Enhancing Joy in Travel

Book excerpt: Why do so many people love to travel, but sometimes come away unhappy and disappointed in their trips? What can people in the travel industry do to prevent such discontent and promote optimal travel experiences? As a clinical psychologist and an avid traveler, I wanted to write a book that offers fresh perspectives on these questions. Readers will learn a new way of thinking about the nature of travel and about solutions to common travel problems. Strategies informed by psychological theory and research that travel providers can use to enhance their clients’ positive travel encounters are given. Questions explored include: How do travelers’ personalities impact travel satisfaction? Why can seeking perfection in travel and trying to keep up with the often-unrealistic depictions of travel on social media undermine travel joy? What can be done to overcome travel fatigue and boredom? How can travelers prepare for trips in ways that spark excitement and receptivity for what is to come? And what can enhance the enjoyment trips give travelers long after their trips are over? This book is a must read for those in the hospitality and travel industry (both students and professionals) and general readers who want to better understand the complexities of the psychology of travel. It will serve as an invaluable guide to all who would like to learn what it means to travel well.