Five reasons why you may be happier booking a budget hotel.
Staying at a luxury hotel is often a top priority for travelers on holiday who have the funds. After all, it’s where you’ll get the best food, sheets, and service, right? But what if staying at a budget hotel could make your trip more enjoyable? You may be surprised to learn there’s scientific proof not dropping all that cash on a luxe crash pad (even if you can afford it) may increase your happiness level. Here are five reasons why.
Expectations are managed.
You expect perfection when booking a $2000-per-night stay at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. However, it’s easier to be pleasantly surprised with the accommodations when you book a cheap stay. That’s because of managed expectations. Results from the study of people’s happiness in relation to expectations have shown lower expectations correlate to experiencing happiness. This is logical: novel but pleasant and unexpected surprises are quite likely to make us happy.
But why would modern luxuries and the myriad of customizable products at our fingertips make people in wealthy countries unhappy? It’s because humans will habituate to ever-increasing standards of living (aka, ever-increasing expectations). After a time, we become bored with what we have and want more.
There seems to be somewhat of a formula when it comes to achieving optimal happiness. Studies say the sweet zone is when we aspire for a little better, have moderate expectations based on past experiences, and cap the intensity of our happiness (for example, you don’t expect to stay in a two hundred-room palace). Too little or too much of anything (expectations, money, etc.) causes us to be less than maximumly happy. So, when you book a budget hotel, you’re not expecting the best of everything and therefore are happier with your choice.
Stays can be longer.
There’s no question hybrid and remote work are becoming more the norm, meaning getaways are not limited to just weekends and holidays. But while workers may be using flexible work arrangements to travel more, that doesn’t mean they have more cash to spend. If traveling is the main priority, staying in a budget hotel may be what’s required to hit the road more often and for longer periods of time (and to be happier overall).
Excess stuff can distract from the experience.
We’ve all seen luxury properties that boast of providing everything from daily goat yoga to 17 pool options. But having too many choices can actually detract from enjoying the experience. Studies have revealed a “happiness formula,” which is influenced by expectations and the ability to compare choices. We’re happiest when we have choices, but not too many, and have some comparisons, but not too many. Plus, too many options can be distracting, which take away from the experience and, ultimately, your happiness.
Socializing is better.
Some travelers argue budget hotels are more fun. With more remote workers on the road, you may have a better chance of finding kindred spirits at more affordable properties, particularly in hostels (many of which are considerably more upscale than the ones from my student backpacker days). Studies show people staying at hostels tend to be much more friendly and interested in sharing local knowledge and discoveries. Some hostel chains now provide community events and co-working spaces so guests can get to know each other better.
You’re saving money.
To state what may seem obvious, when you save money, your happiness increases. People who save money (no matter their income level) report having an overall better sense of well-being and less psychological distress. Bedding down in a budget hotel can generate this effect.
Twist’s Take: While the savings are certainly a major draw to staying in a budget hotel, there are several other benefits, too. In addition to having the ability to travel more and socialize with other like-minded travelers, you can better enjoy your stay without sweating the small stuff or focusing too much on all that’s available to you.
