Traveling With Friends Is Good For Your Health!

Yes, you read that title right. As if you needed more convincing to go on vacation with your friends. It’s time to call off work, pack your mercer duffel, and call your friends, because it looks like your going on a friends trip. Well… at least if you care about your healthy and happiness. Seriously.

A recent scientific study has revealed that a fun little trip with friends is actually good for you. At the core of this revelation is the simple fact that friendship can extend life expectancy, lower chances of heart disease, and increase your tolerance to pain! Ever wondered why you might be more willing to trust your friends, or be kinder and more generous to them? Sure it’s due to the fact that you’ve known them for an extended period of time and have grown a friendship that sparks those traits, but biologically, these traits are a result of the increased production of  oxytocin, which you get when hanging out with friends. Oxytocin is that warm, cuddly, caring hormone that your body produces when you’re happy, and hanging out with friends is a sure fire way to amplify that.

Psychologist William Chopik from Michigan State University explains, “Keeping a few really good friends around can make a world of difference for our health and well-being...so, it's smart to invest in the friendships that make you happiest.” He goes on to state that friendships are more influential in our health and happiness than other types of relationships (maybe don’t tell your significant other this part). We know that as life gets busy people inevitably grow apart, but we’d say that putting in the effort to keep in touch with your crew might a good idea.

A quick mini-cation is the perfect way to make sure that the friendship fire stays burning! You’re away from work, away from responsibilities (or are you ever?), and away from the daily routine that may make real friendship a more difficult task. It doesn’t have to be long, expensive, or difficult. Simply find a place that you and your friends will all enjoy, get it down on your schedule, make it happen, and get those oxytocin levels up. And hey...don’t let your friends show up unless it’s in full Packs Project style. A crew that Packs together, can travel together!


Safe travels, and be sure to send us some pics!