Let’s get something straight.
Splurging on luxury travel isn’t just some pretentious thing that people brag about on social media.
When you take luxury trips more often, and start prioritizing experiences over things, you actually feel better about life. More motivated. More joyful. Less stressed.
And this isn’t just anecdotal.
Science backs this up.
Researchers have been studying why experiences make people happier for decades. Results consistently show that buying experiences, as opposed to material goods, brings lasting joy.
Experience purchases also hold up better over time. You know how you forget you even own that new shirt you bought? Your brain doesn’t forget about your vacation. It never stops reliving those memories.
Not all experiences are created equal though.
When you spend money on luxurious trips instead of your run-of-the-mill Priceline vacations, your brain reacts even more positively.
Let’s dig into the psychology behind luxury travel and happiness.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why Purchasing Experiences Makes You Happier Than Buying Things
- Psychology: How Luxury Vacations Make You Happier
- Vacation Rental By Owner & Luxury Travel
- What Makes Luxury Travel So Special
Why Purchasing Experiences Makes You Happier Than Buying Things
Psychologists have known this for years.
Experience purchases make people happier than buying material goods.
It’s well documented in studies dating back to the early 2000s. Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University even dedicated decades of research to this topic.
He found over and over that no matter the experience, people quickly adapt to new purchases but continue to draw happiness from life experiences far into the future.
Here’s an example.
Think about the last vacation you took?
Now think about that new shirt you bought a few weeks ago.
You remember your vacation don’t you? But do you even think about that shirt anymore?
When you buy material goods your happiness levels spike… and then quickly return to normal. It’s called hedonic adaptation.
Experiences on the other hand, are the complete opposite.
Travel is memorable. People spend more time reliving experiences than they do reminding themselves that they own something new.
And that brings us to another point…
Did you know that your enjoyment of travel actually begins before you leave on your trip?
The anticipation of an upcoming vacation produces happiness levels similar to the actual experience itself!
Planning a five-star vacation rental by owner getaway gives people something to smile about for weeks leading up to the flight.
Vacation Rental By Owner & Luxury Travel
Planning Your Escape Already Makes You Happier
Ready for the science behind luxury trips specifically?
When you think about why luxury vacations make you happier, think STRESS.
More specifically, lack of stress.
Luxury trips are meticulously planned to give you an escape from your everyday routine. Rental properties with vacation rentals by owner pride themselves on creating a seamless experience. From high-end bedding to 5 star customer service.
When stress levels decrease your brain kicks into happy mode. Cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases and your brain produces more feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
Simple example? When you’re relaxed you’re happy. When you’re happy you feel fulfilled.
Give your brain what it craves and watch your happiness levels soar.
The brain also has a desire for autonomy.
We like to feel in control. That’s why we crave choices when it comes to vacations. Luxury travel allows you to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Instead of eating at restaurants with set menus, you’re picking exactly what you want to eat from your villa’s private kitchen. You’re sleeping whenever you feel like sleeping. Doing everything you want without anyone judging you.
Feel like watching the sunrise? Go for a hike. Sleep in? Enjoy your bed.
Luxury travel trips fulfill your brain’s need for control which equals more happiness.
Did You Know?
The brain also craves novelty?
When we try new things or find ourselves in awe of our surroundings, our brain releases dopamine.
Going on luxurious adventures can satisfy your brain’s desire for new experiences. Seeing the world’s most beautiful places increases happiness.
65% of luxury travelers say feeling joyful and happy is the number one emotion they want to feel on their next vacation.
And that, friends, is luxury travel psychology 101.
What Makes Luxury Travel Psychologically Different
Not all travel is created equal.
Booking an all inclusive lets you relax, but only until something goes wrong.
Flight delays? You better hope they have a lounge you can hang out in. If not, stress levels rise.
Not feeling the food? Again… stress.
Tiny hotel rooms with beds that make you question humanity? Stress.
Traveling with basic accommodations means waving hello to stress.
Now think about luxury travel.
Delays? No problem. Spending extra time at the airport means you have more time to relax in the hotel’s lounge.
Food isn’t what you expect? You’re at a vacation rental by owner property… you’re cooking whatever you feel like in your luxury kitchen.
Small room?
Please… you’re staying in a place that’s bigger than most apartments. You’ve got pools. Bars. Spa services. Everything you need to unwind is waiting for you.
All that relaxation = a happy brain.
And you know what’s crazy?
Most of the benefits of luxury travel don’t stop when your vacation ends. Several studies show that well after you return home, folks who take luxurious trips report feeling:
- Happier
- Less stressed
- More connected to others
- More motivated
If you want these kinds of benefits from travel, can you really afford not to invest in yourself by staying in a luxury vacation rental by owner property?
The Final Takeaway
If you’re looking for a no brainer answer to “should I spend money on travel?”
The psychology behind luxury travel and happiness is clear as day.
Spending money on travel brings you more happiness than buying material goods. And when that travel is luxurious your brain enters overload levels of happy.
It decreases stress. It allows you to feel in control. It gives you new experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.
So go plan that vacation. Book that villa. And start stressing less and living more.
You deserve it.
