Your summer travel could be helping you prevent dementia — here's how to get the most out of it
Research suggests that traveling can be a boon for your brain, with some studies finding it may benefit dementia patients and even help fend off cognitive decline.
That matters now more than ever. By 2060, 1 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the memory-robbing disease every year — nearly double today's numbers.
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3 Engaging in travel-related activities can provide cognitive, sensory and social stimulation.
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Experts estimate that up to 45% of dementia cases could be delayed or even prevented with simple lifestyle changes, and travel lines up with several of them.
But a brain-boosting getaway takes more than a passport and a plane ticket. Read on to find out how to travel smart — and stay sharp.
#1. Go somewhere new
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Sure, your go-to beach resort is a blast. But if you want a trip that works your mind, opt for a different destination.
New environments and experiences help stimulate mental activity — which may slow cognitive decline or even sharpen function.
3 Engaging in new learning experiences is critical for staving off age-related cognitive decline.
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Think: museum strolls, historic walking tours, nature hikes or sampling local dishes.
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Traveling 'forces us to learn new things, navigate new environments and understand new routines that perhaps we are not accustomed to,' Dr. Augusto Miravalle, a neurologist, told Huffpost.
#2. Get moving
A trip packed with activity is more than just good fun — it's brain fuel.
'Exercise is often an important component of tourism experiences, and it is frequently included in dementia intervention plans,' Jun Wen, tourism lecturer at Edith Cowan University, told National Geographic.
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Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference. One study found just 35 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity could cut your chances of developing dementia by 41%.
'The fact that travel is an active thing will signal to the brain to stay in shape,' Dr. David A. Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist, told BrainHQ.
#3. Make connections
Booking a girls' trip or family reunion is great for bonding — and even better for your brain. Traveling also opens the door to social interactions with strangers, adding an extra dose of mental stimuli to your trip.
3 Engaging with others enhances memory and processing speed, boosting brain health.
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Lack of social interaction is well-known risk factors for cognitive decline. In fact, a new study found that being socially active may delay dementia onset in older adults by as much as five years.
Staying social helps strengthen neural circuits, making them more resistant to the age-related damage that leads to memory loss. It also activates the same areas of the brain involved in thinking and recall.
'Social activity challenges older adults to participate in complex interpersonal exchanges, which could promote or maintain efficient neural networks in a case of 'use it or lose it,'' explained Dr. Bryan James, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush University and lead author of the study.
Spending time with others can also help ward off loneliness and depression — both of which are linked to a higher chance of developing dementia later in life, even for those diagnosed with mental health issues earlier on.
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USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
I explored a new country with 13 strangers. It was my favorite trip.
I couldn't recall the names of any of the restaurants I visited during my weeklong stay in Portugal. What I can tell you is the name, country of origin, profession, and motivations of my 13 travel companions – none of whom I knew prior to setting foot in Europe. Solo travel can be intimidating. Having been on different group trips by myself, it can feel isolating to be the sole person among couples, families, and friend groups. It's always a little awkward during mealtimes when you have to make the choice of asking to sit with someone, harkening to schoolyard fears, or taking a table for yourself and possibly alienating potential friends. "The reason I chose solo (travel) was because where I live, it's seasonal and all the people that I hang around with leave during the summer and there's no one there,' John O'hea told USA TODAY. 