Science Confirms What Travelers Already Know
We all chase happiness – sometimes in big gestures, other times in small escapes. Now science has a simple answer: immerse yourself in real-world experiences.
And with this, you see why on my site – a travel blog – there is an article about boosting happiness.
We all want to be happy – and happiness means different things to different people.
But it seems that there are things we can ALL do – NOW – to boost our joy!
ID 59879625 © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
An Australian study by UniSA and Flinders University reveals that attending live events – festivals, concerts, local markets, exhibitions, sports, food events – creates measurable improvements in well-being. Over 350 participants reported greater joy, excitement, and life satisfaction after these events.
“Previous studies have shown that higher levels of wellbeing can lead to a reduced risk of illness and injury and increase longevity. People with high levels of wellbeing tend to perform better in the workplace and contribute positively to their community, so it’s important not only for public health but also for building strong socially sustainable and connected communities.”,” says Associate Professor Sunny Son.
The findings of this study can be implemented now by anyone. You do not have to travel to interact with people or go to a concert. But what I want to show you in this article is that each trip can be even more beneficial for you, in ways you may not even have considered before!
Why Live Experiences Beat Screens Every Time
Scrolling travel TikToks or YouTube videos may entertain, but being there – hearing the music, feeling the energy of a crowd, interacting with people – is scientifically proven to make us happier. Researchers highlight three key drivers:
- Shared energy sparks connection – Human interaction elevates mood.
- Presence creates flow – That state where worries disappear, and joy takes over.
- Attending events leads to “positive emotions, such as joy, happiness and excitement”
What This Means for Travelers
I wrote in the past about another study which showed that people who go to museums, theatre, concerts, etc live longer.
And if you are familiar with the content from my blog, you know that I love visiting famous attractions, but I always encourage interacting with locals in whatever way possible.
It seems that what I (and many others) do instinctively is a key to being happy!…