A recent study by HomeAway indicates that leisure travel can boost happiness more than a romantic date or a work achievement. Respondents reported that the primary source of joy from leisure travel is spending quality time with loved ones. Close access to the beach and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in pleasant weather were the next most-cited reasons for increased well-being during a trip.
Despite the strong positive feelings associated with travel, the study found that post-vacation euphoria typically lasts only about one week. As a result, 22 percent of travelers said they book another trip immediately after returning home. Many people try to preserve the vacation mood in other ways: 41 percent share trip photos on social media, 26 percent seek out the food and drinks they experienced on their journey, 19 percent listen to vacation playlists, and 17 percent discuss the trip with fellow travelers.
When asked which leisure trips produced the most happiness, most respondents chose their first vacation with their children, with honeymoon trips ranking second. Only 3 percent named a destination bachelor or bachelorette party as the happiest trip they had taken so far.
These travelers also prioritize disconnecting from work while on holiday. The study found that 37 percent switch off work phones and disable email during their trip, 24 percent avoid any work-related conversations, and 19 percent refrain from watching or reading the news in order to remain fully present.
The survey collected responses from 4,375 adults who have children under the age of 16 and live in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.