Australians want to have their cake and eat it: TOP 50 ‘simple pleasures’ for travellers
Simple pleasures experienced on holiday give the most joy
The latest research findings show “cake” is what makes many Aussies most happy, other simple pleasures include listening to their favourite songs, sleeping in a freshly made bed, and making someone smile.
Researchers polled 1,000 Australians to determine all the little things that bring us a little bit of joy without breaking the bank. Other favourites include receiving a compliment from a stranger, having a good hair day and going to the beach.
The study commissioned by Small Luxury Hotels of the World found 31 percent of adults simply named ‘cake’ as one of their favourite small pleasures, while a quarter enjoy catching up with friends. More than a third enjoy seeing flowers and trees blossom, and 31 percent enjoy exercise enough to put it on their list, and many pleasures are most enjoyed on holiday.
Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World added: “Our list found many of life’s pleasures are ones often found on holiday, such as seeing a stunning view, discovering new places, taking long walks or visiting the beach.
“It’s on our travels that we are able to experience an abundance of life’s simple pleasures which have a longer lasting effect on us. Now that travel bubbles are are coming in place, we are optimistic that people will be able to safely enjoy some of these simple pleasures abroad before too much longer.”
Alongside the research, Small Luxury Hotels of the World also commissioned poet Laurie Bolger to come-up with a piece titled “Seek Simplicity” expressing life’s simple pleasures.
The wordsmith said: “I wanted my poem to remind people about the feeling you get when you are able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. But on the other hand, I also wanted to highlight that the reason some of these things are so enjoyable is that they are a break from the norm. Feeling the sun on my face is definitely one of my favourite simple pleasures in life, and I’m glad the survey reflected that – and that we’re starting to see brighter weather too.”
The poll also indicated that Aussies enjoy an average of seven moments of simple pleasure each week – around once a day, with the satisfaction of a moment’s pleasure lasting for about 31 minutes on average, although a fifth get a glow for an hour or more.
However, more than half of those polled, via OnePoll, believe they don’t get to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures often enough for their liking, while 41 percent feel doesn’t have enough time in their day-to-day to take advantage of small pleasures as much as they should. Almost a third said endless to-do lists are a major hindrance, while anxiety about COVID-19, lack of sleep, and health-related issues has left them with less time to enjoy simple pleasures although they appreciate it more when they do.
Life’s TOP 50 simple pleasures according to Aussies
- Listening to your favourite songs
- Sleeping in a freshly made bed
- Making someone smile or laugh
- A nice dinner
- Payday
- Sleeping in a big incredibly comfy bed
- Sound of rain on the window
- Stunning views
- Watching your favourite movie
- Going to the beach
- Having dinner made for you
- Finding money in a purse/wallet you had forgotten about
- Dining out
- Discovering new places
- Getting a delivery in the post
- Home cooking
- Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good
- Staying in bed on a Sunday morning
- Feeling of sun on your face
- Receiving a compliment from a stranger
- Having a gossip or catchup with friends
- Laughing out loud at a film
- Not having to set the alarm at the weekend or on a day off
- Seeing flowers and trees blossom
- Long walks
- Having a picnic
- Waking up to sun
- Travelling across the state
- Cake
- Doing exercise
- Discovering new food
- Getting a cuddle from your children
- Discovering new music
- Seeing old people hold hands
- Seeing a butterfly
- A roaring fire
- Having a good hair day
- Buying fresh local food produce
- Finishing a really good book
- Swimming outside
- Having a coffee/tea in bed
- Someone making you a cup of tea
- Hearing nothing but birds chirping
- Smell of toast in the morning
- Hearing the wind blow through the trees
- Meeting new people
- Sitting in a pub garden
- Playing sport with friends or family
- Donating to charity
- Spontaneous mid-week dinners
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