Happy Memories: Improved Subjective Happiness Through Vacation Recollection

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influences of travel during a summer vacation on subsequent subjective happiness. We also investigate the roles of memories of the vacation and of recollecting these memories. The participants reported their degree of subjective happiness via two online surveys. The analyses showed that the recollection of travel had a positive influence on subsequent subjective happiness. Notably, this effect was not direct but rather mediated through satisfaction with the vacation. The results showed that not only having a fun vacation but also recalling the memories of that time have the possibility to promote vacationers' well-being. The article concludes with important implications for the success of tourism businesses as well as the enhancement of tourists' senses of well-being. Also the study's limitations provide some interesting avenues for future research.