There’s no doubt in our minds that seeing the world is good for your morale. Going on vacation keeps a smile on our face before, during, and long after departure. What’s more, the mental health benefits and memories we gain from exploring new destinations are numerous. Here are 10 reasons why travel makes us so happy.
1. Science suggests travel is the secret to happiness
At least, that’s the conclusion drawn from a 2017 study by Cornell University. According to researchers, spending money on experiences, rather than on material possessions, makes us significantly happier. The reason? We “adapt” to objects, meaning the joy of a new purchase fades as we get used to it. Travel experiences, on the other hand, continue to bring us joy every time we reminisce about them.
2. Traveling increases self-confidence
According to a Booking.com study reported by Marie Claire, 65% of travellers surveyed found that their first experiences abroad boosted their confidence. Amandine Legrand, a psychologist and author of the blog Un sac sur le dos, believes that travel is excellent for self-esteem because it offers endless opportunities to challenge yourself without external pressure and at your own pace.
3. Discover yourself through new horizons
Travelling, especially solo travel, is a unique opportunity to discover your limits and broaden your horizons. Visiting a new place allows us to reconnect with our inner “selves” and our true desires, free from the influence of people who think they already know us. As you explore the world, you explore yourself. The inner journey is just as important as the physical one!
4. Globetrotters adapt more easily to change
The ability to adapt to any situation is an essential requirement for many employers today. The soft skills we gain on the road—like problem-solving and flexibility—are incredibly useful in the workplace. Travellers are generally perceived by recruiters as resourceful, brave, and highly adaptable.
5. Travel promotes open-mindedness and empathy
On the road, we quickly learn how cultural references shape our worldview. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes to better understand their perspective enlarges our field of vision. Engaging with different mindsets, values, and ideas can be unsettling at first, but it ultimately makes us stronger and more open-minded over time.
6. A way to take a step back and gain perspective
Sometimes, getting away provides much-needed distance to see a life problem in a new light. It’s not about running away from difficulties; it’s about giving yourself a “time-out” to re-evaluate. Being confronted with other realities is a powerful opportunity to reset your priorities and learn to put things into perspective.
7. Regular vacations help keep you young
Travelling keeps you healthy! This was revealed by a study from the Global Commission on Aging and the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association. According to results reported by the Los Angeles Times, women who vacation only every six years or less are more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who travel at least twice a year.
8. Learning a foreign language boosts brain power
Travelling to a new country is the perfect excuse to practice a new language. According to a study in the Journal of Neurolinguistics by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, learning a foreign language is excellent for your neurons. Some experts even suggest that bilingualism can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, mastering a second language is a valuable asset on any CV.
9. Traveling leaves you feeling more zen
If you want to reduce stress, a change of scenery is the best medicine. According to research by the U.S. Travel Association, 89% of travellers observe a significant decrease in their stress levels after just one or two days of vacation. The real challenge is holding on to that zen mindset once you’re back home!
10. Travel memories are truly priceless
According to a survey conducted by Booking.com across 17 countries, 49% of participants stated that travel brings them more happiness than their wedding day did. Maybe it’s because we get to travel more often than we get married? At least, we hope so!
