WHICH TRAVEL PACKAGE MAKES PEOPLE HAPPIER? CULTURAL OR 3S

Happiness is one of the central concerns of many disciplines and also one of the most controversial topics of all time. Researches show there are many factors that affect happiness. Travelling is considered as one of these factors. In this study, it is aimed to determine whether travelling for vacation makes a significant difference on the level of happiness and which tour package affects happiness most. The study has a quasi-experimental and longitudinal design. Experimental group consisted of two sub-groups that included individuals who took a cultural tours or sea, sun and sand tours, and the control group consisted of participants who did not travel for vacation in the last six months and had no vacation plans in the next six months. The questionnaire was applied to the experimental group (and control group at the same time) 15 days before and 15 days, 2 months and 6 months after the vacation. As a result of the analyses, it was confirmed that the level of happiness does not change depending on demographic factors, but the study revealed that travelling for vacation has an effect on the level of happiness that lasts longer than two months. Results show happiness level of the experimental group was higher than the control group, and travelling for vacation really increased the level of happiness. Between the two different tour packages tourists participating in cultural tours have greater level of happiness.