This US city was named one of the happiest vacation destinations in the world, according to science

There’s small that lifts spirits much than taking a picnic — and 1 study showed that immoderate destinations do it amended than others.

BookRetreats.com precocious released its Holiday Happiness Index, which mixed subject and information to find nan vacation destinations that make group consciousness their best.

Research shows that group are nary longer walking conscionable for landmarks and sightseeing — they’re prioritizing nan “feel-good factor” erstwhile choosing wherever to travel.

A 2024 UK-based study recovered that relaxation is nan No. 1 logic for picnic for 73% of travelers, while 50% return trips to prioritize their intelligence wellness and well-being.

The Holiday Happiness Index analyzed 47 destinations for 5 cardinal feel-good factors pinch guidance from Harvard-affiliated objective scientist and holistic happiness expert, Dr. Natalie Dattilo-Ryan.

The study revealed that Orlando, Fla., was nan No. 1 US destination connected nan database — and No. 3 worldwide.

The 5 feel-good factors looked astatine included earthy sunlight, value sleep, patient diet, clip successful quality and beingness exercise.

“When we talk astir emotion good, we’re really talking astir nan merchandise of happy hormones for illustration serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin,” Dattilo-Ryan said successful a statement.

“These chemicals power everything from temper and slumber to power and digestion. And galore of nan things that trigger them, for illustration sunlight, movement, food, and value rest, are often portion of a bully holiday, if you take nan correct destination.”

Orlando received precocious acclaim for its greenish abstraction and sunshine, ranking among nan greenest successful nan United States pinch 258 quadrate meters of greenish abstraction per personification — much than 10 times that of Los Angeles — and 2,930 hours of sunshine a year.

“The taxable parkland superior of nan world, Orlando proves that a vacation destination built for nosy tin besides boost your mood,” nan study said.

The metropolis scored little for patient eating options and value slumber compared to different destinations, but it “more than makes up for it” pinch nan sunshine, outdoor abstraction and “atmosphere built to assistance spirits.”

Chicago was nan only different US metropolis to make nan list, coming successful arsenic nan No. 20 happiest metropolis successful nan world.

The Windy City came successful 2nd spot for greenest cities, conscionable down Orlando, pinch 180 quadrate meters per person. The study noted that Lake Michigan’s shoreline parks “are arsenic overmuch a portion of nan metropolis arsenic its skyline.”

The No. 1 happiest metropolis successful nan world went to Lisbon, Portugal, followed by Helsinki, Finland successful 2nd place.

Here are nan Top 10 world’s happiest vacation destinations:

1. Lisbon, Portugal
2. Helsinki, Finland
3. Orlando, USA
4. Athens, Greece
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
6. Madrid, Spain
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Budapest, Hungary
9. Oslo, Norway
10. Vilnius, Lithuania