Are you a repeat traveller? Well, if you’re someone who loves returning to the same Spanish beach or quaint coastal town in Italy year after year, it turns out you might be doing your brain a favour.
Clinical psychologist Dr Ravi Gill says that revisiting familiar holiday destinations is more than just a comforting habit – it can actually improve your cognitive function.
According to Dr Gill, working with travel insurance provider Avanti, these trips are a form of immersive ‘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,” she says.
An analysis of 27 studies involving 1,755 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 wellbeing, cognitive function, and sense of identity.
“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.”
So, how can you turn your next trip into a memory-boosting experience? Dr Gill shares her top tips:
1. Walk the same paths, literally
“Don’t just visit the same town – try to retrace your steps. Go to the same markets, beaches, or walking trails you enjoyed before. 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 retrieve lost memories from all the good times you had. This can help to stimulate both mental and physical wellbeing.”
2. Recreate old holiday photos
“Got an old photo of you grinning on a mountain top or enjoying a sunset with friends? Take it with you and recreate it. Returning to a meaningful location can stimulate autobiographical memory, helping to reinforce neural connections that may weaken with age.
3. Bring something nostalgic with you
“A travel keepsake, like a seashell from a previous trip or an old travel journal, can act as a sensory cue that triggers memories. Even packing a favourite holiday outfit can bring a sense of continuity.”
4. Share your favourite spots with family
“Nostalgia is even better when shared. Whether it’s taking your kids to that magical theme park you loved or showing them the best view in a city you once explored, these experiences can spark connection. Family traditions prove that sharing memories brings us joy and connection – after all, people have been continuing traditions for generations.”
“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,” adds Dr Gill.
So next time you’re tempted to explore somewhere brand new, remember, sometimes the most meaningful adventures are the ones you’ve already had.
