What motivates us to travel, and does travel scientifically make us happier? We all love to travel, right? Travelling is what I live for! I spend most of my waking moments thinking about travel, researching trips, reading about other people’s holidays and nostalgically reminiscing on my own.
But what is it about travel that’s so wonderfully addictive? Why do we put so much time, effort and hard-earned money into going on holiday? Travelling can be stressful and expensive so what is it that keeps us coming back for more!?
Even during times of financial pressure, holidays are prioritised and we’ll cut back on little luxuries in order to spend a few nights away from our own homes.
We all know travel makes us happy but did you know that travel has been scientifically proven to lower the risk of depression? A study from the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin found that women who travel at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression and chronic stress than women who go on holiday less than once every two years. So, come on everyone, that sounds like a great reason to book a holiday!
I believe there are lots of reasons why travel can relieve stress and make us happy, not just while we’re on holiday but all year too!
Having something to look forward to The anticipation of a holiday is sometimes as exciting as the holiday itself. I like to go on holiday in March or April so it gives me something to look forward to through those dark and dreary winter months!
Travel gives us a creative mental activity I love researching, planning and booking my holidays almost as much as I love the holidays themselves! I’ll read blogs, books and magazines while I watch YouTube videos and TV shows. I even love planning my outfits and packing my suitcase! Is this just me or do you do this too?
Travel planning gives me a creative outlet and an exciting focus that keeps me busy and excited while I'm at home.
Travel brings us closer to our friends and families We live increasingly isolated lives but travel gives us the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with our friends and family. I find it so hard to get my girl friends together for a monthly glass of wine, so we prioritise our annual girls’ holiday! We don’t stop talking and laughing for three days straight and it’s kept our friendships strong since school.
Travel to escape Travel gives us the opportunity to escape the everyday and forget about our worries. Life isn’t always perfect and sometimes we just want to escape from those daily stresses and forget they’re even there.
Getting away from our routines enhances creativity Ever notice how the best ideas happen on holiday!? Getting away from work and our everyday routines gives us a chance to rethink things and see everything in a different light. Spend the first few days of your holiday relaxing and unwinding and then get out your notepad and pen and start brainstorming! Have you had a great life changing idea when away from home?
Travel as a status symbol Have you ever heard of ‘smoasting’? It’s social media boasting and, let’s be honest, we all love doing it. Travel, holidays and unique experiences give us something new and exciting to share, whether it’s on social media, with our friends or in the work canteen.
What are you waiting for, every trip has a story so why not write about yours? If you'd like to share a recent trip of yours and be published on tripr drop us a line: [email protected]
Read more here:
The Art of Persuasion
October Half Term Ideas for a Frightful Family Fun