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Learn how travelers select their destinations to best reach them at influential stages of planning.
What’s in this episode
Does a meaningful trip create happiness? According to Harvard professor and bestselling author Arthur Brooks, it can — and he knows the formula.
Arthur shares what he considers to be the three "macronutrients" of happiness and how travel delivers them through a change in routine, memory-making, and shared experience. He describes how the best trips — from spontaneous adventures to quiet moments on the beach — involve a little excitement, a little fear, and a lot of meaning.
Tune in to the full interview below to learn the psychology behind making travel memories last and what the industry needs to understand about creating real emotional value.
“Travel isn't the product. Happiness is the product...and that's where the magic happens.”
Meet the experts
Elisabeth Goodridge
Director, Content Editor & Writer
Elisabeth, who worked for decades as an editor and journalist, now leads partner storytelling at Expedia Group as a Director, Content Editor & Writer. Formerly with The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and other news organizations, she brings years of award-winning expertise in travel coverage and audience-first content.
Arthur Brooks
Professor, Harvard University
Arthur teaches courses on leadership and the science of happiness at Harvard University and to audiences around the world. He writes the “How to Build a Life” column for The Atlantic and is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 13 books, including “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey).
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