Holidaytaking and the sense of well-being

Abstract

This study was planned to ascertain whether the activity of holidaytaking has any impact on the life satisfaction or subjective well-being of those taking vacations. The results indicated that such activity changed the sense of well-being of those participating in it. A comparison between a holidaytaking group and non-holidaytaking control group provided evidence that the former experienced a higher sense of well-being prior and post their travels when compared to the latter. Although the effect sizes are mostly small, the evidence suggests that holidaytaking has the potential to enhance the level of happiness of those enjoying it, not causing individuals to feel any worse off than before traveling. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.