Benefits of Sports Tourism

A skiing adventure is one example of a sports vacation that enables tourists to be active and healthy. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images )

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Sports tourism gives travelers the opportunity to participate in a sporting event or adventure. The industry of sports tourism is quickly progressing; sports tourism is a $600 billion annual industry,according to StudentKind,an organization that specializes in education field trip and tours for youth. Adventurous and active sports vacations offer more than just fun and entertainment to a traveler: Sports vacations have a wide array of health benefits.

Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle

Sports tourism offers vacationers opportunities to cultivate healthy lifestyles. Adventure travel can be ideal for an entire family,and taking on an active challenge can promote exercise for everyone,no matter your skill set or ability. Whether you plan on hiking in Colorado,snorkeling in the Caribbean or skiing in North Carolina,simply taking a vacation that is full of exercising and having fun only supplements an already active lifestyle.

Relieves Stress

Taking an adventure or sports vacation can relieve your stress. Although you're constantly active during this kind of vacation,it's beneficial to your mental health. Adventure or sports travel gives your brain a burst of dopamine,a chemical that increases happiness,according to the article "The Vanishing Vacation: Why You Need a Break" in "National Geographic Adventure" magazine. Dopamine helps you feel energized and less stressed.

Weight Loss

Many travelers don't want to only sit on the beach or consume oversize meal portions at a popular tourist restaurant. Although this is ideal for some,many vacationers have a desire to shed a few pounds,all while participating in adventure and sports,according to the ABC News article "America's Healthiest Vacations." There are a variety of traveling opportunities nationwide and even worldwide that offer vacation packages specifically for those wanting to lose weight.

Heart Health

Active vacations can lead to good heart health,even if the sports travel adventure lasts only a few days. Research suggests that when people take active vacations,they are decreasing their chances of having a heart attack,according to the "National Geographic Adventure, " article "The Vanishing Vacation: Why You Need a Break." Participating in active,leisure activities also helps reduce feelings of anxiety,potentially causing less strain on blood pressure levels.

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• Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

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