For Nathalie Murphy, M.D., a psychiatrist and assistant professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, travel isn’t just about exploring new places — it’s a pathway to emotional well-being, family connection and personal growth. In this Q&A, she shares how even small trips can transform mental health and strengthen bonds.
What are some of the ways that travel promotes well-being?
Travel encompasses a variety of activities that can significantly enhance overall well-being. It offers a valuable opportunity for stress relief by providing a break from daily routines and stressors, serving as a mental reset. Exploring new destinations and engaging in unfamiliar experiences can foster fresh perspectives, spark creativity and improve problem-solving and adaptability skills. When shared with others or through interactions with new people, travel can also reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
In addition, travel often encourages physical activity such as walking, hiking or outdoor exploration, which can benefit physical health. Altogether, these elements contribute to a more positive mood and a greater sense of well-being.
What are the mental and emotional benefits of family travel?
Family travel offers a range of unique benefits. For children, exploring new environments, meeting diverse people and experiencing different cultures can positively influence their development. These experiences support growth in language, literacy and social skills, while also broadening their worldview and enhancing their capacity for empathy. Travel encourages children to adapt to new situations, helping build resilience, confidence and independence.
Additionally, family trips create opportunities for collaboration, communication and shared problem-solving, experiences that can deepen connections among family members. For parents, it can be especially fulfilling to guide and witness their child’s personal growth through these moments. Stepping away from the routine of daily life allows families to reconnect, strengthen bonds and make lasting memories together.
What are the benefits of solo travel or a mom’s getaway?
A solo or mom’s getaway can be an excellent way to step back from the demands of daily life and reduce stress. It can provide a much-needed mental “reset,” offering space to reflect, recharge and gain a fresh perspective on yourself and life as a whole. Such getaways also come with meaningful social benefits. They offer opportunities to meet new people or reconnect with old and new friends, often deepening the quality of interactions simply by being in a different, more relaxed environment. Spending time with other parents can be incredibly validating, creating a supportive space to share experiences, challenges and perspectives — and even to problem-solve together.
Given that loneliness is closely linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns, taking trips like these can serve as a powerful way to foster connection and emotional well-being.
How can families incorporate the benefits of travel if they don’t have the time or budget for big trips?
Travel is a broad concept that can encompass a wide range of destinations and activities. By definition, it simply means moving from one place to another. To me, the true value of travel lies in breaking free from the routine of everyday life, stepping out of “cruise control” and being intentional and present in the moment.
It’s also important to recognize how social media has shaped people’s perceptions and expectations around travel. The curated images of exotic destinations can lead us to overlook the value of simpler, more accessible experiences. But travel doesn’t have to mean a weeks-long international trip; it can be just as meaningful to take a short drive to a nearby community to attend a free local event or explore a new shop or park.
For example, spending a day together as a family visiting a sporting event, a show, a museum or even a park in a different part of town can bring many of the same benefits as more elaborate trips. I recommend checking out your community’s event page, as well as those of nearby areas, for ideas on low-cost or free events happening near you.
What else do you wish everyone knew about the benefits of travel?
When it comes to travel and its benefits, mindset matters more than the destination. Approaching each experience with presence, openness and gratitude is what truly fosters well-being and creates meaningful, lasting memories — for yourself and for those you share the journey with.
