Alpine vacations and their associations with self-reported health parameters

Although Alpine regions are popular destinations, the associations between leisure vacations and subjective psychological health parameters are little researched. This study examined changes in self-reported health parameters during a vacation in Tyrol and the roles of vacation duration, physical activity, and nature exposure. In a longitudinal study, 104 vacationers (age: 47.20 ± 11.99 years) were surveyed before, during, and after their stay on well-being, quality of life, stress experience, and sleep quality; physical activity and nature exposure were also assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed significant improvements across all health parameters (p < .05), with some benefits persisting two weeks post-vacation. While vacation duration was not related to health parameters, multiple linear regression indicated a positive association between environmental naturalness and well-being (p = .005,β = 0.32). Vacations in the Tyrolean Alps may thus serve as an effective, low-threshold health promotion strategy, with vacation duration appearing to be secondary. Tourism stakeholders should develop nature-based offerings that emphasize the qualitative features of mountain environments.