Why Traveling To A Blue Space Is Good For Your Health

Blue spaces are large, natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Find out more about the positive mental and physical impact that being near water can have on your health.

The science of water

The impact of green space on a person’s mental and physical happiness is well documented. However, recent findings from 35 scientific studies by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health have indicated that blue spaces have an even more important role to play in our lives, with those living closer to large bodies of water reporting higher levels of physical activity and positive mental effects, such as a reduction in stress levels and an improved perception of wellbeing.

Although the science of blue space is an emerging study, only properly recorded over the past five years, there is still strong evidence that supports the recovery of outdoor blue spaces in the urban environment as an interesting strategy for improving the health and wellbeing of the population.

Tranquil lake in the Drakensberg Mountains

It has to be blue

For centuries, water has been associated with cleanliness and refreshment, and many religions see water as a sacred substance. While the recent scientific studies show that people respond positively to the presence of water overall, blue space also takes one’s sensual perception of water into consideration, and includes elements such as sound, colour, clarity, motion, and context. Blue water is associated with calm coolness, while white water evokes feelings of power, and yellow water is only considered acceptable when it’s perceived as natural.

South Africa has acknowledged much of the amazing blue space that it has been blessed with by declaring these areas World Heritage Sites. Lakes in KwaZulu-Natal such as Sibaya, Naverone, and St Lucia, are located within protected wetland areas that are not only beautiful, but also offer a wealth of stunning wildlife and birds.

South Africa’s prime coastal properties rank as some of the most expensive and sought-after in the country. The Barcelona Institute’s blue space studies have also shown that even when taking into account other factors such as income levels and neighborhood crime rates, having views of the ocean is significantly associated with lower distress. Living in a home overlooking the ocean is not just scenically amazing, it’s also the perfect location for a bit of self-healing the natural, holistic, blue way.

Coastal property in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.