Short Synopsis
In this must-have guide for anyone looking to make the most of their precious vacation days, Dr. Jaime Kurtz shows how anyone who has a vacation in his or her future can create the most meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful experiences possible.

Full Synopsis
In The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations, psychology professor Dr. Jaime Kurtz applies the large and ever-growing body of research on happiness and decision-making to enhance the experience of travel. An avid explorer, study abroad instructor, teacher, and happiness researcher, Dr. Kurtz shows how anyone who has a vacation in his or her future can create the most meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful experiences possible.

When the price of travel is daunting, getting the most "bang for your buck," both financially and emotionally, is essential to an ideal travel experience. With a sense of humor and adventure, Dr. Kurtz provides guidance on how to craft your perfect trip, boost your excitement before your trip even begins, and actively immerse yourself in a new culture while unplugging from your technological ties to home. She also explains how to best cherish and share travel moments, how to ease back into your daily life upon returning, and how to carry the secrets of happy travel into every day.

"With her research expertise, easygoing style, and natural sense of humor, Jaime will be the perfect tour guide!" ---Elizabeth Dunn, Ph.D., coauthor of Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending

"The Happy Traveler is a terrific book and Jaime Kurtz is the perfect person to write it." ---Timothy Wilson, Ph.D., author of Redirect