A Proven Way to More Happieness
We know that travel comes with tons of great benefits. You get to spend time with people you love. You get to see, try and do new things. You get to relax away from the pressures of work and everyday life. You get the thrill of realizing dreams you may have had for years.
As it turns out, travel is also the best way to spend your money. Of all the things you can buy, the experience of traveling gives you the most bang for your buck. Hands down. That is because all the great elements of travel have been proven to make people happier.
And even more than that, every part of the travel experience — before, during, and after — is more satisfying, more enjoyable, and has longer-lasting positive effects than buying stuff. Memories really do last a lifetime.
In 2003, Thomas Gilovich published his landmark study called “To Do or To Have? That Is the Question” – a study that, almost 20 years later, continues to influence social psychology and the study of what brings us true contentment. Gilovich looked at how economic choices affect well-being and analyzed the differences between experiential and material purchases on human happiness. His unexpected discovery has changed the way we look at our buying habits: Across the board, doing things makes people way happier than having things.
The reason for this is that we get to live and re-live the joy of experiences. Buying an expensive TV or even a new car gives a momentary spike in good feelings that lasts for a few days. However when you take an amazing trip, you get the memories AND the good experience together. Every time you think of that trip or you see something that reminds you of it, like the picture on your desktop, your brain registers those joyful times and releases mood-enhancing chemicals that make you feel like you’re re-living the happiness of the experience itself. It stays with you, and you get to access it whenever you want.
Think about it…don’t you still remember the feeling you had when you took your favorite vacation as a kid? The fun, the excitement, the adventure! I sure do! In fact, see that smile? That’s my “Disney Smile” and it’s been showing up for the last 35+ years every time I travel there.
It’s not like we need another reason to start planning that dream trip, but even the anticipation of experiences outdoes the lead-up to material purchases. People waiting in line to get tickets to an event are happier and more excited than those who are waiting in line to buy something.
So, even something as boring as waiting in line is more fun when it’s connected to your travel experience. But it makes sense when you think of it, doesn’t it? Say you’re waiting to get your passport photo taken. Associated with that time are thoughts of where you’re going to go, what you’re going to see, and all the adventure that awaits. When you’re planning that trip with your Travel Advisor, you get to make progress, take steps towards realizing your dream, and each step is actually a part of the adventure itself. Honestly, that’s a big reason why I went into this profession. I get to live vicariously through you and share in your joy and excitement.
As travelers, we know the many positive benefits of getting out and seeing the world. Now we can feel even better knowing that those benefits continue to improve our lives, long after the trip is over.
Are you convinced? Ready to start taking the steps towards your next travel adventure? Let’s do it!
