Does travel contribute to your happiness?
Written by Karen Bryan
I read an article today asking why UK citizens are not happier as we are experiencing record levels of prosperity, low levels of crime, less poverty and better prospects in health, education, technology and employments than ever before. Apparently in 1957 52% of the population claimed to be very happy, this has now fallen to 36%. Why are we in this contradictory state?
Sibenik, Croatia
It seems to be that you have to fight the stronger human instinct of negativity, you have to try to choose to be happy. I can only speak from personal experience but travel has brought a lot of happiness to my life. I met my husband when I was on holiday. I have enjoyed travel over the years in different ways. It was great fun going on holiday with our sons when they were young. I’ve had some interesting trips relating to my business Europe a la Carte.
I think it depends on what travel means to you. If you focus on travel as an escape from your everyday humdrum life, then you may feel more depressed when you return to your miserable normality. If you look on travel as an additional pleasure and extension to your daily life then it should be a more positive experience.
Has travel contributed to your happiness? Do you have any European travel tips for help ensure happy travels?
Travel is one of the biggest reasons why I enjoy life – you meet people you otherwise wouldn’t in everyday life, even if its to another part of the UK. However, I enjoy holidays best away from touristy areas and away from cities. Northern north Scotland is on our doorsteps and is the best place for me in Europe.
I now travel as part of work, at the moment, its taking me to the Libyan Sahara, not your average holiday destination, but I have really enjoying it and put to rest my initial reservations of combining travel with work!