Vacations are universally cherished, yet the planning phase often feels like a chore. Surprisingly, this preparation stage can be as delightful, if not more, than the vacation itself. Let’s explore how the anticipation of your trip can enhance your enjoyment, based on insights from behavioral science.
The Joy of Anticipation
Remember the excitement of ordering something online and eagerly awaiting its arrival? There’s a similar, but deeper, pleasure derived from anticipating a long-awaited event, such as a special dinner out. This anticipation can enhance the actual experience when it finally arrives.
As a child, I used to save coins found in the couch for our annual community fair. The pleasure of spending money I had saved over months far outweighed the instant satisfaction of being handed money on the spot. Recent research supports this: anticipation activates parts of your prefrontal cortex linked to well-being. So, when you’re feeling down, think ahead to the great trip you’ve got planned—it might just lift your spirits.
Visualizing Your Vacation
Anticipation not only boosts happiness but is also free and healthy. A study from the Netherlands showed that people with an upcoming vacation were happier than those without any travel plans. Enhance this feeling by visualizing your trip: display pictures of your destination around your workspace or home to keep the excitement alive.
Similarly, create a visual savings chart for your trip. For a $5,000 vacation, you could draw a grid of squares, coloring in one for every $250 saved. This method not only tracks progress but also builds anticipation as you near your goal.
Pay Ahead to Enhance Pleasure
Interestingly, people often feel more intensely about future events than past ones. By pre-paying for your vacation expenses—flights, hotels, rentals—you not only manage your budget better but also enjoy the anticipation without the stress of last-minute expenses.
For a trip to Hawaii, my partner and I paid for our flights and accommodations well in advance. Each payment made the upcoming trip feel more real and relaxing, knowing we were financially prepared.
Reward Yourself Along the Way
To make vacation planning even more enjoyable, treat yourself at various milestones. If you’re planning a beach getaway, buy a new swimsuit or snorkeling gear when you book your hotel or finalize your itinerary. These small rewards not only add to the anticipation but also prepare you for the trip.
Planning a vacation can be more than just logistical arrangements; it can be a source of joy and excitement in itself. Start enjoying your vacation the moment you decide to take it, and let the anticipation enhance your overall experience.
