Take a vacation, live a longer life

Summertime fun usually involves lots of sunshine, fun in (and on) the water, and my favorite: Vacation! Having taken a few trips away from the capital city in the past few months and with a few more trips planned, summer and travel season are my favorite times of the year. Just the mere thought of "getting away" from the regular monotonous routine, I get an overwhelming feeling of playful excitement. Traveling gives me a new perspective on life and a newfound or a renewed energy. After doing some reading, I found there are some wonderful health and wellness benefits of vacation, too.

An annual vacation can cut a person's risk of heart attack by 50 percent.

Recuperation and improvement in exhaustion are facilitated by free time for one's self, warmer vacation locations, exercise during vacation, good sleep, and making new acquaintances, especially among vacationers reporting higher levels of work stress.

Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1-5) while on vacation. They get three times more deep sleep on and after their vacation. They also feel more rested and relaxed when they return from vacation.

To help you plan a great summer trip, AAA has supplied a few tips.

Set a budget. What will all the costs sum up to be? Remember to include costs of transportation, hotel, tour, attraction, dining, and spending money.

Plan together. Make sure that everyone who is going is included, to ensure great memories.

Book early. You can get the best choices at the best prices.

Know where you are going. Get current guide books so you can fully learn about your destination.

Pack light. Bring versatile clothing and all necessary travel documents. Check www.tsa.go/311 for the latest airport regulations. In alignment with this tip, Antoine de Saint-Exupery quoted. "He who would travel happily must travel light."

Travel smart. AAA can be of great assistance when traveling. http://www.aaa.com/

And here are 10 great ways to explore a city:

1. Take a city bus/trolley tour.

2. Explore one museum in depth.

3. Visit the botanical garden or local park.

4. Go on a historic walking tour.

5. Use your concierge.

6. Keep a daily journal.

7. Buy postcards of major attractions.

8. Pass up souvenir shops and investigate the local shops.

9. Tear out the guide book pages that you'll need that day, instead of lugging along the large book.

10. When traveling abroad, use simple foreign phrases well and often.

http://life.familyeducation.com/vacations/family-time/29468.html?detoured=1

Traveling, along with getting fit, learning something new, and quitting a bad habit are just a few of the top 10 resolutions people make around the first of the year. It is over six months past that resolution-making time. The sun is shining, so let's take advantage and go on a much wanted and needed vacation!

• Laura Brownlee is a Carson City resident and works with the National Wellness Institute. She can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.