Lately, the Center’s team has been quite the globe-trotters. Our Director of Operations, 
Sean Sweeney, recently visited Japan. Carla Trussell, our Project Manager, explored Mexico. I, Ellie Shippey, just returned from a belated honeymoon in Italy—and yes, I can absolutely recommend a carbonara spot in Rome, vetted by a bona fide pasta enthusiast. 😊
This isn’t just a fun anecdote. After returning from our individual adventures, we felt a noticeable change—even from our remote desks: our spirits were lifted. We were more energized in meetings, more creative in our brainstorming sessions, and generally more responsive. The morale boost was undeniable, and it had a ripple effect on how we showed up for the Center and each other.
Recognizing these benefits, we began to ask: could travel be a meaningful part of nonprofit office culture? And, while it’s widely accepted that travel nourishes the soul, it’s rarely outlined in HR manuals. That’s exactly what we wanted to explore.
The Case for Travel: Research-Backed Benefits
A longitudinal study published by the National Institutes of Health found significant increases in self-reported creativity following vacation recovery experiences. Employees returned refreshed and inventive, suggesting that travel can directly enhance workplace innovation (NIH.gov).
Additionally, experiential rewards—like travel incentives—can increase productivity by up to 18%, according to research from the Incentive Research Foundation. These programs show that travel isn’t just a perk; it’s a performance booster (Incentive Research Foundation).
Travel as Wellness: A Global Perspective
Beyond productivity, travel is increasingly being recognized as a legitimate wellness tool. Sweden recently became the first country to allow doctors to prescribe travel as part of a health regimen. The initiative, called The Swedish Prescription, connects tourism, nature, and health, encouraging activities like forest bathing, cold-water immersion, saunas, and cultural stays (Colombia One).
Redefining Travel So It Works for Your Team
Our team at the Center was fortunate to travel internationally, but it’s important to challenge the notion of travel so it accommodates everyone, in whatever way they’re capable.
By definition, travel simply means moving from one place to another. It doesn’t have to involve a five-star Hawaiian getaway, White Lotus style (and please—don’t actually vacation White Lotus style). Travel can be as simple as booking an Airbnb in a neighboring town for the weekend or working from a new spot—maybe that coffee shop you’ve been meaning to try. These options are easier to plan and offer many of the same benefits as international trips—without the cost or hassle.
Research backs this up: even small changes in your environment, like working from that new coffee shop, can boost creativity, improve mood, reduce loneliness, and sharpen focus. Coffee shops often serve as “third spaces,” providing routine, social connection, and calm that support mental wellness (Calm, calm.com).
Studies also show that both local and long-distance travel improve cognitive function and reduce depression and loneliness (National Library of Medicine, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). So, if you can travel far, great, but if not, you’ll still reap similar benefits by exploring your community or taking a short domestic trip.
And if we really stretch the definition of travel, you don’t even need to leave your chair. A great book can transport you to new worlds, offering the same restorative calm as a vacation. Immersive reading reduces stress, restores mental balance, and enhances mood—just like travel (Thrive Global, thriveglobal.com).
Final Thoughts
This is a rich and nuanced topic, especially for nonprofits striving to support their teams holistically. We hope this blog serves as a starting point for considering how travel might become a meaningful part of your organizational culture—not just as a benefit, but as a strategy for wellness, creativity, and connection.