'I wanted to meet a bunch of new people and get exposed to different viewpoints, different ideas ... and I haven't been disappointed.' My first meal in Portugal in late July, I sat next to Sydni from California, and we quickly latched on to each other. At least for me, Sydni was homebase – and I'd like to think I was that for her as well – as we explored connections with the rest of the group. It only took one train ride together to get to know half the group. The fact that we were all solo travelers made it so everyone was open to each other and the experience of exploring a new country. It was my first time traveling with G Adventures in their new program "Solo-ish." While the concept is simple – a group of solo travelers sharing an itinerary and sometimes a room – taking the plunge of booking seemed to be the biggest hurdle for most. (Myself included.) 'This was my first time ever traveling solo, and what made it very enticing was the fact that it was solo-ish. So, although I was leaving and arriving alone – I was very nervous to join a group and see if I was going to feel included,' Natalyn Hibbs said. 'I would say, take that leap and join. It's very rewarding and the people that you meet – coming from all different areas – make it a really cool experience, and there's so much you get back from it.' We visited six locations (Lisbon, Cascais, Belem, Nazaré, Amarante and Porto), giving the group a good taste of what makes them unique. At each stop, we had a planned activity that ranged from nature hikes to city food tours to sightseeing via boat. Solo travel is an increasingly popular choice, with 'alone' being now the third most common choice for travel companionship, according to a January survey of 32,106 respondents across 32 countries and territories. Around 21% of global respondents and 29% of U.S. respondents reported that they took a solo trip in 2024. Among those who traveled solo, the freedom to create their itinerary was a key motivator for 38% of global respondents and 30% of Americans. Time for personal reflection and meeting people upon arrival were also strong motivations. 'I think with solo travel in general, the first point is that it does seem to be more people are wanting to do it,' David Stone, Global Head of Sales at Unforgettable Travel Company, told USA TODAY. 'And I think that the stigma that may have been attached to solo travel is almost disappearing now, which is really great.' What to expect from a solo group trip You won't be alone, don't worry. (Unless you want to be.) Our Portugal itinerary was packed with activities that allowed us to experience so much of the country, but every day had some allotted downtime for everyone to do their own thing if they so wished. During our first night, after a walking food tour of Lisbon, half the group decided to keep going and try different pasteis de nata (traditional Portuguese pastry), while the other half took the bus back to the hotel. The next day, during our visit to Cascais and Belem, the group dispersed to whatever appealed the most (views, or hikes), but because we were all solo travelers in a group, you always had someone ready to share a view with you or split a ridiculously large almond pastry. The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), as G Adventures calls their guides, were there not only as shepherds of the group, but also to serve as experts on the area, often recommending where to eat or what to do on our own based on our interests. I do actually remember one of the restaurants (Adega Machado, check them out if you're in Lisbon) because we heard some of the most beautiful live music mere feet from our table, with voices from Isabel Noronha to Pedro Moutinho to Filipa Vieira all in one night. Our G Adventures guide coordinated the experience, and I'm so glad she did because I wouldn't have known otherwise to do that. Solo travel can often place the onus of a copious amount of research on the traveler, but working with a local as our CEO made it so we knew where to go for authentic experiences, avoiding tourist traps, and highlighting important cultural idiosyncrasies we would have otherwise overlooked. Do you look like a tour group when you all walk together? Yes, absolutely. But you need to get over that fear of judgment. From your clothes to the way you do your hair, to your accent, you'll always be a tourist outside of your home – and that's OK. Being a tourist isn't inherently frowned upon; being a bad tourist is. Having a local guide with us, being respectful of the places we visited, and spending our money with locally owned businesses is all we need to do as responsible travelers. Are you ready for a solo trip? Probably not. I don't think anyone is ever ready to put themselves in uncomfortable positions. It's not in our nature to make ourselves vulnerable. But that's where growth happens. Those uncomfortable moments you handle by yourself are the ones that truly reveal who you truly are. 'I think doing like the solo-solo travel where you're not with a group, you're not on a tour, that is definitely intimidating and very challenging, and can be very lonely,' Pavel Orel, another guest, said. 'This trip is like the perfect balance where there's a lot of the structure that's built in, there's a lot of the community that is already here, and there's enough freedom to do whatever.' I consider myself introverted, and this trip was the first time I didn't feel exhausted after talking to people for hours on end. It's an experience quite unlike any other. I'm not saying I will only do solo group trips from now on, but there's something to be said about touching base with yourself in a new environment surrounded by travelers looking to do the same. 