Happier through spontaneous travel

According to a Travel Trends survey by Travelzoo, nearly half of respondents identify as spontaneous, last-minute travelers. In addition, people who book spontaneously seem to be happier with their lives overall than those who plan ahead. Spontaneous travel in the survey refers to unplanned periods and/or itineraries or destinations, such as last-minute weekend getaways or trips to unfamiliar destinations. This type of travel is a growing segment, as evidenced by the fact that 83 percent of respondents are considering such an unplanned trip in 2019.

What makes these travelers different, or what makes them happier? According to the survey, this group is twice as happy, better able to handle life's unexpected challenges, and typically feels more connected to family, friends and the world (about 40 percent of respondents). Spontaneous travelers actively seek inspiration and travel based on their personal needs: they are looking for relaxation (46 percent) and have a desire to set out and experience something special (43 percent).

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Sharry Sun, brand manager for Travelzoo, on the findings:
<div class="article_quote"><div class="article_quote_contain"><div class="article_quote_quote">"Spontaneous travel allows us to step outside the worlds we live in every day and reward us with renewed energy, unexpected encounters and even life-changing self-reflection."</div><div class="article_quote_name u-text-style-main">Sharry Sun</div></div></div>

About the survey

The Travelzoo® Spring Travel Trends Survey is one of Travelzoo's representative trend surveys, conducted four times a year. The February 2019 online survey included 6,129 travelers ages 18 and older from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.