You might have heard me say that a secret to life’s happiness is in the anticipation. Let me share what this means and a valuable idea of how to generate this in your life!
As we are shifting and optimistically emerging from the COVID pandemic, many of us are setting our minds to planning summer holidays or the next big trip. One of the many lessons I’ve learned from travelling is the importance of anticipation. Most of the buzz about a holiday happens in the weeks and months leading up to the vacation, and in the weeks and months after the vacation; more so than during the trip itself.
While that last minute spontaneous getaway may seem exciting, romantic and adventurous, studies have shown that “consumers derive value from anticipation” and that “people derive more happiness from the anticipation of experiential purchases” and that “waiting for an experience tends to be more pleasurable and exciting than waiting to receive a material good.”
Beyond the mental health benefits of early holiday planning, there is also a financial upside. Most travel deals for flights and accommodations are found three or even six months in advance of departure. For example, google.com/flights is a powerful tool that can be used to track flights and prices, set alerts for when prices change, plan vacations using a price calendar and map and research if the price you are seeing is historically high, low or average.
Planning in advance of your next trip is not at all dull or boring, rather it can be one of the most beneficial and gratifying aspects of the whole travel experience.
Travel anticipation is the secret… pass it on!
~ Maria