Recent research reported in the journal Tourism Analysis reveals that regular tourists are more satisfied with their lives compared to those who do not fly at all.
Chun-Chu Chen, an assistant professor at Washington State University's School of Hospitality Business Management, examined whether certain people fly more often than others and if tourism encounters have a long-term influence on satisfaction and well-being.
His research findings suggest that people who pay greater regard to tourism-related details and regularly speak with friends regarding their travel plans are more likely to go on holidays than those who do not actively care about their next journey.
Furthermore, survey participants who recorded commuting at least 75 miles away from home frequently have reported being around 7 percent satisfied when questioned about their general well-being, as compared to those who said traveling only occasionally or not at all.
What Makes People Happy When Traveling?
VENICE, ITALY - JUNE 17: Two tourists enjoy a Spritz (a powerful mixture of white wine, Campari and soda water) in front of a traditiona bacaro on June 17, 2011 in Venice, Italy. The bacari are the local down to earth version of wine bars which serve 'ciccheti, a kind of Tapas traditionally washed down with a glass of wine, and Venetians stop to snack and socialize before and after meals.
Although things such as employment, family life and acquaintances play a greater role in overall well-being, the accumulation of travel encounters does seem to have a slight yet measurable influence on self-reported satisfaction with life, Chen said in a press release.
The assistant professor figured out the benefit of pulling fresh experiences and trying them out.
The recent research examined the stress reduction, well-being, and fitness effects of tourism activities. Still, they also tended to investigate the influence of a particular trip or holiday. By looking at the sustained benefits of travel over a year, Chen's study brings these previous studies a step forward.
Researchers asked the participants about the value of traveling throughout their lives, how much time they spent looking at potential holidays and preparing them, and how many trips they took over a year.
The group likewise asked the participants about their supposed happiness with life. A little over half of the 500 survey participants reported going on more than four leisure trips a year. Only 7% of the participants did not take any holidays.
What Happens to The Travel Industry Post-COVID-19?
In the future, when travel constraints continue to ease due to COVID-19, the study may have significant consequences for both visitors and the tourism industry.
Based on the report's findings, Chen said that travel agencies, resorts, and even airlines might initiate social networking promotions to fuel people's curiosity in sharing their thoughts regarding travel, such as generating hashtags about the scientific benefits of vacations.
This study indicates that the more people dream about them and the more willing they are to take them, the more likely they are to schedule holidays, he added.
If you like to chomp at the bit to get out of the dodge to see a new spot, ideally this analysis would be another strong incentive to start preparing for your next trip.
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