your health, you can also travel to destinations that specifically cater to your health and well-being. For example, Bloomberg recently profiled a series of vacation spots designed to put you into a healthy, nurturing, and peaceful environment, where you can kick-start new behaviors, get access to cutting-edge “anti-aging” or longevity technology, or just relax in a way that puts you in a better frame of mind. Whether in Spain, Thailand, the US, or Italy, these “retreats” will give you a luxurious and healthy getaway, even if the results don’t last into the years ahead.

As an older traveler, of course, you need to be somewhat practical about your finances, energy levels, and endurance. That includes securing travel insurance in case you or a loved one needs to unexpectedly cancel at the last minute (look here for recommendations for the best travel insurance for older adults for 2024), checking out travel discounts available for adults over age 50, and the other resources that groups such as AARP make available to senior travelers. As an older traveler (or if you’re traveling with an older companion), there are tips available to help ensure a successful trip: Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide company, has some tips for older travelers, such as scoping out the accessibility of your location before arriving in case accommodations need to be made, having a planned itinerary but alternative backups in case it’s too much for one of your travelers, creating a comprehensive packing list to avoid missing items, and making sure everyone is fully informed about what to anticipate.

But these days, older travelers, feeling energetic and in good health into their later years, can also embark on adventurous travel, sometimes with much younger companions (often grandchildren). The New York Times recently profiled older adults who have tried hikes and rural treks, scuba diving, or other outdoor adventures, often in trips arranged by travel companies that are specifically able to identify and accommodate the needs and concerns of older adults. Companies may have a doctor available in case of health concerns, advance suggestions for how to prepare for the adventure trip, or explicit parameters for who the trip is intended for (so no surprises arise). Similar to the tips proffered by Lonely Planet, these adventure companies recommend that preparation is essential, plans may be made but accommodations and changes are to be expected, and trips should be planned so that everyone can enjoy the trip and each other.    

Finally, continuing on the theme of adventure- but perhaps with meaning- “voluntourism,” that is, combining travel with volunteering, is becoming an increasingly popular way for older adults to travel. Depending on what type of volunteer activity you seek out, you may have evenings or weekends to explore the area in which you are serving and may be able to deduct the costs of the trip as a charitable donation if the host is an acceptable not-for-profit according to the IRS (and yes, you are likely to have to bear some costs even if you are donating your time and labor). You will need to carefully research the organization to make sure everything is on the up and up. And don’t forget: Volunteering is also a scientifically demonstrated method to boost your mental and even physical health. So it’s a win-win situation for you and the people you will be helping, all while giving you the health lift you can also get just by traveling. To find out more about “voluntourism,” pack your bag and click here. And for an extra bit of inspiration, take a look at these award-winning photos recently submitted to the Washington Post by 2024 travelers.