Work

Longitudinal analysis of happiness changes in nature-based travel

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Travel is widely regarded as a significant contributor to happiness. Although previous tourism research has examined the relationship between travel and happiness, most studies have primarily relied on subjective, post-travel evaluations to assess travelers' happiness. By contrast, this study adopts a longitudinal approach to capture the dynamic nature of happiness throughout the travel experience. The study uses a combination of methodologies, including a longitudinal questionnaire-based survey and heart rate variability measurements. It investigates the physiological and psychological states of happiness before, during, and after nature-based travel. By tracking changes across the travel continuum, this study develops an integrated model of travel happiness, emphasizing changes at each stage of the journey and providing insights into the link between travel and happiness.

Source: Annals of Tourism Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2025.104017

Authors: Sanseol Jung, Hakseung Shin, Hoon Lee

Institutions: Yongin Research Institute, Hanyang University

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,060

Funders: Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea