By Camille St. Onge
It’s not your imagination—it’s science—travel makes us happier people. Experiences upgrade our level of happiness and overall wellbeing. No surprise, right?
Ever notice that after you buy something, you are riding high for a few days or even a few weeks? But then it fades. That's just how our brains are built. So let me geek out for a moment, it's called hedonic adaptation.
When something good happens—like landing a promotion, starting a new relationship, or getting something we’ve been wanting—it often gives us a big boost of happiness. But over time, we adjust to the new normal, and our happiness tends to settle back to where it was before (hedonic adaptation).
But experiences, like traveling, can boost our level of happiness for a long time.
Experiences Over Things
Travel, whether it’s a cross-country adventure or a 2-hour escape, gives your brain a reset. Stepping away from your usual routine allows your mind to expand, shift, and soak up new experiences—and those moments linger far longer than any impulse buy.
It challenges our senses, inspires new perspectives, and keeps our brains from going on autopilot. When we explore a new place, try a dish we’ve never tasted, or even fumble our way through a different language, we’re forming memories that have lasting impact.
Our minds don’t adapt to experiences the same way they do to things. Instead of becoming background noise, travel moments get stored in the highlight reel. They give us stories, stretch our thinking, and help us feel alive again.
Build More Travel Into Your Life—Big and Small
You don't have to live an international jet-set life (unless that’s your vibe—respect). Travel can start small and still be deeply meaningful. Maybe it's a weekend away in a cozy cabin or a day trip to a part of your own city you've never explored. The key is making it feel intentional—planned with your unique energy in mind.
Even anticipating a trip increases dopamine levels. Planning counts! And that starts with knowing your travel type.
What Kind of Traveler Are You?
Before you pack a bag or pick a destination, it helps to know how you like to travel. Are you the one booking a 5-star spa hotel and mapping out Michelin-rated restaurants? Or are you tossing a backpack in the trunk and chasing waterfalls off the grid? Knowing your travel personality helps you plan trips that energize—not exhaust—you.
Not sure what your travel vibe is?
Take our 2-minute quiz and get matched with travel tips, styles, and destinations that suit you better than your favorite airport outfit.
Saving for the Big One
Let’s be real—bigger trips take planning. But they don’t have to stay on the “someday” list. A few easy mindset shifts help you turn those travel dreams into real tickets:
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Set a Travel Jar (old school, but it works!)
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Automate a monthly “escape fund”
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Travel off-season for better deals and fewer crowds
Experiences are a form of wellness investment—and we’re here for it.
Style That Travels Well
Whether you’re packing light or going full carry-on chic, what you bring matters. At ABS, we curate clothing and accessories that move with you—literally and energetically. Think breathable fabrics, effortless silhouettes, and colors that transition from beach to bistro.
✨ Try this favorite: Our Printed Puff Sleeve Button Dress is easy to throw on and feels like instant vacation—whether you’re sipping espresso in Rome or coffee in your backyard.
Don’t Forget the Bags
The right bag = no stress.
Our signature travel collection features original ABS artwork (yep, in-house designs) on pieces that hold your essentials without cramping your style. Whether it’s a crossbody for daily exploring or a weekender that fits your whole vibe, we’ve got you.
Pro Packing Tips
Whether you're headed off to the Mediterranean or heading out for a shorty weekend escape, packing can make your trip a breeze or make you cringe each time you need to access something. These pro tips can help you save space, reduce stress, and keep your style on point:
✔️ Coordinate Outfits That Mix & Match
Plan outfits around a simple color palette so you can re-wear pieces in different combos. Think: a neutral dress that works with sneakers by day and a scarf + earrings by night.
✔️ Layer Like a Pro
From chilly planes to sun-soaked patios, layering lets you adapt without overpacking. A lightweight hoodie, cardigan or jacket is a game-changer.
✔️ Choose Fabrics That Travel Well
Opt for fabrics that hold their shape and still breathe easy. Linen blends, soft knits, and performance fabrics are your travel MVPs—comfortable, stylish, and low-fuss. (Camille-approved: wide-leg linen-blend pants that go from airport to café with ease.)
✔️ Roll It, Cube It
Rolling your clothes (instead of folding) saves space and keeps things tidy. Packing cubes make it easy to grab what you need without digging through a suitcase jungle.
✔️ Shoes Should Earn Their Spot
Bring pairs that work with multiple outfits. A comfy sneaker + a versatile sandal = most trips covered.
✔️ Wear Your Bulky Pieces
Save space in your bag by wearing your heaviest shoes or outerwear while in transit. That puffer jacket? It’s your in-flight blanket now.
✔️ Pack a Collapsible Bag
A lightweight daypack or foldable tote is perfect for day trips, beach stops, or surprise market finds. Bonus: It doubles as your “souvenir bag” on the way home.
✔️ Stack the Heavies Low
Place heavier items at the bottom of your bag to stabilize it and protect delicate pieces up top. Your back (and your face cream) will thank you.
Enjoy Local Happenings
Trips near and far both add joy to life. You don't have to go on an expensive vaca to add some spice to life. A trip to a regional farmers market, a new eatery in a nearby town, a cabin weekend, a neighborhood you've never explored, or a slow walk through a museum—all of it counts.
Talk About Your Trip — Savor the Moments
Savor it. Talk about it.
When we reflect on a positive experience, our brains can relive the emotions tied to that memory. This process activates neural pathways associated with joy, gratitude, and connection—causing a release of "happy chemicals" like:
- Dopamine (pleasure/reward)
- Serotonin (mood balance)
- Oxytocin (bonding/love)
- Endorphins (natural high)
It’s a big reason why savoring is such a powerful practice in positive psychology. Not only does travel give us those memorable moments, but replaying them mentally later can actually boost our mood and raise our baseline happiness over time.
Making a Travel Journal is Easier than Ever
Whoah! Start a travel journal on the go. With a pocket-sized photo printer like the Canon Ivy, you can print snapshots straight from your phone at the end of each day. The self-stick photo paper means no glue, no fuss—just peel, stick, and smile.
Picture this: You’re back in your cozy Airbnb after a day exploring with your kids—everyone’s winding down brushing sand off their toes or with cocoa. While they chill, you scroll through the day’s highlights, print a few faves, and stick them into your journal alongside a quick note or quote from the day.
Or maybe you’re solo, sipping a café cortado in a quiet plaza, jotting down your thoughts while the little printer hums softly beside you—your journal becoming a living scrapbook of joy, reflection, and presence.
Travel moments fade fast, but a mini photo keeps the magic alive—right there between the pages.
At Art, Body & Soul, we believe travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s part of a life well-lived.
With gumption and grace ~ Camille
About the author, Camille St. Onge
Camille is the founder of Art, Body & Soul—a vibe-forward hub blending wellness, creativity, and everyday courage. A former CrossFit coach and trained commercial artist, she’s as comfortable crafting growth strategies as she is kayaking Puget Sound or chasing after her Labradoodles. With 20+ years in strategic communications and a passion for helping people thrive, she’s here to make the art of living well feel doable, delightful, and just a little bit badass.
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