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We’re exploring 150 ‘things to do’ in Utah — and we need your help

In our new weekly newsletter, The Tribune will highlight 150 Things To Do across every county in the state

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The late afternoon sun ignites a rainbow during a brief rain shower in the Devils Garden campground at Arches National Park May 19, 2013.

Just thinking about travel can make you significantly happier, and 41% of people say that travel has become “much more important” to them — particularly as a way to connect with family and friends.

We’re just as excited to share 150 Things To Do: A new reporting project and weekly newsletter that brings you unexpected destinations, surprising stories and practical tips to experience the best that Utah has to offer.

And we want to focus on what matters most to you. Under-the-radar Utah destinations? Tips on road trip dining, local thrift stores and surviving multi-generational travel? Or something else entirely? Take the survey below and sign up for the 150 Things To Do newsletter.

It’s hardly surprising that travel habits changed dramatically in 2020. Most people choose to explore destinations within a few hundred miles of where they live, visits to state parks hit all time highs and — even in a year where travel was down significantly overall — family travel accounts for a larger percentage of trips than ever before.

Looking towards summer, Utah is at the center of every major trend in travel and leisure: Over 90% of American travelers already have trips planned; 61% of families are more likely to visit “an outdoorsy destination than an urban one”; and travel bookings within 300 miles of home, according to AirBnb research, now account for 45% of trips (up from 30% in 2020).

So let’s get happy* and hit the road! Sign up for the 150 Things To Do newsletter and join us as we explore and discover Utah together.

*No really, it’s science. Researchers at Cornell published a study showing that anticipating an experience raises your happiness level significantly more than anticipating purchasing “things.”

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hickman Natural Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park on Friday May 10, 2019.

150 Things To Do is a reporting project and weekly newsletter made possible by the generous support of the Utah Office of Tourism. Sign up for the 150 Things newsletter here.