Go for it! Empty the rack of travel brochures. Savor them like an after-dinner cordial; cuddle with them in bed like a good novel. Because you just might be happier planning for your trip than actually taking it.
That's according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life.
The study of 1,530 Dutch adults was almost equally divided between men and women, most of whom had taken a vacation within the previous 10 months or so.
The authors set out to determine how vacations affected happiness. They found that the pleasure of planning a trip lasts about eight weeks, while the afterglow of the vacation itself fades faster.
When it comes to the happiness quotient after a getaway, the study found, "generally, there is no difference between vacationers and non-vacationers."
In the study, though, there was a silver lining for those who wanted to do more than simply daydream about a holiday.
If you want to be happier taking your vacation than planning it, aim for one that lets you really, really veg out, free from stress.
The authors note, "only a very relaxed holiday trip boosts vacationers' happiness" more than planning it.
