Post-COVID wanderlust has scientific backing: A Washington State University study shows frequent travelers report 7% higher life satisfaction than those who rarely or never travel.
Conducted by Assistant Professor Chun-Chu (Bamboo) Chen from the School of Hospitality Business Management, the research explores why some people travel more and whether these experiences deliver lasting benefits to happiness and well-being.
Findings indicate that individuals who actively follow tourism news and discuss trips with friends are far more likely to vacation regularly.
Those traveling at least 75 miles from home reported about 7% greater overall well-being compared to infrequent travelers.
“While work, family, and friends dominate well-being reports, accumulated travel experiences yield a modest yet meaningful uplift in life satisfaction,” Chen noted. “It underscores the value of breaking routine to embrace new adventures.”
Prior research focused on single trips' short-term benefits like stress relief; Chen's analysis tracks yearly patterns among 500 participants. Over half took more than four leisure trips annually, while just 7% took none.
Participants rated travel's importance, planning time, trip frequency, and life satisfaction. “Talking and planning vacations predicts actually taking them,” Chen added. “For avid explorers, this is motivation to book your next getaway.”
