Science Behind Travel Making Us Happier
Travel has always been a personal source of happiness for me throughout life. During the course of research when I was working on a thesis for a Masters in Sociology, I realized how sociologically important travel was not only to the traveler, but also to the host (or town, culture, etc). Travel changes us in significant ways and we also change the places we travel to through our interactions.
I feel that the travel-happiness connection is so important that I even named our blog after it because I have experienced the joy and power of travel in my own life!
Travel experiences are a constant source of joy and learning for through these interactions and exposures to new cultures, foods, people, and spaces.
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So, can travel really make us happier?
- Science Behind Travel Making Us Happier
- So, can travel really make us happier?
- Travel Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Mindful Travel: Tips to Maximize Joy
- How to Keep the Travel Happiness Going
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) About Happiness and Travel:
- Essential Items for Every Trip Packing List
- Bottom Line on Travel and Happiness
- Keep Reading for More Travel Tips
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The Science of Travel and Happiness
The connection between travel and happiness is not just anecdotal—it’s backed by science! According to the 2022 Beach Happy Report, not only does travel itself boost happiness, but so does planning a trip and reminiscing about past adventures. The act of planning a vacation increases our brain’s endorphins, making us feel happier even before we hit the road. Plus, surrounding ourselves with travel memories, like displaying trip photos or keepsakes, continues to elevate our mood long after the journey ends. (We love putting our trip photos on canvas from Canvasdiscount!)
Some ways we use the exact findings above is to plan more travel, of course, but we’ll also have a dessert or cocktail that reminds us of a place (hello, Key Lime Pie), go through vacation photos and think of the past, but also think of a future trip, and talk about travel experiences with friends and loved ones (and of course write blog posts about travel).
Also, check out our trip planning tips article to help plan your next vacation and find out ways to pack with only carry-on luggage for a less stressful airport experience!
Here are some more specific ideas and research on how travel can make us happier:
Travel Reduces Stress and Anxiety
A Forbes article by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher titled “This is Your Brain on Travel” highlights how travel can rewire our brains, boosting neuroplasticity and improving mood. This rewiring of our brains helps us reset mentally, reducing stress and even combating depression.
Travel has been shown to prolong happiness.
Prolonging joy and happiness with travel is a great benefit! Tourism Research findings in a 2020 longitudinal travel study by Jangwook Kwan and Hoon Lee found that subjective happiness actually rises in the 15 days before and a month after a trip or vacation (Tourism Management Vol 76, 2-2020). That is exactly when the anticipation for the trip is at it’s peak and the “looking back” period when you return and reflect on the joy of an amazing trip. We usually use this time to plan another trip, of course.
Yet another study found that interactions with others during a trip, rest during the trip, and how one gets around influence happiness (Chen, et al, Travel Behavior in Society, Vol 16, 7-2019). This reinforces the idea of planning a vacation with an enjoyable pace so that stress doesn’t creep in on your adventure.
Cultural Immersion and Happiness
One of the most profound aspects of travel is cultural immersion. Whether it’s tasting authentic street food in Bangkok or learning traditional dance moves in Mexico, experiencing other cultures broadens our perspectives and enhances personal growth. Studies indicate that the more immersed we become in new cultures, the more positive our outlook on life becomes.
Social Connections While Traveling
Forming connections with locals or fellow travelers adds an extra dimension to our happiness. Human interactions during trips foster a sense of belonging and create lifelong memories, reinforcing the happiness gained from the journey.
So, not only do we love to travel, science supports the idea that travel can actually make us happier! The simple act of travel is taking positive action that will enhance our well being beyond just staying in one location. There are so many options for joyful travel experiences! It is a way to embrace everything the world has to offer!
Travel is also great for empty nesters (we have a guide)! It is great for weekend girls trips to Charleston too!
Mindful Travel: Tips to Maximize Joy
- Savor the Planning Phase: Research your destination and get excited about what you’ll see and do.
- Be Present: Avoid spending too much time on your phone—immerse yourself in the experience.
- Connect with Locals: Learn a few basic phrases of the local language and engage in conversations.
- Collect Memories, Not Just Souvenirs: Take photos and write down small moments that made you smile.
Travel and Mental Health: A Deeper Look
Travel doesn’t just make us happy—it’s a natural mood booster. In fact, a recent travel study conducted with rural Wisconsin women showed that those who took at least two trips a year reported less depression and happier marriages compared to those who did not travel.
Taking our mental health seriously is an important part of staying healthy and travel even helps in this area. Yet another recent travel study found that respondants who had not traveled over the previous year were 71% more likely to suffer from depression the following year.
These results just underscore how important travel can be and how connected our experiences are to happiness.
Exploring new places can have positive effects on our psyche and enhance our personalities by getting us out of our comfort zones. Even WebMd has a section on how travel can improve our mental health.
Research also found that planning a soul-nourishing beach vacation can be good for us too!
How to Keep the Travel Happiness Going
- Relive Your Trips: Create photo books or canvas prints of your favorite travel photos.
- Plan Mini-Adventures: Even small weekend getaways can bring a burst of happiness.
- Cook a Meal from Your Favorite Destination: Food can bring back memories and joy.
- Stay Connected: Share your travel stories online or with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) About Happiness and Travel:
Yes, studies have shown that travel can significantly boost happiness. Not only does the experience itself increase well-being, but even planning and anticipating a trip can enhance mood. Additionally, reflecting on travel memories keeps the positive emotions alive long after returning home.
Planning a trip triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing endorphins and dopamine. This excitement builds anticipation and can create happiness even before the journey begins. Looking forward to new experiences is a natural mood booster!
Yes, travel has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and combat depression. Studies indicate that taking at least two trips a year is linked to lower rates of depression and higher overall well-being, especially for those who actively engage with new environments.
You can keep the travel happiness going by reminiscing through photos and souvenirs, sharing stories with friends, and even recreating meals from your favorite destinations. Planning the next trip also keeps the excitement alive!
Essential Items for Every Trip Packing List
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Travel walking can mean 8-10 miles a day without even realizing it. Our comfy shoe pics are these comfortable Sketchers go-walk ones or our favorite Birkenstock Gizeh sandals from Amazon!
- Portable Phone Charger – Between taking photos, using the map app, and mobile ordering, your phone battery will drain quickly. Bring a portable phone fast charger (amazon has this great inexpensive one) to ensure you stay connected and don’t miss out on capturing magical travel moments.
- Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important. Pack a refillable water bottle that’s lightweight and will keep you hydrated by using so you can utilize public water stations all day. Check out this inexpensive collapsible water bottle 2 pack on Amazon!
- Travel-Sized Cooling Towel – Vacation sun can be intense, even in cooler months. A cooling towel can help keep you refreshed during those long walking days. Just wet it, wring it out, and drape it around your neck for an instant cool-down. This budget-friendly 4-pack travel cooling towel set on Amazon can be clipped onto a bag or belt loop!
- Lightweight Backpack – A comfortable, lightweight backpack is essential for carrying all your day essentials without feeling weighed down. Check out this budget-friendly packable lightweight backpack with pockets on Amazon!
- Travel Laundry sink wash kit – Soap Suds 👗 are TSA approved and will help you pack lighter because you can wash clothes as your trip progresses. (on Amazon)
Bottom Line on Travel and Happiness
Travel is more than just a way to see the world—it’s a powerful tool for boosting happiness and well-being. Whether it’s a grand vacation or a short day trip, planning and reflecting on these experiences enhances mood and builds lifelong memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure and experience the joy of travel!
Does traveling make you feel happier? Scroll down and let us know in the comments below.