We know that travel comes with a host of great benefits: you get to spend time with people you love; you get to see and try new things; you get to relax away the pressures of everyday life; you get the thrill of realizing lifelong dreams. But…should you spend your money traveling over other things?
As it turns out, travel is the best way to spend your money.
Of all the things you can buy, the experience of traveling gives you the most bang for your buck. Every part of the travel experience is more satisfying, more enjoyable, and has longer-lasting positive effects than buying stuff (except the planning stress of course, which is why you need a travel agent).
In 2003, Thomas Gilovich published his landmark study called “To Do or To Have? That Is the Question” – a study that continues to influence social psychology and the study of what brings us true contentment. Gilovich analyzed the differences between experiential and material purchases on human happiness and his unexpected discovery has changed the way we look at our buying habits.
Across the board, doing things makes people way happier than having things.
Why? We get to live and re-live the joy of experiences. Buying an expensive TV or a new car gives a momentary spike in good feelings, but when you take an amazing trip, you get the memories — and every time you think of that trip, or you see something that reminds you of it, your brain registers those joyful times and releases mood-enhancing chemicals that make you feel like you’re re-living the happiness of the experience itself. It stays with you, and you get to access it whenever you want.
It’s not like we need another reason to start planning that dream trip — but another study out that Gilovich co-authored has found that even the anticipation of experiences outdoes the lead-up to material purchases. People waiting in line to get tickets to an event are happier and more excited than those who are waiting in line to buy something.
So, even something as boring as waiting in line is more fun when it’s connected to your travel experience! If you’re waiting to, say, get your passport photo taken, that time is probably spent with thoughts of where you’re going to go, what you’re going to see, and all the adventure that awaits.
Where are you traveling to next?
When you’re planning that next trip with your agent, you get to make progress, take steps towards realizing your dream, and each step is actually a part of the adventure itself.
As travelers, we know the many positive benefits of getting out and seeing the world, and now we can feel even better knowing that those benefits continue to improve our lives, long after the trip is over.
Are you convinced? Ready to start taking the steps towards your next travel adventure? Schedule a free planning session and we’ll bring a little more happiness to your life! To get started click here now.