First the cathedral and then the cafe? Experiences like travel bring greater satisfaction than material goods, researchers say. Dangubic/iStockphoto hide caption toggle caption Dangubic/iStockphoto Shots - Health News You Can Buy Happiness, If It's An Experience September 3, 2014 Experiences tend to make people happier than material possessions, research shows. And looking forward to an experience like a concert can feel much better than awaiting the latest smartphone release.