Travel is True Fun and has actually been proven to be good for you!

In my Cyndi Lauper-crazy teenage years, this kind of experience helped shape my idea of fun. I think I was sucked in by the idea that fun was frivolous. In a world where there are real problems and responsibilities, fun seems less important. I was led down a career path that brought me back to fun by the research emerging on happiness, play and learning.

I’m not sure if I have removed the word “fun” entirely from my professional jargon. I covered it with non-frivolous and important activities such as altruism and social connection. This is because I was surprised to hear from a reader that she enjoys reading my newsletters and blogs. After all, they remind her of the importance of having fun in an increasingly dark and difficult world. I was thrilled to hear that my blogs and newsletters made a positive impact…but then I stumbled upon the word “fun”, and I reacted.

My messages often focus on personal growth, growth and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I am passionate about travelling and well-being, which are important, healthy and meaningful. Fun seemed less important. Then it dawned upon me…oh yes, of course! Travelling is fun, too! Fun is good for our health, too!

What is fun to you?

In the dictionary, fun is defined as amusement or lighthearted enjoyment.

What do you think of when you read the following? It’s probably different from what comes to mind. Fun is much more than just lightheartedness or amusement. It’s a complex, interesting and diverse concept. Fun is a word we use to describe many activities (going to a Cyndi Lauper show was fun), but it’s also a feeling.

It doesn’t need to be loud, crazy, hedonistic or frivolous. The fun doesn’t need to involve a huge party, spending too much money or losing control. It doesn’t even have to look or feel like your partner, a friend or a neighbour.

Catherine Price, a science journalist and TEDTalk presenter says that people often describe leisure activities as “fun”, even when they are not. According to my research, true fun (as I call it) is when three psychological states are present at the same time: playfulness and flow.

True fun:

Playfulness happens when you approach things with a little whimsy. It’s about positivity, optimism, and lightness.

Connection occurs when people come together.

Flow describes a state where you’re “in the zone” and are fully immersed in a particular activity.

Have Fun in 4 Ways

Have you heard about type 1 and 2 fun before? Micro-adventurer Alastair Humphreys introduced me to this concept. Alastair Humphreys walked across India and cycled around the globe. He also rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. This was fun for him, but not for me! He enjoys Type 2 fun, which is overcoming challenges. This is the type of activity you don’t want to do but feel great afterwards. Type 1 fun is when you enjoy something.

A definition expanded

A Stanford University game designer expands on the definition of fun using gaming research. She describes four types of fun, which we all probably enjoy to varying degrees.

Hard fun

is the joy that comes with overcoming frustration and achieving your goal. It offers the chance for challenge, mastery and feelings of accomplishment.

Hard Travel Fun: The Camino de Santiago, hiking to Everest Basecamp and going solo for the very first time

Easy Fun

…, is the enjoyment of engaging in interesting and easy activities that allow you to relax and play. Easy fun encourages imagination and exploration.

Travelling is easy: Food tours, strolling through a foreign city’s streets, playing on the beach, and people-watching

Serious fun

… engages because it makes an impact. Personal development, volunteer work, and making a positive impact on the environment are all examples of “purposeful playing” that can change the way people feel, think, act, or behave.

Travelling with a purpose: language courses, writing retreats, and voluntourism

Fun for People

… is a result of connection. For example, you can hang out with your friends or make new ones. Social bonds are formed through shared experiences, teamwork and/or sharing common interests.

Travel with friends: group tours, meeting locals, concerts, and events

Travel and True Fun

Travel is a great way to experience fun. Different activities allow me to focus on different kinds of fun. With some planning and intention setting, I can get a bit of each of the four types of fun on one trip!

Travel and fun can be viewed as novel experiences away from home, including a sense of playfulness, connection, and flow. Discovering new places, meeting new people, and trying new things creates an exhilarating and joyful feeling. Travelling is a great way to get out of our comfort zone, experience new cultures, and make lasting memories. When we do fun things, we are more likely to experience moments of wonder and awe.

The best part about travelling is that it’s not only good for you: It’s also fun! Fun is also good for your health, both physically and mentally.

• Fun can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins.
• Fun can help improve brain function and prevent memory problems.
• Fun is a proven way to boost creativity and solve problems. Playing is often the best way to learn.
• Sharing laughter with others can help foster intimacy, empathy, trust, and compassion, which strengthens and builds relationships.
• Fun can increase your energy and vitality. It may even improve your resistance to diseases.

Travel almost offers the WHOLE FUN PACKAGE. It can be both relaxing and challenging, and you can also learn about yourself.