According to Dutch research taking a holiday won’t necessarily increase your happiness.
The study showed that the largest increase in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation. In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.
After the vacation, happiness quickly dropped back to pre vacation levels for most people. The amount of stress or relaxation experienced on the trip by a traveler appeared to influence post-vacation happiness. Even travelers who described the trip as “relaxing” showed no additional jump in happiness after the trip.
Only vacationers who reported feeling “very relaxed” experienced an increase in happiness after the trip This ‘vacation happiness effect’ lasted for two weeks after the trip.
A reason why holidays do not boost happiness after the trip may have to do with the stress of returning to work. Another reason maybe that for some travelers, the holiday itself was stressful. The things most mentioned here referred largely to disagreements with a travel partner or being ill.
The practical lesson for an individual is that you derive most of your happiness from anticipating the holiday trip. So I gather what you could do is take more trips per year and try to make sure your going to places which will make you feel calm and relaxed.
Umbria would be a good place. Lots of splendid nature, friendly people and nice food. A lot of people come here in the summer but I urge anyone to come and have a look in fabulous spring or colourfull autumn. Prices are lower and if you like wild boar and truffles, autumn is the time. The moral of the story? Anticipation of a vacation increases your happiness so a visit to our Umbrian Holiday Rentals website might just be what the doctor ordered I gather. Ofcourse we are always available to discuss your Umbria plans and make everything as stress free as possible.
A presto!
Relaxing holiday in Umbria
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