Adventure Awaits: A Different Type of Holiday Following the Pandemic
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveHolidays are one of the
biggest motivators to keep Brits moving through their busy work schedules.
We’re all waiting for the day we can step into the airport (several hours
before the flight) and jet off to a sunny location where we can sit back,
relax, and enjoy the simple things in life.
But the coronavirus
pandemic has put a hold on those plans, making the memories of Summer ’19 was
all the more nostalgic. After a year of social distancing, furlough, working
from home, and cancelled plans, we’re waiting patiently for new experiences in
the next year, hoping that the virus will be kept at bay.
But with the
repetitiveness of everyday life since the pandemic began, the public are
looking for something a little different to their usual sun-washed holidays. Here,
we look at how holidays have changed in 2020. We look at the regions looking
for adventure and what adventure holidays wait for those planning on setting
off for some adrenaline activities.
Holiday decline
The coronavirus pandemic
has caused a serious
decline in international travel, with figures indicating that 1.1 billion
fewer people will be taking trips globally in 2020. The World Tourism
Organisation has predicted a sharp decline of up to 80 per cent for
international arrivals.
While there was initial
optimism that the decline would be less severe due to a gradual reopening of
travel corridors across the world, the realisation that the UK is entering a
second peak of the virus has made this prospect less likely. The number of
countries where you are exempt from isolating for two weeks after visiting is
decreasing. There are currently only 16 European countries that are “currently exempt
from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel”.
While there is currently
no end in sight for travel restrictions to be lifted entirely, the best advice
is to continue checking for official government guidance. With many adventure
hotspots within the reach of Europe, there is confidence for a return to
international travel within the continent, should the second wave of the virus
be effectively controlled.
Regions of adventure
With Brits eager to
return to and enjoy holiday experiences, research indicates that certain
regions within the UK are more likely to seek out adventurous holidays. A
survey by audience building platform GWI researched lifestyle indicators in
2020 to uncover the hobbies and interests of UK residents.
When questioned on their
interests, Londoners were 24.4 per cent more likely to be interested in
adventure and extreme sports than the average person. This was followed by
people in the south west and West Midlands who were more likely to enjoy
adventure sport than the average Brit by 9.5 and 8.3 per cent respectively.
Equally, when asked to
describe themselves, residents of London were also more likely to think of
themselves as adventurous—18.6 per cent more likely than any other region. As
thrill seekers go, Northern Ireland perceived themselves as the least adventurous.
In fact, Northern Irish residents were 11.5 per cent less likely to describe
themselves as adventurous when compared to the rest of the UK.
It’s interesting that a
region like London is most interested in extreme sports and are more likely to describe
themselves as adventurous, considering the region’s status as a metropolitan
area. This emphasises the need for escape. When looking towards holiday and
vacation in the next year, after a year of grounded realities, we should all
strive to do something different—something extreme and adventurous. Luckily for
Brits, there are so many options to generate some adrenaline while on holiday.
Opportunity awaits
For Brits seeking an
adventurous opportunity, there are many activities that can satisfy the needs
of even the biggest adrenaline junkie. While the British public is renowned for
sun-seeking behaviours, there are a variety of thrilling breaks that are a
little different to the beach-bathing expectations of the average holidaymaker.
Sloping stays
The whole planet has
experienced the gravity of the coronavirus pandemic, and when it’s over,
getting as far away from the grounded reality of life will be essential. What
better way to do that than by venturing upwards to the heights of the Alps for
a skiing adventure?
Isolated in the peaks of
Austria, ski
instructor courses give you the best of both worlds. While experiencing the
adrenaline of the steep slopes and fast bends, you can exercise your brain with
the essential skills and tips that curate the perfect skier. This break is not
all relaxation though, the training is a professional course, and great for
young professionals who are looking for a career change or for sporting
enthusiastic who want to get a step closer to their dream job.
You can still get that
tan we’ve all been missing in 2020, you’ll be closer to the sun after
all—though you may have some goggle tan lines.
Cycling staycations
You don’t even have to
venture far to find a little adventure. While we wait for international borders
to reopen without restrictions, a staycation may be on the cards. While
Northerners were less likely to be interested in adventurous activities than
the average Brit, you may find that there are some amazing adventures to be
found in the North of England.
For those who have fallen
in love with cycling—like the 1.3
million Brits who bought a bike over lockdown—venturing to the Lake
District may be the best getaway in the meantime. The Windemere peaks are a
little different to the Alps, but still adventurous. Lowther Castle has a
particularly good cycling trail for visitors.
With the world on hold as
we wait for the coronavirus pandemic to be over, anticipating our next holiday
has become a national pastime. But while we have become accustomed to the
routines of guidelines and regulation to keep everyone safe, the need to do
something a bit different has never been greater! Whether you choose to venture
abroad to slide down alpine slopes or prefer to stay in the UK, adventure is
waiting. After a year of experiencing British weather, getting away is
essential.
Sources
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Created on Dec 15th 2020 10:53. Viewed 441 times.