Travel plays a far more critical role in mental health and wellbeing than previously thought, according to new University of the Sunshine Coast-led research.

The study found frequent leisure travel boosts happiness, psychological resilience and overall quality of life, with the greatest benefits experienced by people who feel vulnerable or struggle to manage stress.

UniSC lead researcher Associate Professor Rory Mulcahy said the research showed travel isn't merely a break from routine but can also create a positive cycle that lasts long after people return home.  

"Travel provides opportunities to visit new destinations, learn about diverse cultures and enjoy activities that foster happiness, helping build psychological resilience and, in turn, contribute to enhancing life satisfaction,” Dr Mulcahy said. 

“Significantly, our research reveals that people who feel more vulnerable or have weaker coping skills gain the most from travelling more often. They’re able to harness their positive emotions to cope and grow from their travel experiences.”

The research found the wellbeing benefits associated with frequent leisure travel weren’t as strong among people who already possessed moderate or high-level coping skills or who had moderate or low levels of vulnerability. 

Crucially, there’s no need to take long, expensive holidays, with the wellbeing benefits kicking-in even when people take short trips close to home, Dr Mulcahy said. 

“Our findings demonstrate that frequent quick getaways are likely to deliver potential long-term health and wellbeing benefits that could transform people’s quality of life.”  

The research outcomes have important implications for tourism operators, government policymakers and healthcare professionals, Dr Mulcahy said. 

"Tourism operators could develop niche services and experiences for people who feel more vulnerable or have poorer coping skills, which could help to boost positive emotions that enhance their psychological resilience. 

“Policymakers could leverage the findings to advocate for investment to encourage more frequent travel close to home, while mental healthcare practitioners could advise clients about the psychological benefits of regular getaways.”  

The researchers surveyed more than 1200 Australian tourists during three different studies between 2020 and 2023 to examine links between happiness and psychological resilience and how factors like coping skills and vulnerabilities influence quality of life.   

They say further research is required to explore whether the findings would be mirrored among tourists from other countries, and whether the length of a trip, and its purpose, also plays a role in improving people’s quality of life.  

The study was co-authored by UniSC’s Shahab Pourfakhimi and Girish Prayag from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. 

The study has been published in the Journal of Travel Research.