Om for the road
What are you looking for from your holiday? Sun, sea and sand? Or a boost for your well-being?
Wellness getaways are becoming increasingly more popular, with research this week saying 34 per cent of us are planning to take part in activities such as yoga, meditation, spa and holistic treatments or a digital detox.
The study by travel association Abta shows those holidaymakers plan to spend almost four and a half hours each day on average doing a combination of wellness activities – with the most time (nearly two hours) spent avoiding phones, laptops and tablets.
However, while we’ll be ditching our main devices we’ll embrace wearable technology such as a Fitbit to track our exercise levels.
Physical fitness is key for those who want to focus on wellness, with more than two-thirds (67 per cent) looking to take part in yoga, Pilates and nature hikes. Spa treatments (42 per cent) and meditation/silent time (39 per cent) are the next most popular activities.
Abta reckons more than two million UK holidaymakers will go on a wellness trip in the next 12 months – mainly in Europe, with destinations in Germany, France, Austria and Greece catering for them.
Abta’s Victoria Bacon said: “Travel companies are increasingly catering
Yoga on the beach and spa massages to people who want to focus on their well-being when away – whether it’s incorporating it into their holiday or taking a dedicated wellness trip.
“With the start of a new year, many people turn their attention to holidays for the year ahead.
“For those looking to get away, whether it’s to focus on physical or mental well-being, visit a popular destination or to try something new, now is a good time to explore your options.”
Save five per cent on getaways with Canadian Affair – includes city breaks, rail journeys and motorhome tours. For selected new phone bookings made by January 31. Call 020 7424 9688.
EMU Australia Waldron hiking boots, £169, emuaustralia.com
These Waldron boots are waterproof and lined in Australian merino wool. They’re super comfy as well as practical.
In black, dark olive and oak (reddish brown).