Science Says This Is One Of The Most Relaxing Ways to Travel

When it comes to planning the ideal vacation, many people focus on checking off famous sites, hitting up popular restaurants and covering as much ground as possible. But what if the secret to a truly fulfilling trip isn’t about how much you do but rather, your proximity to water?

Enter blue mind theory, a concept with the potential to reshape how travelers choose to spend their time away.

So what exactly is blue mind theory, and how might it guide your next vacation? HuffPost asked a few travel experts to break down the benefits, downsides and tips for taking this approach to travel.

What is blue mind theory?

“Blue mind theory is the idea that being near water ― whether it’s the ocean, a lake or a winding river ― has a calming effect on the brain,” Leigh Barnes, President of Americas at Intrepid Travel, told HuffPost. “And honestly, it just makes sense. There’s something about water that settles the nerves and clears the mental clutter. When the world gets a bit loud, being by water can feel like a giant exhale.”