Planning Travel as a Path to Wellness: Why the Journey Starts Before You Pack

For many of us in law enforcement, stress isn’t a seasonal visitor, it’s a constant companion. But one of the most restorative tools we often overlook is travel. Not just the trip itself, but the act of planning it.

Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a family reunion, or a dream destination on the horizon, travel offers three powerful wellness benefits:

1. Stress Relief Through Anticipation

Planning a trip gives your mind a break from the grind. It’s not about escaping responsibility; it’s about creating space to breathe.

2. Strengthening Bonds

Travel invites connection. Whether you’re mapping out a route with your spouse, choosing destinations with your kids, or syncing calendars with old friends, the process itself fosters collaboration and shared excitement. These moments build memories before the trip even begins.

3. Reclaiming Control

In a profession where unpredictability is the norm, planning a trip, no matter how small—can restore a sense of control. You choose the destination, the pace, the people. That autonomy is healing.

Your Turn: What’s Your Escape?

What trip are you planning? Drop a comment below or share your favorite travel memory. What is your favorite destination to decompress, share in the comments?