Clinical psychologist Ravi Gill has revealed a simple yet powerful tip to enhance your wellbeing: revisit old holiday destinations. Whether it’s a childhood beach, a beloved city, or a spot tied to cherished memories, returning to meaningful places can work like real-life therapy, triggering joy, lowering stress, and strengthening neural pathways.
At any family gathering, school reunion, or get-together with old friends, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find a crowd huddled together, reminiscing about the good old days.
From past birthdays to holidays, Brits love reminiscing on times gone by. Interestingly, there’s good news for all the storytellers out there; research shows that reminiscing isn’t just a good way of reconnecting with friends and family but could also be beneficial for brain function.
An analysis of 27 studies involving 1,755 older adults found that Reminiscence Therapy significantly reduces depression and enhances life satisfaction. The practice encourages individuals, particularly older adults, to recall and share meaningful memories to improve their psychological well-being, cognitive function, and sense of identity.
And for those who love to travel, it gets even better, as a recent study revealed that travelling helps to reduce signs of ageing.
Dr Ravi Gill, working with over-60s travel insurance provider Avanti, says holidays are a great place to embrace the practice of Reminiscence Therapy. “Revisiting beloved destinations functions as a real-world, immersive form of Reminiscence Therapy, offering sensory-rich experiences that deepen emotional and cognitive engagement,” Dr Ravi reveals.
“Travelling itself – especially to familiar places – can provide a sense of purpose and adventure, encouraging social interaction and physical activity, both of which are crucial for maintaining brain function.”
How can you put this concept into practice?
Seek out old haunts
“Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the places you loved on past holidays,” Dr Ravi recommends. “Whether it’s a tiny bar in Europe that made your favourite cocktails or a Spanish beach you visited with friends on holiday, revisiting locations from the past can bring back lost memories from all the good times you had. Walking through a childhood holiday spot can stimulate mental and physical wellbeing.”
Recreate old photographs
“Break out the photo albums and select some of your favourites taken on past trips – why not take these away with you and recreate them on your travels? Returning to a meaningful location can stimulate autobiographical memory, helping to reinforce neural connections that may weaken with age.
“Sights, sounds, and even smells from a familiar environment act as powerful cues, unlocking long-stored memories and promoting cognitive engagement. This process is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline, as it strengthens pathways related to memory recall. Recreating old photos can help you boost memory recall while adding more joy to fond memories from holidays past. This can help to boost self-esteem and even reduce stress levels by fostering a sense of continuity and fulfilment.”
Revisit Your Favourite Hobbies
“For those who have a favourite hobby they enjoy on holiday, why not revisit these activities from your past? For those who love trains and spent the 70s interrailing around Europe, why not take a journey down the route you enjoyed so much in the past? Psychological research suggests that nostalgia can counteract feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which are common concerns in later life.
“Interrail offers discounted tickets to those aged over 60, so you can embrace your inner adventurer once again (although the trains are much more comfortable now than in the 70s!)
“This also applies to other hobbies, such as sightseeing, revisiting your favourite museums or historical sites, picking back up a favourite sport such as tennis, or cycling in a city you loved visiting in the past.”
Share with Your Children on a Family Holiday
“Family traditions prove that sharing memories brings us joy and connection – after all, people have been continuing traditions for generations. So, we should continue to share these experiences with the new generations of the family.
Whether it be a rustic restaurant, a favourite cruise route, or a breathtaking hiking trail through the Swiss Alps, revisiting these locations and experiences with loved ones is a great way to stimulate your mind and boost mental wellbeing.”
Revisiting cherished holiday destinations isn’t just a way to relive fond memories—it’s a powerful tool for boosting mental wellbeing and strengthening cognitive function.
Whether you’re retracing old travel routes, recreating treasured photos, or sharing special places with loved ones, these experiences can bring joy, connection, and a renewed appreciation for your past adventures.
You must be logged in to post a comment.