'I haven't done a group trip in a while, and most of the group trips I did, I feel like most of the people were pretty immature. And I feel like this trip had people who really know themselves, they feel secure in themselves, and that makes it a safe environment to go deeper into more real stuff. (Compared to what) you would otherwise do surface level when you just meet someone over dinner or something,' Rachel Rosenbaum said. Visiting a new destination with other solo travelers from different countries, backgrounds, ages, and fields only enhances the experience. I walked away from Portugal with an appreciation for the country's relaxed culture, as well as the turns of phrase from South Africans, the kindness of Canadians, the thoughtfulness of Brits, the resilience of Russians, and the tenacity of Americans on the trip with me. I wouldn't have gotten any of that by myself. The reporter on this story received access from G Adventures. USA TODAY maintains editorial control. Josh Rivera is USA TODAY's Senior Consumer Travel Editor. You can reach him at jrivera@
15 hours ago
Experts offer Labor Day travel-booking tips, plus how to score last-minute deals
As Americans prepare to soak up the final holiday weekend of summer before shoulder season, there are plenty of strategies to help make planning and travel during this peak time more manageable. Plus, there's still time to score last-minute deals from flights to stays in a variety of popular destinations. Whether you have an itinerary ready or are looking to enjoy a spontaneous getaway from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, experts across the industry from flight tracking sites to hotel booking platforms shared insights to assist travelers ready to make the most of the holiday weekend. Labor Day travel tips and deals Last year over Labor Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration screened upward of 17 million people, so for anyone taking to the skies -- or eyeing a last-minute flight -- check out these helpful expert tips for all things airport travel and tickets. First and foremost, Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, told ABC News that people should avoid travel on Friday because "it's expected to be the busiest and most expensive day to travel. For fewer crowds and better prices, consider flying on Tuesday, Sept. 2." "Holidays like Labor Day often create hectic airport experiences, and that increased demand typically means higher prices. Travelers who shop around and compare will still find good deals, even when demand is high," she continued. Experts from Expedia Group, which includes the online travel agency platform Expedia, as well as and Vrbo, said all three sites have offers available for travelers in search of a good last-minute deal. Travelers can use the Expedia Flight Deal feature to see last-minute flights -- departing from their home airport to anywhere -- that are at least 20% lower than the typical price. For short term rental stays, Vrbo recently launched "last minute booking" feature to filter and find rentals timed to the holiday weekend. The average airline ticket price is around $260 for Labor Day weekend, according to Expedia historical data. Popular travel destinations for Labor Day 2025 According to Expedia data, the most popular domestic destinations include Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago, Orlando, and Miami. Additionally, college football season is ramping up, with many schools opening their season over Labor Day weekend, sending fans flocking to those cities for game-day getaways. Expedia found increased booking interest in State College, Pennsylvania (+360%); Tallahassee, Florida (+230%); Columbus, Ohio (+90%); and Atlanta, Georgia (+70%). When it comes to mid-sized cities, both Oklahoma City and Greenville, South Carolina, are seeing a spike on Expedia platforms for their affordability and walkable downtown areas. Looking for a family-friendly escape? Midwest and countryside retreats including in Sandusky, Ohio; Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; and Allegan County, Michigan, have all seen an uptick in interest among groups with children. Some international hotspots are also trending. According to Expedia, travelers are increasingly heading abroad to sunny destinations like Nadi, Fiji (+150%), and Taormina, Sicily (+65%). Closer-to-home destinations like San José del Cabo, Mexico City (+55%) and St. Lucia (+45%) are also trending up. Expert tips for easier Labor Day travel For the best booking experience, keep the tips below in mind. Activate price alerts Activating price alerts -- whether with Skyscanner, Google Flights or another platform -- can be a game-changer for getting a great deal. In some cases, if you've already booked a ticket, the notification could help you rebook or get a refund for the fare difference from the airline, depending on the ticket type and policy. Travel opposite of the crowd, compare domestic and international flights