The Vacation Cure

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By Melissa Castleman

Plan for a stress-free getaway and you'll be able to add the state of bliss to your easy-going itinerary.

Are you in desperate need of a vacation, but too busy to take a break? There’s good reason to reconsider. Getting away from it all is great for your health. “Vacations are a pressure-release valve from everyday stresses,” says Craig Sawchuk, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. If left unchecked, workday stresses can build into chronic problems, causing increased blood pressure and hypertension. A vacation may be the antidote you need to prevent heart disease.

A getaway also is good for your mental health. According to a study published in Wisconsin Medical Journal, women who took a vacation—even once a year—were less likely to become depressed, tense, or tired. They also reported higher levels of marital satisfaction.

Of course, anyone who has ever gone on a vacation knows that traveling can be a source of stress in its own right. The good news, however, is that it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, your next holiday will be smoother sailing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to a relaxing, stress-free vacation.