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Savoring the Journey: Travel as Part of the Vacation

49 0
29.06.2026

Most people think of a trip as having two phases: getting there and being there.

Thinking about the journey as part of the trip can lengthen the experience we are craving.

Savoring, anticipating, "delight stops," and rituals can all enhance and extend the pleasure of the trip.

When most people plan a vacation/trip we think of it as having two phases: getting there and being there. In other words, we count the destination as part of the vacation but exclude the journey. Psychologically, this causes us to postpone enjoyment for hours—or even days. What if our definition of vacation were to be expanded? What if it started the moment we leave home?

As in most summers, many of us have planned fun and exciting trips and vacations over the next several months. We’re looking forward to “getting away,” having adventure and pleasure outside of our usual routines. But most often, what we look forward to is the arrival–airports are viewed as obstacles or hassles, road trips become races between gas........

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