You may have heard that wearing vibrant, bold colours can uplift mood and boost wellbeing, but did you know that visiting colourful destinations can have a similar effect?

Dopamine travel is the latest travel trend all about seeking out destinations with colour and vibrancy to boost mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Think of it as visiting destinations bursting with colour — such as diving into turquoise waters, exploring bustling markets full of colourful art, or hiking through rainbow-coloured mountains. 

Much like the ‘dopamine dressing’ trend where individuals intentionally dress in bright colours to boost mood, the latest travel trend suggests that immersing ourselves in colourful environments can stimulate dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter in our brains.

The power of colour

The idea of boosting our mood with colour isn’t anything new. Colour has long been recognised for its ability to influence our emotions and mental state. Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who used different colours for healing purposes. They believed that colours had specific vibrations and energies which affect the body, mind, and spirit. For example, warm colours like red and orange are often associated with stimulation and excitement, whereas cooler colours such as blue and green tend to evoke feelings of calmness, relaxation, and stability.

So, whether you're drawn to the serene blues of coastal destinations or the bustling markets full of colourful crafts, visiting new and vibrant spots might be exactly what you need to release those happy hormones.

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The impact of colours is personal and can vary widely from person to person so spending time to understand how different colours resonate with you is recommended.

Tom Barber, Founder of Original Travel, notes,"It’s all about immersing yourself in a setting that gives you an instant emotional and psychological reaction – be that a spike of happiness, curiosity, or utter calm." He explains that this trend is all about narrowing down which colours and aesthetics specifically bring you joy.

For those interested in trying the dopamine travel trend, there are a number of colourful destinations to consider.

  • Jaipur, India: Dubbed as the "pink city" for its vibrant culture and colourful buildings.
  • Rainbow Mountain, Peru: A unique hiking experience with striking colours ranging from turquoise, maroon, pink, and gold. 
  • Santorini, Greece: Famous for its whitewashed buildings with blue domes and bright blue Aegean waters. 
  • Chefchaouen, Morocco: Celebrated for its serene blue buildings and streets, often referred to as the ‘blue city’. 
  • Havana, Cuba: Popular for its vibrant pastel-coloured buildings and classic cars.
  • Burano, Italy: Distinguished by its charming houses and photogenic buildings painted in a rainbow of colours.
  • Cinque Terre, Italy: Best known for its five colourful villages along the picturesque Italian Riviera Coastline.

By embracing the power of colour, travellers not only have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful destinations but can also benefit from the therapeutic effects these environments can bring. If you’d like to know more about colour therapy, we recommend reaching out to a professional on Therapy Directory.