Are You Happier Before You Go On Vacation?
Tue, Jun 15, 2010
It’s a great feeling when you go on vacation, getting away from your endless to do list, your pesky boss, and that pile of laundry that continues to build.
But chances are you’re NOT happiest when you’re actually on vacation… you’re happiest BEFORE.
A new study that measured happiness levels before, during and after a vacation found that people get their largest boost in happiness before they go on vacation.
In fact, that increase in happiness can begin up to 8 weeks before you ever leave the house!
Of course, when you get back home and see that stack of bills sitting on the kitchen table, your happiness level crashes back to normal.
I find this study surprising. Essentially it’s saying that you are happier when you’re planning your itinerary and booking hotels rather than when you’re drinking mai tais and watching the sunset on the beach.
Seriously!?
Sure, the planning process can be exciting, but it’s also terribly stressful.
When my trip finally becomes a reality — when I find that all the mapping and scheduling has paid off and I have nothing else to worry about — that’s when I’m at my happiest.
What about you? Are you happiest before or during your vacation?
Jetpacker 
I can see their point…I bought new luggage on Sunday for my NYC trip and I was beyond thrilled. I guess it’s the excitement and those small, simple pleasures. Sometimes vacation is just as stressful as work.
@Candice: See, I think the stress comes beforehand because it IS work to plan everything out. It’s not work to make it happen… if you planned well.
I think I’m most happy when I’ve arrived in the city where I’m vacationing. Planning ahead for being out of the office stresses me out enough to keep me from being the happiest. However, having a countdown to the departure time and looking at it daily does make me pretty happy!
@Amy: The countdown is great — I get more and more excited, but also more anxious.
My anxiety disappears when I’m on vacation; that’s when the happiness really breaks through.
Plus, I just get annoyed when I read about a cool restaurant and I’m still months away from eating there. But when I finally get to taste it, no matter how good or bad it is, I’m stoked that I finally experienced it.
So, yeah, it’s a mixed bag of emotions beforehand.
Yes, I’m always happier before I leave on a trip because I know that’s when I’ll be free!!! I guess it’s the anticipation and I am a total dork so I do look forward to working out my excel sheet and figuring out my cost and budget and all that fun stuff. Lol
@Monica: I’m dorky enough to map out things on google so specifically, that I write TURN-BY-TURN directions! My itineraries are so long because I add wiki entries so I can regale everyone within earshot of facts.
So, yeah, I like the planning process, but I’m happiest when it finally comes to fruition. I get too anxious before a trip.