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I wonder if the destination matters: Going to a fair or theme park, actually, even going to work, most people would be preoccupied with anticipation and plannin

I wonder if the destination matters: Going to a fair or theme park, actually, even going to work, most people would be preoccupied with anticipation and planning, some sort of excitation, while going home, your mind is in a reflective/contemplative/relaxed state. In the former state, you're more acutely aware of not being there yet, while less so in the latter.

soylentcola 11y ago
It's funny because I was just talking to my SO about this on the way home from a weekend at the beach. For us, it always feels longer on the way back. Heading to the beach (or any vacation) is all about getting excited about the trip and looking forward to having fun. It makes the trip feel shorter to me. On the way home we're tired and worn out from travel and running around doing things. It's just a slog with boring old daily life at the other end. That lack of anticipation translates into a more negative attitude about the travel which in turn makes it feel longer.
kej 11y ago
It's interesting that you mentioned theme parks, because the title reminded me of the illusion created on Disneyland's Main Street by varying the heights of the buildings. At the front of the park, the upper level is close to full size, but as they get closer to the castle the upper floor shrinks. As a result, the street looks longer as you enter the park full of excitement, and shorter as you leave it exhausted at the end of the day.