The Best and Worst Things to Do on Vacation, According to Science

Vacations are meant to be a reset button, but are you making the most of your time off? New research reveals a simple way to boost your well-being while travelling—and an annoying habit that could ruin your relaxation.

The Secret to a Better Vacation? Move Your Body!

Studies show that vacationers who engage in physical activities—like hiking, swimming, or even long walks—experience higher levels of well-being and restoration. Getting your heart rate up can leave you feeling more refreshed and recharged when you return to work.

Related: How Often Do You Really Need a Vacation? Here’s What the Experts Say

The One Thing You Should Never Do on Vacation

Checking emails or thinking about work while away completely defeats the purpose of a vacation. Researchers found that employees who fully disengaged from work saw the biggest boost in well-being. So, put on that out-of-office reply and resist the urge to check-in.

More Science-Backed Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation

✔️ Use all your vacation days – Americans leave over 600 million unused vacation days each year. Don’t be one of them!
✔️ Give yourself time to pack and plan – Rushing leads to stress, which defeats the purpose of your trip.
✔️ Ease back into reality – Take an extra day at home before returning to work to avoid the post-vacation blues.

So, whether you’re hitting the beach or exploring a new city, move your body, unplug from work, and fully enjoy your time off—science says it’s worth it! 🌍✈️