Oak Hotels, Resorts and Suites' Resident Happiness Expert, Dr Tim Sharp, said that happiness will be a key travel trend in 2023.
While 2022 was the year for mindful travel, where travellers sought to make up for lost time, in 2023, people will be using travel as a tool to achieve personal happiness.
Although rising costs will likely make travel more difficult, Sharp argues that travel does not need to be extensive to reap its positive impacts on our physical and mental well-being.
Dr Sharp states that research demonstrates that travel is a significant contributor to our happiness because it allows people to embrace new experiences and break out of routine.
"Trying new things gives us the good feels and creates opportunities to learn and gain confidence, which in turn reduces stress and boosts our mood and satisfaction levels."
Dr Sharp notes that even researching and making travel plans creates joy.
"97% of people confirm they feel happier when they have a trip to look forward to and 71% of people say that they feel energised when they have travel coming up within six months."
Minor Hotels' Head of Commercial for Australia and New Zealand, John Thompson agreed, stating that the company's new "Happy Folks Choose Oaks" centres are based around the same philosophy of using travel as a tool to boost well-being and happiness.
