Top 10 Reasons Why Travel Makes Us So Happy

Whether you’re on a budget or you’re willing to spend a pretty penny on a luxury vacation, as long as you see the world in some form or fashion, you’ll be happier. Here are 10 reasons to get out and explore:

1. Travel is a catalyst for stress relief

There’s no doubt a change of scenery can leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. One or two days into their trip, 89% of travellers observe a significant decrease in their stress levels. This was one of the findings of a study by the Global Commission on Aging and the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies and the U.S. Travel Association.

2. We experience self-discovery when we travel

As we step away from our daily lives, we gain an opportunity to connect with our “true” selves. Trips offer us a chance to get some headspace as we explore not just our destination but also our path to lasting fulfillment.

3. Spending money on experiences gives us lasting happiness

According to a study done by Cornell University in 2017, we are happier when we spend our money on experiences rather than on material things. It turns out our initial excitement over the purchase of a physical object fades once we get into the habit of using it. With experiences, however, our satisfaction increases over time because the memories are a part of us.

4. We expand our horizons when we visit new places

Travel inspires us to understand the world and its possibilities in a whole new light. This can stimulate our creativity and imagination, leading us to achieve things we may never have ordinarily attempted. We become bolder as it becomes easier to overcome the fear of the unknown.

5. Travel boosts our self-confidence

65% of travellers surveyed by Booking.com indicated that their first experience in a new place boosted their confidence and that’s no surprise. When you’re visiting a foreign land, you’ll often amaze yourself as you navigate challenges on your own. This can work wonders for your self-confidence!

6. Travellers tend to be more open-minded

Over time, in the course of your travels your experiences will dispel many myths and stereotypes. Travellers tend to be more empathetic than those who stay at home and this strength serves them well in their daily lives.

7. Globetrotting makes us more adaptable

The ability to adapt to whatever life throws at you is an asset. Trips are usually full of surprises and by necessity seasoned travellers learn to adapt quickly. At work or home, or in any situation, you’ll find life less stressful as a result.

8. Travel helps us age better

The results are in - travelling is good for our health and longevity! A study conducted by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association revealed, for example, that women who vacation every six years or less are more likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease, as opposed to those who vacation at least twice a year.

9. We gain a new perspective on our problems

When we travel, we aren’t wrapped up in our day-to-day problems. It becomes easier to gain clarity and see the big picture from a new perspective. Before you know it, you can find the solution that had eluded you all along.

10. Travel connects us as social beings

Human beings are social creatures. We tend to meet fascinating people when we travel and sometimes we have the opportunity to support communities in the destination, which satisfies our desire to make a difference in the world.