Winter has arrived and many of us are already thinking about the next trip, and are seeking refuge in experiences that can brighten our mood and warm our soul. Far from the banal idea of an escape to the sun, a team of experts has identified a series of destinations that stimulate the production of dopamine, the so-called “feel-good hormone”, in a strategic way.
But what is it dopamine? It is a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation, motivation and pleasure. Production can be positively influenced by factors such as exposure to the sun, a rich and tasty diet, physical activity, clean air and contact with nature. Precisely from these elements a ranking was born that is not limited to evaluating the beauty of a destination, but focuses on what can really improve our mental state.
The ranking criteria
Psychologist Gurpreet Kaur, in collaboration with Scenic Cruises, has drawn up a list of ten destinations based on five fundamental factors to stimulate dopamine:
Thanks to an in-depth analysis of these parameters, ten cities have emerged which, each in their own way, represent a panacea for body and mind. Let’s see them together.
The top 10 destinations in the ranking
Split, Croatia
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tallinn, Estonia
New Orleans, USA
Lisbon, Portugal
Cadiz, Spain
Malaga, Spain
Liverpool, England
Vancouver, Canada
Oslo, Norway
Whether you’re looking to escape the cold, explore a new culture or simply recharge your batteries, the destinations above provide a great combination of sensory stimulation, culinary experiences and contact with nature. In an increasingly frenetic world, consciously choosing where to go can make the difference in finding a smile again and improving overall well-being.
We leave you with the complete ranking, which includes 20 destinations.
