Can Vacations Actually Increase Your Happiness? Answer: It Depends

Vacations are meant to boost our health and happiness. Is that always the case?

(Anticipation) x (Vacation Experiences) - (Travel Stress) = Happiness

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

It's no surprise that researchers have found that the happiness butterfly has been keeping a low profile for the past couple of years. During the Covid pandemic, Americans' happiness levels have dropped to a 50-year low (NORC at U of Chicago study).

One antidote to the stress and uncertainty we're all experiencing? Planning a vacation.

Vacation Planning Makes You Happy

Vacation planning is excellent for our mental health.

A recent study by the Institute for Applied Research finds that planning travel creates happiness. In the findings, 97% of respondents say having a trip planned makes them happier. Knowing there's something to look forward to brings them joy, and making plans eases the uncertainty they're feeling.

Just getting a vacation on the calendar brings our attention to the wonder and delight that only travel can offer. The anticipation is a big part of the magic. As we dream and plan, our happiness and optimism get a boost. Making vacation plans with friends and family multiplies the benefit.

Problem solved? Maybe not.

Researchers in the Netherlands found that most people were not happier after a vacation.

Wait, what?

Vacation Stress Undermines Your Happiness

Being lost and confused while traveling zaps the pleasure from vacation.

It turns out that all the positive benefits of getting away - the relaxation, exploration, connection - can be effectively wiped out by one thing: travel stress.

Travelers who return from badly planned vacations are no happier than when they left. They feel confused, stressed out by navigating unfamiliar surroundings, and frustrated by all of the details they're managing.

When the Harvard Business Review looked at this study, their #1 piece of advice was: "instead of suffering, ask for help. Find a good travel agent to plan some of this for you."

Great advice, says the professional Travel Advisor. You may wonder, how exactly can I help make your vacation better?

Why use a Travel Advisor?

A Travel Advisor manages all the details so you can fully enjoy your vacation.

As a full-service Travel Advisor, I'm a Vacation Stressbuster. I specialize in managing the details that cause travel stress by:

• researching flights, accommodations, guides, drivers, and rental vehicles that match your travel style and preferences

• handling the logistics of booking, confirming, and reconfirming your travel arrangements and activities

• making sure you're squared away with travel insurance, travel documents, and health protocols

• most importantly, helping you bring home as cherished memories all the experiences and feelings you're dreaming of

I help you meet your travel goals, whether it's maximizing your time to get the most out of your destination or by finding a balance between touring and relaxation.

As a Virtuoso Advisor, I partner with exceptional in-country partners and the world's finest hotels to secure exclusive amenities, such as:

• Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability

• Complimentary daily breakfast

• Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Expert, local guides with insider tips and insights

• Custom-designed itineraries

• 24/7 support

Let's face it - vacation planning can be complicated and time-consuming.

Like a master puzzle solver, I'm here to make sure that all the pieces of your journey fit together perfectly, and none are lost or dropped. I want you to look forward to your travels with peace of mind, confidence, and anticipation.

Ready to ditch the stress and travel with ease? Let’s chat about your next vacation.