10 top destinations for a ‘dopamine’ boost — and there’s more to it than just sunny weather, experts say

Winter is coming.

With the darkest day of the year — Dec. 21 — just around the corner, right about now you might be dreaming of swapping seasonal blahs for Caribbean blue.

But while fun in the sun can be a welcome interruption during the colder months, there’s an art to the mood-boosting getaway — beyond merely jetting off to the tropics for a dose of Vitamin D that doesn’t come in capsule form, a behavioral expert suggests.

Rather than simply looking for somewhere warm to unwind, seek out destinations that maximize joy and happiness, said clinical psychologist Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, who partnered with Scenic Cruises to find spots that not only offer sunny scenery but also spark a surge of positive energy.

Using a variety of metrics that might not immediately appear to be interrelated, Kaur and researchers came up with a list of travel spots that could stimulate dopamine, commonly known as the “feel-good hormone,” to boost travelers’ overall moods as the annual dark times set in.

Days of sun per year, food, walkability, air quality and an abundance of lush green spaces were all taken into consideration.

“Sunshine exposure naturally boosts dopamine levels, while quality cuisine offers essential nutrients and enjoyment. Walking reduces cortisol, helping to regulate dopamine, and clean air enhances brain function,” Dr. Kaur explained to The Express.

“Studies have also shown that green spaces encourage mindfulness, which helps to increase dopamine.”

“Together, these elements create destinations that refresh and elevate mood.”

In ascending order, here are the pros’ ten picks.

10. Oslo, Norway

Annual sunshine hours – 1,668

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 9

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 86

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 68

Overall score (Out of 100) – 79

9. Vancouver, British Columbia

Annual sunshine hours – 1,938

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 7

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 85

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 56

Overall score (Out of 100) – 90

8. Liverpool, England

Annual sunshine hours – 1,507

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 8

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 80

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 56

Overall score (Out of 100) – 90

7. Malaga, Spain

Annual sunshine hours – 2,919

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 17

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 69

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 76

Overall score (Out of 100) – 93

6. Cadiz, Spain

Annual sunshine hours – 3,024

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 18

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 56

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 95

Overall score (Out of 100) – 94

5. Lisbon

Annual sunshine hours – 2,806

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 12

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 68

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.6

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 64

Overall score (Out of 100) – 95

4. New Orleans

Annual sunshine hours – 2,649

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 8

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 78

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.5

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 65

Overall score (Out of 100) – 96

3. Tallinn

Annual sunshine hours – 1,923

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 5

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 77

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.6

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 78

Overall score (Out of 100) – 97

2. Amsterdam

Annual sunshine hours – 1,662

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 13

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 84

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.6

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 85

Overall score (Out of 100) – 98

1. Split

Annual sunshine hours – 2,631

Air quality PM2.5 (μg/m3) – 10

Quality of green spaces (Out of 100) – 58

Avg. restaurant Google rating (Out of 5) – 4.7

Walkability score (Out of 100) – 97

Overall score (Out of 100) – 100