The Spontaneity Effect: The Case for Last-Minute Travel

New experiences don’t just feel good – they’re good for you

There’s something undeniably thrilling about booking a last-minute getaway – that rush of excitement, the break from routine, the sense of freedom. But beyond the buzz, spontaneous travel is actually good for your brain too.

“We’ve become so good at planning every minute of our lives that we forget how good it feels to just… go,” says Samantha Pillay, Director at leading lifestyle and travel brand for millennials, ekko. “The best trips aren’t always the ones you spend months researching – sometimes they’re the ones where you see a gap in your calendar and think, ‘Why not?’

Research supports this: it’s how we disengage that makes the real difference. Saying yes to an unexpected break or a change of scenery naturally introduces novelty and psychological distance from daily demands. This combination helps the brain recharge, reduces mental fatigue, and improves mood and focus. In short, spontaneity gives your mind the breathing space that it often misses amid everyday predictability. ¹ ² ³

The science behind spontaneity:

1. Dopamine boost: The excitement of a novel experience activates the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine (the feel-good chemical) and enhancing motivation, pleasure, and emotional resilience. It’s why discovering a new restaurant or unwinding at a spa can feel so unexpectedly restorative – these small adventures are able to contribute to genuine wellbeing. ¹

2. Cognitive flexibility: Venturing into unfamiliar settings can encourage sharper thinking and help us see problems or situations from a new perspective. ²

3. Stress regulation: Even brief breaks from routine allow the mind to rest and the body to shift into a more relaxed state. ³

4. Memory formation: Experiences that stand out from the ordinary are more likely to be remembered vividly and for longer. Those spontaneous moments become the stories you still tell years later. ¹

“I think we underestimate how stifling predictability can become. When everything is scheduled, your mind doesn’t shift gears,” notes Pillay. “Most people wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to travel, but spontaneity is the moment. You don’t need two weeks and a detailed itinerary. Sometimes a weekend somewhere new does more for one’s overall well-being than a month of careful planning ever could. So, don’t look for roadblocks. Create space for impulsivity and adventure,” she advises.

And with an ekko portfolio, saying “yes” is effortless: enjoy exclusive access to luxury resorts across South Africa, discounted stays of up to 50% at 10,000+ additional resorts and hotels nationwide, plus flights and car rentals at reduced rates. Add perks like 20% off unlimited spa treatments at La Vita Spas, buy-one-get-one movie tickets with popcorn and soda at leading cinemas, and cashback at 2,000+ everyday restaurants across the country. Everything you need for a budget-friendly break – all you have to do is browse, book, and go, because sometimes the best plan is having the freedom not to need one.

“So, if your brain’s begging for a break, listen to it. Your body knows what it needs. Besides, a spur-of-the-moment getaway isn’t a splurge; it’s an investment in your wellness,” Pillay concludes.

Visit www.ekko.co.za now to explore how an ekko portfolio can provide you with the travel and lifestyle benefits you deserve.

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Author: SayWatt SayWatt from SayWatt on behalf of ekko.

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Danila Botha: Danila Botha is a South African journalist who has worked for the SABC and the Sunday Times. She is known for
her reporting on politics and current affairs.