Spontaneous Trips Make Us Happier

Research commissioned by Travelzoo to mark the UN's International Day of Happiness on 20 March has revealed that fewer than half of us are "content and satisfied" with life or "happy most of the time"

More than 1,000 British travellers were surveyed, finding that those aged 35-54 (often referred to as Generation X) were the least content and satisfied (39%), compared to both younger and older generations (both 47%).

However, holidaymakers defined as “spontaneous travellers” – that is, people who decided to book at least one trip of two days or more within two weeks of departure in 2018 – were twice as likely to describe themselves as content or happy as those who never travelled spontaneously. They also felt themselves able to handle unexpected challenges more easily.

“Time spent with family and friends” was identified by 50% of respondents as the unplanned activity that gives them the most spontaneous happiness, with “getting away for a few days” (36%) in second place. This may be reassuring to tour operators who have reported fewer holiday bookings in 2019 compared to previous years; respondents to Travelzoo’s survey say they are more likely to take a spontaneous trip in 2019 than in previous years.

Interestingly, respondents with children were found to be more flexible in making spontaneous travel plans than those without (62% to 46% taking such a trip last year), perhaps indicating having children helps with being able to adapt and be flexible. Over half of parents surveyed said that they felt content and satisfied with life (compared to just 40% of those without children) and that they found greater enjoyment in doing things on the spur of the moment (45% to 28%).

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