There’s little that lifts spirits more than taking a vacation — and one study showed that some destinations do it better than others.

BookRetreats.com recently released its Holiday Happiness Index , which combined science and data to find the holiday destinations that make people feel their best.

Research shows that people are no longer traveling just for landmarks and sightseeing — they’re prioritizing the “feel-good factor” when choosing where to travel.

A 2024 UK-based study found that relaxation is the number one reason for vacation for 73% of travelers, while 50% take trips to prioritize their mental health and well-being.

The Holiday Happiness Index analyzed 47 destinations for five key feel-good factors with guidance from Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and holisti

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