With most Americans inclined to stay in the states for these holiday weekends, Lindsay said "you may also find cheaper flights to Europe compared to popular domestic destinations." "When domestic travel demand is high, like it is during Labor Day weekend in the U.S., international destinations may be a better deal," Lindsay said. "When you search for flights on Skyscanner, you can filter flights by price, duration, number of layovers and more. Plus, get detailed information on baggage policies, amenities and user reviews for informed choices." Be flexible with location or opt for alternative destinations Flexibility with your travel destination is key, as it lets you capitalize on discounts and explore unique, crowd-free experiences. You can use Skyscanner's "Search Everywhere" feature, Lindsay said, to find lesser-known gems and savings. For example, instead of Paris, try Lyon or Marseille for an affordable taste of French culture. Opt for Eindhoven or Rotterdam in the Netherlands instead of Amsterdam, or explore Fukuoka or Sapporo in Japan instead of Tokyo. Mix and match flights "Round-trip flights aren't always the cheapest. Sometimes you save more by booking two one-way tickets, allowing you to mix and match airlines," Lindsay said. "Search for both round-trip and one-way itineraries to see which flights price out the best." Consider nearby airports Much like being flexible with a destination, check out options for flying into or out of nearby airports to find a better deal and potentially save on airfare. "It offers travelers more flexibility and the opportunity to explore different airport options, especially if you live in an area with multiple airports nearby or are flying to a destination with more than one option," Lindsay said. "For example, if you want to fly to Miami, you can choose that airport or fly into Ft. Lauderdale, which is just 26 miles north. And if you're heading to Manhattan, there are three New York City area airports." New Avis option to save time, skip the counter Just in time for the holiday weekend, Avis announced a new premium service that allows customers to skip the shuttle and rental counter and get concierge service to a luxury vehicle instead. For those using the new option, travelers will receive a welcome message through the Avis app and be greeted by a personal concierge who will take them to their rental vehicle. The return is equally frictionless, allowing Avis First customers to pull up to departures, hand off the keys, and head straight to their gate. The new class of rental is rolling out at select airports -- Denver, Honolulu, and Palm Beach -- as well as major cities including Manhattan, Hoboken, Jersey City, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Labor Day marks start of shoulder season, savings in paradise The period between peak summer and winter holiday travel seasons is typically slower for tourism both domestic and abroad. According to Vrbo, Hawaii is the top shoulder season destination of 2025. September and October bring lower airfare, fewer tourists and crowds, and a significant drop in the price of rentals, according to Vrbo, with the average daily rates for vacation rentals 30% lower compared to December.
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Forbes
Portugal Golden Visa: Americans Benefit From Key Court Ruling In 2025
Aerial view of Poiso forest, Madeira Island, Portugal. getty The Portugal golden visa program has become a top choice for Americans seeking residency abroad, and recent constitutional rulings have further strengthened the program. In 2024, Forbes named Portugal the best golden visa program for investors because of the speed towards citizenship, coupled with the minimum requirement of spending two weeks in the country every year. Like every other EU golden visa, holders have access to free movement in all 27 EU countries and the Schengen area beyond, but Portugal also offers a great healthcare and education system, and social services. When Spain closed its program, both Portugal and Greece were big winners. For example, Greek government figures highlighted a monthly increase in American applications from 302 to 383 by November 2024. (Greece has one of the fastest golden visa processes, granting residency within 60 days.) By June 2025, the Portuguese government had seen a 72% increase in approvals, with Americans being the main recipients, according to information from the country's Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, AIMA. The government approved a record number of applicants, 4,987 more than the previous year. Portugal's golden visa program has raised more than $7.2 billion (€7 billion) since it was created in 2012, and most participants have been Chinese, Brazilian, and U.S. nationals. Non-Europeans can apply for fast-track residency through various options in Portugal, including a minimum $525,000 (€500,000) investment in eligible funds. The program allowed people to apply for citizenship five years after enrolling in the golden visa program. Vida Capital is a Lisbon-based golden visa fund that has seen an immense increase in American interest in gaining Portuguese