Tired of the endless lockdowns across the world? Can’t wait to grab your passport and hop on a restriction free flight? Whether we choose to circumvent COVID-19 limitations or simply make our travel plans despite them, here are some dynamic shifts in the travel ecosystem
SEASIDE STAYCATIONS
The time to explore your own country or island has never been better than the present. With overseas travel being laced with PCR tests, border closures, flight cancellations and mandatory quarantine, more and more people are taking to touring their home base.
During the northern summer months, trips to the seaside and beaches are on everyone’s travel itinerary. This year, hotels and resorts offered discounted room rates with freebies and additional meals thrown in as part of the ‘stay in’ package. Research by Hoo, a British-based online hotel room platform found that the level of staycations being taken across 16 global holiday hotspots increased by an average of 18 percent compared to 2020.
INTO THE WOODS
Be it for ecological or health reasons, people are now more aware about climate change, global warming and the need to preserve and nurture our environment. While Instagram and Pinterest lovers may opt for glamping as a way of contributing to this trend, bushcraft camping is also gaining traction because of the need to be sustainable.
Bushcraft camping is essentially a test of your wilderness survival skills. Basically, you’re on your own with a sleeping bag, basic tools and food. You build your own campsite, cut your own wood to build a fire and cook your own meals. To those who are used to creature comforts, this may sound like pure torture. To others (especially in these times of physical distancing) it’s the perfect escape.
SHINRIN-YOKU
This Japanese practice is the simple and therapeutic act of spending time in the forest. Also known as ‘forest bathing,’ it refers to the art of moving gently through a forest and immersing your mind and body in the surrounding trees, birds, streams and bushes.
There is no need to hike, run, climb or swim. It’s like everything you pictured your Zen moment to be. Still, calm and quiet. If you can’t find a forest, even a park will do. This is the best therapy to counteract the anxiety, stress and depression of the past 18 months.
TAKE IT SLOW
Slow travel means spending longer at your destination and exploring it at an easy pace instead of cramming all the activities social media tells you to do, into a few days. This is trending because most companies now have mandated working from home policies that allow remote working from anywhere.
For those of us brave enough to travel, this is a blessing as you get to extend your vacation time while continuing to work. By staying longer at a single location, you’re better able to immerse yourself in local culture, music, cuisine and conversations. It’s about changing your mindset to live like a local at your chosen destination instead of as a burnt-out tourist.
Header Source: Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
Monita is a #cardifftrained journalist and photographer who currently lives and works in Bahrain.