YoUr Next Vacation CoUld Save YoUr Life

Research suggests that vacation can reduce the risk of heart disease, depression, and a host of other ills...and even slow the aging process. So, here's you can do to make your next ESCAPE as salubrious as possible.

A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED: trips of several days or more are the most restorative. Taking fewer trips of longer duration is better for you than taking multiple mini-holidays.

MAXIMIZE YOUR FREE TIME: any type of commitment-meeting with friends or family, cheking e-mails or even following an itinerary-will reduce the curative effects of travel. Freedom from obligations is key to a healthy holiday.

CHOOSE A RESORT OR CRUISE OVER A REMOTE CABIN IN THE WOODS: we might crave time alone, but making new aquaintances has been shown to increase the restorative power of a vacation. So go ahead and attend the manager's party it's good for you.

GET OFF YOUR BEACH CHAIR: you'll feel more rejuvenated if you incorporate a moderate amount of physical activity like regular walking tours or other light exercise into your vacation than if you spend the whole time lounging.

KEEP IT WARM AND LIGHT: we don't need scientific research to figure this one out, but studies confirm that, in general, staying in a sunny destination provides greater health benefits than staying in one that has shorter days.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!