ABOUT

What are the benefits of travel? Can a trip to a distant destination really improve your health? And how is it possible to engage in responsible travel? In this episode sponsored by IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers, we delve into the myriad benefits of travelling. For example, few people know that those who travel experience lower risk of many issues, including heart disease and burnout. Travel also creates economic and cultural benefits. Join Dr. Anne McCarthy, Dr. Aisha Khatib, and new Travel Unravelled voices Dr. Sarah McGuinness, the ISTM digital communications lead, and ISTM president Dr. Gerard Flaherty as they describe the argument for travel — and how it can positively impact your life and the world around you.  

Travel Unravelled is sponsored by IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.

LINKS

• See the ISTM infographics and other Responsible Travel resources on our website.
• Learn more about the upcoming CISTM19 in New Orleans, May 2025, which will discuss dark tourism among other topics. 
• Read the research discussed in this episode: 
• Vacation at Moderate and Low Altitude Improves Perceived Health in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in the Journal of Travel Medicine
• Effect of forest bathing (‘Shinrin Yoku’’) trips on human immune function in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
• Read Dr. Gerard Flaherty’s research on the benefits of travel:
• “Towards travel therapy: addressing the health benefits of international travel” in the Journal of Travel Medicine
• “To travel is to live: embracing the emerging field of travel psychiatry” in BJPsych Bulletin
• Travel Unravelled is an ISTM podcast sponsored by IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.

KEY MOMENTS

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Welcome Dr. Sarah McGuinness to the Travel Unravelled podcast

01:44 Introducing this episode’s special guest

03:19 Episode rundown

03:26 Guests share their favourite travel memories

05:32 Why do travel doctors focus so much on the risks of travelling?

06:47 The health benefits of travelling

09:18  Dr. Flaherty discusses the cardiovascular benefits of high altitudes 

10:49 Dr. McCarthy talks about the mental health benefits of forest travel

11:19 What is Shinrin Yoku?

14:35 Evidence shows that travel can reduce risks of heart disease

16:31 Using travel as a digital detox

20:37 What is dark tourism?

23:08 The benefits of planning and looking forward to a trip

25:11 How to prepare for post-travel blues

27:27 Why do people travel?

28:33 How to be a responsible traveller

31:14 How to minimize food waste during your travels

32:26 Your health footprint and the importance of getting vaccinated before travelling

36:10 Ways to minimize your carbon footprint while travelling

37:34 How to avoid exploiting locals while travelling

39:34 What is the key takeaway from this podcast episode?

41:32 Resources, helpful websites and Travel Unravelled socials

Travel Unravelled is produced by Ghost Bureau.