Friday, 16 September 2011
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Which Way Feels Faster?
The "return trip effect," the phenomenon that the trip back from your destination feels quicker, looks like it has some significant evidence of existence. USA Today says that in a study, Psychonomic Bulletin and Review found that travelers felt that the return trip was 17-22% shorter than the first one, even though the trip there and back took the same amount of time.
The travelers would say that their trip to a certain destination took about 44 minutes, and the trip back took about 37 minutes. (When in fact the trip both ways were exactly 35).
So the psychological thinking behind this is that on our way back, we're familiar of the directions, so it seems easier to navigate back home.
Some suggest that the trip back feels quicker, because the initial trip there feels long since "people seem to be too optimistic" on their way there.
Do you get the "return trip effect?" If so, why do you think the trip back feels quicker?
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- From: StacyLee
- About Me: Currently a student studying pharmacy-- love to read about health and (try to) maintain healthy habits while being on campus! I'm the girl with the 1L water bottle in the side of my backpack and a coffe tumbler in the other. So maybe I'm counteracting some health benefits... but I'm trying my best!
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Comments (10)
Because you're exhausted and don't give a darn.
yep, probably because the trip you're returning from is a trip you don't want to end so soon. sort've like the saying, "time passes by quickly when you're having fun"
When we went to Delaware it felt like HOURS, and it was, but even with a movie it felt like an eternity. Going home felt shorter, again with a different movie. We seemed to be home quicker though logically it took about the same amount of time. Perhaps it was the sheer desire to be home and away from relatives and strange beds. "We're goin' home, to our bed, and our pets who will be excited to see us."
I've experienced this. I think it happens because the scenery is familiar.
Yes I always get that (but in my cases the return trips do take longer time...)
I resonate with the second explanation that people anticipate more during the first trip.
Yep. I think it's cuz you recognize the way and you're no longer anticipating either in a good or a bad way. HOWEVER, some times I really just want to get home and it feels like eternity.
I've noticed that every since I was a little kid. I think it's the anticipation of getting there. And the fact that once you've gone a certain route it feels more familiar. I always wondered why too. And my daughter recently asked why it always takes longer going somewhere than coming back. lol
my flight from taiwan seemed HOURS less than my flight to taiwan - but they were essentially the same haha
i always get that feeling! i'm glad it's not jsut me
I had this recently because I didn't get stuck in rush hour traffic at 12am :]