As the proverb wisely states, "Travel forms youth." But it also fuels happiness, according to Booking.com's extensive survey of 17,157 people across 17 countries. For 70% of respondents, travel delivers more joy than material possessions. In fact, 56% prioritize vacations over their belongings, and 48% rank trips above home improvement projects. When choosing between travel (and its planning) and major life events, 51% opt for trips over romantic evenings, 50% over new jobs, 49% over their wedding day, 45% over engagements, and even 29% over the birth of a child.
77% of respondents book accommodations precisely when they crave happiness. The planning phase often brings the most delight: 72% report the greatest pleasure while researching destinations. Between booking and departure, 39% think about their vacation daily. For 80%, poring over maps and itineraries is pure bliss, over half enjoy wardrobe prep, and 60% review guest comments on their stays.
Nothing tops the vacation itself. 62% find joy in setting an out-of-office reply and clocking out. 87% hail the first day as the highlight, and 83% love discovering their lodging. Feeling at home away from home matters to 70%: two-thirds thrive in hotels, hostels, or villas, while 33% prefer apartments or guesthouses.
Convinced yet? When's your next getaway?
