Research shows that spending money on experiences makes you happier than spending money on things.
- Millennials prefer spending money on experiences rather than things.
- Research says this approach makes people happier.
- We put together a list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on travel and other experiential gifts.
Millennials prefer spending money on experiences rather than things — especially when those experiences can be Instagrammed.
And it turns out there's actually a ton of research supporting the idea that spending money on experiences can make people happier than spending money on material items.
When it comes to something like a concert, movie, or weekend trip, you feel excitement anticipating it, make memories during it, and can reflect on it afterwards. And since experiences are social, you can make connections with others, as well.
Since it's what millennials say they want — and what experts say is best for your happiness — we put together a list of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on travel and other experiential gifts.
That adventurous trip you've been dreaming about for months.
If you've been wanting to take an adventurous trip to Costa Rica, Nepal, or Thailand, there are plenty of exciting package deals available at Intrepid Travel.
From November 20 to 30, Intrepid Travel is offering 15% off all tours departing from February 1 to September 30, 2018. They have over 1,000 small group tours available across six continents.
Check out the group tours and destinations here.
A private island vacation.
A vacation on a private island might sound like something out of a movie, but turns out you can actually book a trip for your own little getaway.
On Cyber Monday, the Turneffe Island Resort — a 14-acre island off the coast of Belize City, Belize — is offering 25% off the total reservation for a stay in summer or fall 2018.
A hotel room for your next trip — or glamorous staycation.
Black Friday hotel deals tend to be for high-end properties, so it's probably worth checking out swanky four- and five-star locations, according to Deal News.
From November 24 to 27, you can book a bunk room in the San Francisco Proper Hotel for more than 50% off for stays from November 27, 2017 through January 31, 2018.
And if you're off to Boston, you can get rooms for just $100 per night at Hotel Commonwealth. But be warned: this deal lasts for just 100 minutes starting at 10 a.m. on Cyber Monday.
Check sites like Expedia.com and Hotels.com, or sites of major hotel chains like the Hyatt on Black Friday.
A getaway in the Caribbean.
There is really nothing quite like taking a dip in turquoise waters.
Starting on Cyber Monday, CheapCaribbean.com will roll out a different super-discounted vacation for 12 consecutive days.
Check out the 12 deals over here.
See your favorite band live.
The only thing more fun than going to a concert is going to a concert that you saved money on.
Ticketmaster usually has sales on Black Friday. Last year, they had tickets for Bruno Mars, Elton John, and the Bonnaroo Music Festival.
Check here on Black Friday for available deals.
Try to learn a new skill with an online class.
Instead of wasting your time watching re-runs of that old show you've seen a hundred times, learn a new skill.
Now through November 28, online learning platform Udemy is lowering prices on all its courses. With the code "17HOLIDAY10" you can get over 55,000 courses on the site for just $10.
Check out the deal in more detail on Business Insider's "Insider Picks."
Book a flight to see a new city.
Black Friday is a great opportunity to look for cheaper flights.
Deal News warns, however, to make sure that the price listed is the price that you'll actually get. Sometimes, the deals listed are only valid for certain cities.
For domestic flights, check JetBlue, United, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest. For international, check out Delta or Emirates. It might be worth checking Expedia.com, as well.
A fancy dinner at a swanky hotel in Las Vegas.
An Italian dinner in a Las Vegas hotel? If you make your reservation on Black Friday, you'll get opulence for less.
Veranda at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is offering a 50% off discount on a dinner in December if you make a reservation on Black Friday. Note that the offer isn't valid for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve, however.
To make a reservation at Veranda on Black Friday, call (702)-632-5121 between 9 a.m. PST - 6 p.m. PST.
Or if you're on the other coast, maybe a trip to Atlantic City.
Las Vegas glitz, but in New Jersey.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is offering over 25% off classic rooms and over 35% off Fiore Suites for select dates through February 2018. The deal is valid from November 26 to 30.
To book, use the codes CYB79 for Classic Rooms or CYB109 for Fiore Suites.
A trip across the pond to the UK.
If you want to visit a different country without having to deal with another language, a trip to the UK might be for you. Plus, the British pound is weaker, which is good for shopping.
From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, luxury boutique hotel One Aldwych is offering a "three nights for two deal" for stays from December 17, 2017 through April 2, 2018.
To book, call 44 20 7300 1000 and mention “CYBER”.
A stay at a ranch in Wyoming.
Sick of the city air? Come see nature in Wyoming.
On Cyber Monday, the Spring Creek Ranch resort is offering a two-night stay with a third night free between December 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018, plus 50% off a one-hour massage at the Wilderness Adventure Spa.
To book, call (800) 443-6139.
A golf retreat in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.
If you're more of the golf-in-the-mountains type, book a round at The Greenbrier Resort golf courses, including The Old White TPC and Meadows Course for less. Cyber Monday rates are at least 30% off.
Head over to Greenbrier.com or call (855) 453-4858.
A spa trip with your friends or significant other.
If climbing mountains isn't your thing, perhaps a trip at the spa will be a good way to refresh yourself.
Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia will offer various deals, including 50% off suites Sunday to Thursday, and 20% off suites Friday to Sunday for stays from January 1 to March 31, 2018.
The Henderson Beach Resort in Florida, a Salamander Beach and Spa Resort, has deals on stays from November 27, 2017 through December 31, 2018, and additional discounts on the Spa Royalty Package.
Check out the deals on Cyber Monday starting at 6 a.m. ET here.
Or if you really want to splurge, go for a private jet.
Private jets might sound way too luxurious for most people, but if you travel frequently for work, it could be worth looking into.
JetSmarter, an app for booking private jets, is offering a deal on its $15,000-a-year membership. You'll be able to save thousands on the membership fee.
BONUS — Here's what NOT to book on Black Friday: car rentals.
Road trips may be fun, but in the past there haven't been many Black Friday deals on car rentals.
If you're traveling, it's probably best to put your efforts towards those plane deals.
Research shows that spending money on experiences makes you happier than spending money on things. Read Full Story
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