Why Traveling Can Be the Key to Your Happiness, by Travel Host Linda Cooper

[Linda Cooper]

Seeking out bucket-list destinations can inspire joy and fulfillment.

What is "fulfillment?" I consider experiencing transformational self-discovery and realizing your purpose in the world as fulfillment. That feeling of “completion” when suddenly your body tingles all over in the self-realization that you’ve aligned with the universe. In your gut, you know you are exactly where you are meant to be. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you need to travel more.

I love that travel presents an opportunity for people to put their fast-paced, “connected” world behind them and build true, deep connections with themselves by experiencing new landscapes and making life-changing memories. As the host of the luxury lifestyle show, Travel Time with Linda, I recognize travel as the ultimate platform to create more meaning in your life happen.

So when was the last time you experienced “going-to-the-nectar-of-your-being” fulfillment? 

For season two of Travel Time with Linda, premiering March 17th, I wanted to seek out the most incredible “bucket-list destinations” designed to inspire and fulfill. I consciously chose to reflect the mindset of experiential traveling, highlighting the joys of experiencing new landscapes and different cultures first-hand that make you feel whole and put life into perspective. From embracing pure escapism by glamping in Alaska, to the private island playground of the Maldives, or maybe learning archery in Ireland’s "Game of Thrones territory," it’s an immersive journey that provides unforgettable travel experiences.

So I have a confession to make: It’s not really “a secret” that setting time for travel is the key to fulfillment. There are many campaigns, such as Project Time Off, encouraging us to better our lives through travel, and according to the U.S. Travel Association, people who use all or most of their vacation days are 79 percent happier with their personal relationships.

In a recent survey from senior living community Provision Living, out of 2,000 respondents, 95 percent say they have a bucket list of experiences or achievements they hope to accomplish while living life to the fullest. Travel is the number one bucket list category with eight destinations as the average number of locales to check off the average to-do list.

Use this vacation planning tool provided by the U.S. Travel Association to get started ticking off your own bucket-list destinations in fulfilling your dreams and to live happier.

Linda Cooper is an award-winning television host, producer and writer. She currently hosts the lifestyle travel series Travel Time with Linda and is a contributor to several lifestyle and travel publications. Travel Time with Linda featuring Bucket-List Destinations, airs weekly Sunday mornings 8 a.m. EST. Check your guide for your local cable network channel listing.