The recent pandemic made us realize how much we miss traveling. It brought out cabin fever, and we felt stuck in a rut like in the Groundhog Day movie. However, the recent rush for traveling, combined with poor service and inclement weather, has made us think twice before planning our long-awaited vacation.
The author loves to visit state capitol Buildings.
How can travel can boost our happiness?
- Planning a trip creates happiness. Positive anticipation and savoring the details bring joy. In a recent survey, 97% of respondents reported that planning a trip makes them happier. For 90% of people, the best and happiest vacations were those planned more than one month in advance. The key to anticipation is mindfulness. Do not over-plan and anticipate that something will go wrong.
- Escape from your daily grind. When you travel, you have the opportunity to escape from your daily routine and explore new environments. This change of scenery can be invigorating and help reduce stress levels. It broadens your perspective.
- Traveling can be fun: Rush of making it to the place by various modes of transportation can be a hassle, but navigating those uncertainties and realizing that forces are beyond your control boosts confidence. In a way, you may be helped by a stranger’s kindness or pampered unexpectedly, which can also give you joy and boost your confidence.
- Exposures to different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. The recent trend in experiential travel can broaden your perspective and help you appreciate the world’s diversity. You may find that your opinions and beliefs are challenged, which can be a valuable experience for personal growth and development.
- It creates new memories. Traveling allows you to create new memories you can cherish forever. Whether exploring a new city, trying fresh foods, or meeting new people, these experiences can enrich and bring happiness to your life. Savoring the details of a trip and sharing them with others or just reminiscing is another way to keep that happiness going.
- It can improve your relationships and help you make new friends. Traveling with others can be a wonderful way to strengthen relationships, allowing you to spend quality time with the people you care about. These shared experiences—both happy and challenging—can bring you closer together and create lasting bonds. In terms of what we remember from our travels, 55.9% recall time spent with family and friends, followed by how the food tasted at 53.21% and the people they met at 47.7%.
- It can inspire creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. Travel experiences can ignite creativity and fuel your imagination by exposing you to new art, architecture, cuisine, and culture. Upon returning from a trip, you might feel more inspired and motivated to pursue your passions.
The negative side of traveling: Poorly planned and stressful vacations eliminate the positive benefit of time away. Delays and disruption, Security, safety and health concerns, cultural shock, and recovery from traveling and fatigue keep many of us happy at home. A joyous, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and more meaning in your life. However, watch out for set theory and hedonic treadmill, as travel happiness does not usually last long.
My advice: Plan your vacation, but you can’t plan everything. Seek assistance from an agent, friend, or locals. Be aware that something might go wrong, and expect unexpected jolts and surprises. Being together is more important than the trip itself. Expand your horizons and be adaptable; focus on an immersive vacation rather than a superficial tour to truly understand the local culture and traditions. Return safely, and be sure to share your experiences without boasting. Whether you travel or stay home, your happiness depends on you.
Tarak Vasavada, MD
Medical director,
Live Well Foundation of Madison County Medical Society