Vacations are a fantastic way to gather up the family and spend some quality time together away from home. One of the best ways to promote healthy living and relaxation is to opt for a vacation outdoors. Let’s take a look at three major benefits to getting outside on your next vacation.
The Health Benefits
Vacationing outdoors yields many physical and mental health benefits. Time outdoors increases the body’s natural production of vitamin D, important for absorbing calcium and promoting bone growth. Studies have found children spend less than 30 minutes per day in outdoor play and more than seven hours in indoor screen time and these habits lead to rise in childhood obesity, anxiety and depression, notes U.S. News & World Report. Outdoor fun can also help improve distance vision and increase student performance on tests, as well as lower stress levels.
Negative Effects of Vacation Deprivation
The U.S. Travel and Tourism Association reported there were 429 million paid vacation days forfeited in 2013, according to the same U.S. News & World Report article. Reasons for the lack of vacation ranged from feelings of job insecurity to lack of a pet sitter. However, vacation deprivation leads to lower productivity, increased anxiety, harmed family relationships and high employee health care costs. Getting outdoors for vacation allows you to unwind from the stresses of your job and everyday life, which translates to a happier, healthier you.
Outdoor opportunities abound
Hunting, fishing, shooting, camping, biking, hiking, zip lining, swimming: opportunities for vacationing outdoors are in abundance. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, parasailing, boating and more await you in the great outdoors. Learn a new skill or enjoy your favorite pastimes on your trip.
Some people worry about having to disconnect in the outdoors while on their trip. However, the 2015 KOA North American Camping Report said 83 percent of people reported having access to their cellphone as the most important camping amenity; 70 percent went online during their time in the woods; and 41 percent choose their camping location based on the availability of free Wi-Fi.
At Watson’s Kaby Lodge, we offer an incredibly fly-in only wilderness resort that offers you an unmatched opportunity to get out and enjoy the wilderness of northern Ontario. Grab the family and head outside for a fabulous family vacation with us! Take a look at our different wilderness packages to choose from, and call us today at 877-484-1672 to book your trip!