Take a trip, you'll feel better.

Do we need a university study to tell us that?

Probably not...but at least now you have a little more ammo for your argument with your spouse about the "real need" for that vacation you want to take!

A new research paper out of a university in Australia shows that going on vacation has a positive impact on mental health issues and even conditions such as dementia.

Science Daily reports that new environments and experiences can provide helpful cognitive stimulation. Vacations also usually include more walking, fresh air, and sunshine.   Scientists say more research is needed to see if vacations can become a medical intervention for dementia or even depression.

I can see it now, my doctor writes me a prescription for Maui but my health                     insurance will only pay for four days and not seven.  Bummer, guess I go for only           four days then!   Hey , whatever works! Aloha!!

Maybe you've heard of music therapy or art therapy -- but what about 'travel therapy'?  This isn't so far removed from that. Study Supervisor Dr. Wen:

This research is among the first to conceptually discuss how these tourism experiences could potentially work as dementia interventions ...experts recommend dementia treatments such as music therapy, exercise, cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, sensory stimulation, and adaptations to a patient's mealtimes and environment...the impacts of these are all also often found when a patient is on holidays

Tourism has been found to boost physical and psychological well-being so travel should perhaps be considered not just for healthy tourists, but for vulnerable groups as well it's time to rethink the role tourism plays in modern society. (I'm all in!!)