Does Travel Make You Feel Younger?

Travel has long been seen as a way to recharge, gain new perspectives and find some rejuvenation in our fast-paced world – whether you’re living with medical conditions, or simply seeking a fresh outlook on life. Earlier this year, a study from Edith Cowan University confirmed what many travellers have always touted as one of the best side effects of travelling – that it can truly give us a new lease of life.

The study itself highlighted how various factors associated with travel (such as time spent experiencing new surroundings, being active and dedicating time to relaxing) can enhance the body’s ability to protect itself from external stressors. As one of the researchers Ms. Hu explained, “Put simply, the self-defence system becomes more resilient. Hormones conducive to tissue repair and regeneration may be released, promoting the self-healing system’s functioning.”

This made us wonder how much younger travel can actually make us feel, and are certain destinations more effective than others when it comes to feeling rejuvenated? We surveyed 2,000 people who have travelled to global destinations during their lifetime, to find out which places, if any, help promote a sense of youth and revitalisation in those who visit.

How Much Younger Does Travel Make Us Feel?

Of the people who took part in our study, those who have travelled say they feel on average 7 years younger than their real age. To take this one step further, we asked our participants questions around which destinations they felt younger in when visiting, as well as cross-referencing which countries travellers have visited and how old they feel in general.

Our results ranked the Scottish Highlands as the most rejuvenating destination, thanks to its ability to leave visitors feeling almost nine years younger than their current age. With serene landscapes, complete with picturesque mountains and shimmering lochs, how much younger those who have travelled here feel is a true testament to the healing power of the nature found within the Highlands.

The top three destinations in our study are completed by the Greek Islands, where those who visit wind up feeling 8.6 years younger on average, and Paris where those who have visited claim they could comfortably knock 7.9 years off of their real age.

Other notable destinations include Italy’s capital Rome, which similarly to Paris, provides a vast array of historical and cultural experiences to provide visitors with new surroundings, Reykjavik in Iceland which hits the nail on the head when it comes to physical activity, and the Maldives, which perfectly fits the bill regarding relaxing experiences that promote wellness.

1. Scottish Highlands, Scotland – 8.9 years younger
   Out of the all destinations included in the study, the Scottish Highlands ranked the highest – with those who have travelled to this breathtaking region saying they feel almost nine years younger than they are. The Highlands are a playground for anyone who loves physical activity, and being so steeped in history, as well as delivering a peaceful solitude, visitors to the area can truly unplug and leave feeling restored and re-energised.
2. Greek Islands, Greece – 8.6 years younger
   Well-known for their crystal-clear waters, the idyllic Greek Islands have the power to help travellers feel over eight and a half years younger than they actually are. With around 250 days of sunshine each year, these sun trapped coastal hotspots offer the ultimate opportunity to relax while boosting your vitamin D levels, and offer lots of ways to take part in new physical activities such as boat trips, snorkelling or hiking.
3. Paris, France – 7.9 years younger
   Rich in history and renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, as well as a thriving arts scene, Paris offers the ultimate combination of aesthetic scenery and walkable streets, all packed with a culture that helps contribute to making people who have visited feel nearly eight years younger.
4. Rome, Italy – 7.5 years younger
   Also known for its ancient history, and home to some of the world’s most iconic works of art, Rome boasts an open-air living culture with lots of traditional cafes and dining opportunities within its cobbled streets. The Mediterranean diet has long been coined as a way to live longer, and coupled with Rome’s mild weather – a visit to this city appears to leave many tourists feeling more revived and youthful.
5. New York City, USA – 7.3 years younger
   With a lot more hustle and bustle than some of the other locations in our study, the famous city of New York is also an excellent destination for rejuvenation. With its vibrant atmosphere and fast-paced environment, the incredible new experiences to take advantage of in the Big Apple (whether it’s a new restaurant, new Broadway show or new museum exhibit) all help to mentally knock off over 7 years for visitors.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland – 7.2 years younger
   Reykjavik is known for its wellness spas and centres, such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, both of which offer deeply relaxing spa treatments alongside bathing in the natural hot springs. Coupled with the country’s impressive outdoor offerings, from climbing through ice caves, to walking on glaciers – there’s many opportunities here to participate in a style of travel that according to the research, can have an anti-ageing effect.
7. Sydney, Australia – 6.8 years younger
   With over 14 million visitors to Sydney in the last year, the coastal city’s beach lifestyle is central to its identity. Relaxing on the sand, swimming in the ocean and engaging in water sports like surfing or paddle boarding are just a handful of the many physical or relaxing activities that contribute to making those who travel here feel younger.
8. Niagara Falls, Canada – 6.8 years younger
   Niagara Falls not only offers the gorgeous scenery of the three famous waterfalls but paired with the crisp, oxygen rich air and scenic hiking trails seem to foster a spirit of adventure and discovery among those who visit, a key part of a youthful mindset. Being near large bodies of water is also known to have a calming effect on the human body, improving mood and reducing fatigue.
9. Maldives – 6.2 years younger
   Widely touted as one of the most relaxing places on earth, those who have visited the Maldives report that they feel over six years younger than their current age. This stunning island nation is incredibly quiet and peaceful and has a variety of secluded resorts and beachfront spas on offer to those visiting. Its natural beauty partnered with a tropical feel is the perfect recipe for feeling revitalised.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand – 5.74 years
    Known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, Queenstown offers outdoor activities like bungee jumping, skydiving and zip lining, helping visitors to reignite a sense of adventure and spontaneity. The city’s friendliness and welcoming demeanor creates an uplifting atmosphere for tourists, and as a result, those we surveyed who have visited the Kiwi city report feeling five years younger than their real age.

No matter your stage of life, we hope this list inspires your next rejuvenating adventure! To make the most of your trip, especially if you’re travelling with medical conditions, be sure to secure comprehensive medical Travel Insurance before you leave. That way, you can fully immerse yourself in all the restorative experiences travel has to offer with confidence that you’re protected along the way.

Methodology: 

We partnered with Censuswide to survey 2,000 participants, asking them whether they felt their actual age or how many years younger they felt, and whether they had travelled to any of the popular 15 global destinations included in the study. The responses were then cross-referenced, and the average (mean) number of years younger reported was calculated across all respondents to determine how much younger visitors to each destination feel.  

All data correct as of December 2024.