citizenship over the past year—a 571% increase in traffic from the U.S. in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024. Since 2019, the foreign population in Portugal has almost tripled to 1.6 million, which accounts for about 15% of the total population, as per Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. In June 2025, the government announced plans to toughen up on how people gain residency, and it was unclear how that would impact the golden visa program. For example, the government voted to extend the period required for a foreigner to obtain citizenship to as many as 10 years from the current five (reduced to seven years for individuals hailing from the so-called Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, such as Brazil). The government also voted on introducing a need to really understand the Portuguese language and culture before acquiring a passport. Vida Capital has seen a 116% bump in U.S. traffic since the government announced citizenship these changes in June. The Constitutional Ruling Favours The Portugal Golden Visa Program The Portuguese constitutional courts this week blocked several proposals of the upcoming Foreigner's Law that the government was planning to introduce namely that all immigrants to the country would have to undergo a two-year waiting period before bringing family members to Portugal and limiting reunification to spouses and minor children. The court upheld the rights of golden visa applicants and added that AIMA must continue processing golden visa family reunification applications under the existing favorable rules. Alex Ohnona, co-founder of Vida Capital said, "the constitutional court's ruling this week actually strengthens the case to move forward now. It signals that golden visa investors will maintain their special status, including family benefits, regardless of broader immigration reforms." Tomás Assis Teixeira, a partner at CCA Law in Porto, agreed that the ruling reinforced the golden visa status. "The Court notably didn't challenge the privileged treatment of golden visa holders compared to other visa types, and specifically preserved full family reunification rights for golden visa investors, including spouses, children, and dependent parents. This demonstrates Portugal's commitment to maintaining the programme's competitive advantages." Joana Mendonça, General Counsel of Global Citizen Solutions, a consultancy specializing in residency and citizenship by investment, added that "by upholding differential treatment for investors and skilled professionals, the court has confirmed that strategic economic policy objectives can coexist with constitutional equality principles when properly structured." The Arguments For And Against A Golden Visa Program Golden visa programs allow non-nationals to gain citizenship or residency in a country through investment. Critics argue that golden visas allow applicants to bypass residency requirements that apply to the rest of the population, such as language proficiency and the need to be in a country for a specific duration before applying. Many EU countries have closed their programs because critics also argue that they sometimes enable corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Advocates argue they bring in outside investment, injecting much needed foreign capital into a country's economy. Another reason golden visas are seen as divisive is that one of the ways that many golden visa programs offer residency is in exchange for investment in real estate. Analysts and incensed locals see these as one of the main contributing drivers of increased property prices. In 2023, Portugal removed the part of the program that offered golden visas through real estate purchases, and it was a contributing factor as to why Spain closed its program entirely in April 2025. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the vast majority of these visas, 94%, were granted in connection with real estate investments in already strained housing markets. The current surge in American interest stems from many affluent families looking for a Plan B in respect of residency. However, as Forbes noted in 2025, U.S. applicants need to consider the additional cost of application fees, biometrics, and residence card issuance fees, due diligence costs, and renewal fees (every 2 years). Americans would also be liable for double taxation if they were to stay in Portugal for more than 183 days a year. Plus, to obtain actual citizenship, a language level of A2 in Portuguese would be required, as would a clean criminal record. One thing is clear, however. With European programs few and far between, interest in the Portugal golden visa will endure. Indeed, some industry insiders would go further, believing that the ruling might allow for the introduction of more favorable elements that would make it even more attractive. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How Retirement Visas For U.S. Expats Compare, Based On New Data By Alex Ledsom Forbes What It Means To Be Wealthy In Panama By Alex Ledsom Forbes The Prettiest Village In France, Voted By The French—In Pictures By Alex Ledsom
