You'll Never Guess What the Happiest State in...

The question of happiness is one as old as time. What is happiness? How does one achieve happiness? Can one really ever attain it? Multiple variables determine happiness—from money to relationships to career. Now a new study suggests that finding happiness may just be a matter of moving to a new state.
In a recent study by WalletHub, an online financial site, the happiest state in America is revealed to be Minnesota, with California, Utah and (unsurprisingly) Hawaii coming in at a close second. In order to determine the happiest states in the country, WalletHub measured 28 key factors—from average depression rate to safety—across all 5o states.

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According to WalletHub’s data, Minnesota was amongst the top states for best sleep rate, volunteer rate, lowest divorce rate and average safety. Similarly, out of all 50 states, Hawaii proved to have the lowest rate of adult depression. An unsurprising find when one considers the influence location can have on a person’s mindset.

“There are a lot of external influences on happiness,” Bradley H. Smith, Professor of Psychology at the University of Houston, told WalletHub. “Long periods of low sunlight and dreary weather decreases happiness and, in some extreme cases, may cause depression. On the positive side, being surrounded by scenic beauty is very healthy and happiness promoting.”

In line with Professor Smith’s expert opinion, WalletHub’s findings also suggest that scenic states—such as California, Utah, and Hawaii—prove a correlation between natural beauty and a positive outlook on life. Per the study’s findings: Utah proved to have the highest volunteer rate, lowest divorce rate and fewest working hours; while California had the highest sports participation rate and lowest depression rate.

States that proved to be the least happy included Alabama with the lowest adequate sleep rate, Vermont with the highest rate of adult depression, and New Mexico with the highest divorce rate. While WalletHub’s study seems to ultimately point to the idea that happiness is found outside of metropolitan hubs such as New York or Chicago, Jennifer Zwagerman, the Director of Career Development at Drake University, explains that happiness is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.

“People have huge differences of opinions as to what makes a location a great place to live, explains Zwagerman. “It’s a matter of finding the right mix of work, people, activities and a lifestyle that meets your goals.” So, whether you’re a city slicker who finds beauty in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, or a nature buff who prefers the serenity of Montana, our happiness is defined by more than just the place we call home.

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Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.