What is it About Travel That Makes Us Happy?
I have always thought that planning a trip is half the fun. It is full of anticipation, research, and visualizing what we might do, teleporting us to our trip long before we arrive. This phase is not just logistical—it’s emotional. It’s about imagining the adventure, the relaxation, or the joy of exploring something new. We’re already mentally engaging with the trip as we discuss what we might need to pack, ventures we might want to set up, and how our travel time will go. This imaginative exercise provides real happiness, even before the journey begins.
There’s scientific evidence behind the spark of happiness you feel during this process. When planning a trip, we experience small hits of dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine rewards us for envisioning future pleasure, creating a sense of optimism and excitement. In a way, our minds transport us to that anticipated beach, bustling city, or serene mountain retreat, making the joy feel real and immediate.
Anticipation: The Most Potent Phase
Taking the planning to the next step—looking at destinations, reading travel guides, and browsing photos—further engages our imagination. This process creates a sense of excitement and possibility as we start to visualize ourselves in these desired locations. Imagine yourself walking barefoot on a sandy beach, hearing the waves crash, or strolling through a vibrant marketplace filled with colors and scents. These visualizations trigger your brain to release even more dopamine, giving you a small taste of the joy you expect to experience.
Interestingly, research shows that the majority of happiness associated with travel happens before the trip even begins. Studies comparing pre-trip, on-trip, and post-trip happiness reveal that anticipation significantly boosts our emotional well-being. (Klurman, 2022)
Even if the trip is months away, this anticipatory joy, often referred to as the work of the “anticipation molecule” (dopamine), improves our mood and enhances our overall outlook. (Classic Journey, 2020)
The Trip Itself: A Feast for the Senses
While the anticipation phase is a powerhouse of happiness, the trip itself provides its own unique set of benefits. Being on vacation allows us to step out of our routines, engage with new environments, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. Physically, vacations can lower stress hormones like cortisol, improve sleep, and offer opportunities for physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or simply walking in nature.
Emotionally, the trip provides moments of awe and joy that come from encountering new sights, cultures, and experiences. These moments foster mindfulness as we become fully present and absorbed in the beauty of the moment. On vacations, time often feels like it slows down, offering a reprieve from the hurried pace of daily life.
Post-Trip: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
After the trip ends, the happiness doesn’t disappear—it transforms. Reflecting on memories, revisiting photos, and sharing stories with friends and family allow us to relive the joy of the experience. These reflections provide a sense of accomplishment, nostalgia, and gratitude, which can sustain positive feelings long after the trip is over.
Why Travel Works So Well for the Brain
Vacations are so effective at making us happy because they touch on multiple aspects of well-being:
- Mental Escape: Stepping away from daily routines allows our minds to reset and recharge.
- New Experiences: Travel exposes us to novelty, which stimulates the brain and fosters creativity.
- Connection: Whether traveling alone or with others, vacations often deepen our sense of connection—with ourselves, with loved ones, or with the world around us.
- Self-Care: Vacations remind us to prioritize rest, relaxation, and enjoyment, which are essential for emotional health.
To maximize the benefits of travel and make the most of the happiness that travel can bring, consider these tips:
1. Savor the Anticipation: Spend time planning, researching, and daydreaming about your trip. The joy is in the journey, even before it begins.
2. Be Present During the Trip: Focus on the moment rather than trying to capture the perfect photo or worrying about what’s next.
3. Reflect and Relive: After the trip, take time to revisit memories, share stories, and reflect on how the experience enriched your life.
Travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s a journey for the mind, body, and soul. From the excitement of planning to the sensory richness of the trip itself and the nostalgia of reflecting on the experience, each phase contributes to our happiness in unique ways. In a world that often feels rushed and routine, travel is a powerful way to reconnect with joy, curiosity, and the world around us.
Works Cited:
Classic Journey. (2020, August 14). The science of happy travelers. Retrieved from Classic Journeys: https://www.classicjourneys.com/blog/science-of-happy-travelers/
Klurman, M. (2022, October 10). How planning travel can be a bona fide mood booster. Retrieved from The Points guy: https://thepointsguy.com/travel/world-mental-health-day-travel-mood-booster
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janie Pfeifer Watson
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner- Janie Pfeifer Watson, LICSW, is the founder and director of Wholeness Healing Center, a mental health practice in Grand Island, Nebraska with remote sites in Broken Bow and Kearney. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including depression, anxiety, attachment and bonding, coaching, couples work, mindfulness, trauma, and grief. She views therapy as an opportunity to learn more about yourself as you step more into being your authentic self. From her perspective this is part of the spiritual journey; on this journey, she serves as a mirror for her clients as they get to know themselves—and, ultimately, to love themselves.
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