A new study conducted by Wakefield Research for the Priceline website found that traveling was the number one ‘mood booster’ for the majority of participants. It is interesting to look at some of the results and those studying in masters in counseling programs could learn much from the outcome of the study. In fact, much of what the survey found is in keeping with what Bradley University finds to be effective when advising their students. They are big on allowing students across all disciplines to get their advanced degrees online for many of the same reasons that travel is suggested as therapeutic.
What the Survey Found
A total of 1005 Americans responded to the Priceline survey and while 34% of women stated that traveling away from home for a romantic getaway was the ultimate mood booster, 38% of male respondents said a romantic getaway was the best. Family escapes came in second with 33% saying they improved mood, while time away with good friends came in third with 23% saying it elevated their moods. However, what came next is even more important.
Many Short Trips Take Precedence over a Long Family Vacation
Perhaps it could be because we are so overworked and stressed much of the year, but most people actually said that several short trips were so much more enjoyable than one long trip away. It isn’t exactly clear why they said that as the questions didn’t expressly ask for reasons, but it can be assumed that long trips are hard work to plan for and they are few and far between. Short getaways don’t need much planning, if any at all, and can be taken every six or eight weeks. In fact, most respondents said they would prefer seven or eight trips a year.
Getting Away from It All
Perhaps one of the reasons why students who study in counseling programs online do so well is because they are actually away from everyone and everything when they study. There is no large lecture hall with hundreds of students milling about and they can arrive in front of their computer in pajamas and hair that hasn’t been brushed since the day before. This is why so many people like to travel. They can wake up when they want, go as they feel like going and they don’t have to impress the boss or the neighbors down the street. They can simply ‘come as you are’ and be happy doing so!
If you are studying for an online degree or simply want some much needed R&R, you should travel every couple of months, even if it’s only up the road a town or two. It makes sense to get away from all the pressure and if you begin feeling it, it’s time to get away. Traveling is to mental health what that apple is to physical health, but since you can’t take a trip a day, stick with the apple! Travel as often as you can and in between, take a deep breath and count the days.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
