Why we all need a touch of ‘travel therapy’ in our lives

It is clear that many of us now crave connections and their social benefits more than ever. Despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead this year, we are encouraged that travel may be one of the most sought after activities once it is safe to do so and that the Great British staycation will be back with a bang.

Whilst the post-pandemic future of travel is still unmapped, planning a holiday, thinking about it, talking about it, imagining it— may in fact be the best thing you can do to stay optimistic for your overall health and mental wellbeing. As a holiday company, of course we would say this, but it’s undeniable that the simple act of looking forward to spending time with loved ones, dreaming of a holiday to relax or a weekend break to recharge can be a great source of joy to look forward to. The power of positive planning is intrinsically linked to a positive mental attitude.

Travel Therapy: Benefits of a holiday near nature

• Releases endorphins that help decrease stress
• Being near the coast or woodland areas helps to reduce anxiety, stress and depression
• Being around natural light, silence and the calming sounds of nature helps ease SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
• Open green spaces, rivers and stretches of coastline all have a calming effect
• 8 out of 10 people believe a regular staycation is the key to prolonged physical and mental wellbeing

Whilst we know that not every holiday is completely stress free, they enable us to spend quality time with the people we care about. Holiday planning can have a ‘profound impact on our wellbeing; after all, excitement and anticipation is always great for producing the endorphins we need to decrease stress’ according to The Great British Break Off Report by Willerby Holiday Homes. It has also been scientifically proven that both the physical and psychological benefits of a holiday can last for as long as a month after returning home.

For these reasons, we are encouraging our guests to plan ahead for their staycation, even if it's for much later in the year. Our parks are all surrounded by nature and stunning scenery as well as being an easy drive from either the beach or the unique New Forest National Park with its ancient, wild landscape and famous roaming ponies.

Guests can cycle the trails of the New Forest and the Isle of Purbeck, walk down hidden pathways to the south coast, use their time to get fit or learn a new activity and then come home to the comfort of their own lodge or holiday home. Soak up on local history, explore the local wildlife, relax by the sea or discover the forest, there really is something for everybody.

The benefits of holidaying near nature are endless. In fact, there is a growing scientific field called ecotherapy which shows a strong connection between outdoor activities by the coast or woodland areas and reduced anxiety, stress and depression. Being around natural light, silence and the calming sounds of nature all help to ease SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and the visual impact of open green spaces, rivers and stretches of coastline all have a calming effect.

According to a survey conducted by the same report, eight out of ten people believe a regular staycation is the key to prolonged physical and mental happiness and wellbeing. The main reasons for this include the fact that people can take staycations more regularly, they are cheaper, they involve less travelling stress, are more eco-friendly and invoke feelings of nostalgia.

Here at Shorefield we are ready, more than ready, to welcome you back, as soon as we can. Time and time again our customers tell us how much holidays mean to them and we always refer back to the well-known saying “Travel is my therapy”.

We have worked hard over the last couple of months to ensure our parks are safer than ever. With our contactless check-in, increased sanitation, socially distanced accommodation and social distancing measures in our facilities throughout all parks, we can give you the reassurance of safe travel with Shorefield when it resumes. Our Booking Guarantee will also give you the peace of mind that your booking is safe even if restrictions are reintroduced.

We’re also busy working on new products, accommodation upgrades and planning plenty of exciting things for 2021 which you can read all about in our 'Coming to Our Parks in 2021' blog. Plus, all through February you can book your next staycation with just a low deposit of 10%, letting you plan ahead for less. Find out more on our Special Offers page.