There’s no doubt in our minds that travelling is good for our morale. Going on vacation keeps a smile on our face, before, during and long after departure. What’s more, the benefits – and memories – we gain from travelling are numerous. Here are 10 reasons why travel makes us so happy.
1- According to science, travel is the secret to happiness
At least, that’s the assumption we’d like to make after discovering the results of a study done by Cornell University in 2017. According to researchers, spending money on experiences, rather than on physical objects, makes us happier. The reason? We “adapt” to objects, which means that the happiness we feel following a purchase fades over time once we get used to it. Experiences, on the other hand, continue to bring us joy every time we think about them.
2- Travel increases self-confidence
According to a study by Booking.com, reported by Marie Claire, 65% of travellers surveyed find that their first experiences abroad boosted their confidence. Amandine Legrand, a psychologist and blogger at Un sac sur le dos, believes that travel is good for self-confidence because it offers many opportunities to excel without external pressures and at your own pace.
3- Travel allows us to get to know ourselves better
Travelling, especially solo, is an opportunity to discover our own limits and broaden our horizons. Visiting a new place allows us to reconnect with our inner “selves” and what we really want, without the influence of our entourage. This lets us explore the world, all while exploring ourselves. What we’re trying to say is, the inner journey is just as important as the physical journey!
4- Globetrotters adapt more easily
Being able to adapt to any situation is an essential requirement for many employers. The experiences we gain on the road can also be useful at work. Travellers are generally perceived as resourceful and brave.
5- Travel gives us a sense of open-mindedness
On the road, we quickly learn that cultural references help shape our image of the world. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes to better understand them enlarges our field of vision. Engaging with other mind-sets, values and ideas can be unsettling at first, but it ultimately makes us stronger and more open over time.
6- Travel helps us take a step back
Sometimes, getting away provides much-needed distance in order to see a problem in a new light. We’re not talking about running away from our problems, but rather, giving ourselves a break in order to solve a problem. Being confronted with other realities is also an opportunity to re-evaluate our priorities and learn to put things into perspective.
7- Going on vacation keeps us young
Travelling keeps us healthy! This was revealed by a study done by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association. According to the results, reported by the Los Angeles Times, women who vacation every six years or less are, for example, more likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease, as opposed to those who vacation at least twice a year.
8- You’ll master at least one foreign language
Travelling to a new country can be difficult if you don’t speak the language. Good thing learning a foreign language is excellent for our neurons, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurolinguistics by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. Some people even say that bilingualism delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease! Not to mention the fact that mastering one or more foreign languages is a valuable asset on a CV.
9- Travel leaves us feeling more zen
According to a study done by the Global Commission on Aging and the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies and the U.S. Travel Association, after one or two days, 89% of travellers observe a significant decrease in their stress levels. The challenge remains holding on to this mindset once back home!
10- Travel memories are priceless
According to a survey conducted by Booking.com in 17 countries, 49% of participants stated that travel brings them more happiness than their wedding day did. Maybe it’s because we travel more often than we get married? Or at least, we hope so!
