The Blue Zone Holiday Guide to the UK’s Green Zone Destinations
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveThis year, the closest most of us have come
to a sunny getaway is setting up a deck chair in our back garden during a
heatwave. We might have had a little extra time to perfect those tropical
cocktail recipes and refine our ‘staycation’ playlists, but nothing beats the
real thing. As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we’re being tantalised
with the possibility of a much-needed holiday once more. It’s hard to say
exactly what post-lockdown holidays will look like, but with the introduction
of ‘travel corridors’ and ‘green zones’, we’re beginning to see our options
open up once more.
On the 4th of July, a list
of countries that are exempt from the ‘all but essential travel’ rule was
announced. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that these
destinations “no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers”.
Therefore, travellers will be able to return to the UK from these places
without needing to self-isolate after the 10th of July.
With this in mind, many of us are starting
to plan our next trip away, keeping government-approved destination and GOV UK
guidance in mind. The possibility of getting away has certainly got us
thinking: what do we want out of our next holiday?
Throughout lockdown, many of us have
embraced a slower and more calm way of living. This lifestyle emulates certain
destinations around the world that we refer to as ‘Blue Zones’. With holidays
back on the cards, slow travel, particularly to Blue Zone regions, is set to be
the next big thing! Luckily, some of these enticing regions are on the approved
travel corridor list, so it’s time to start planning your relaxing Blue Zone
getaway!
What do we mean by ‘blue zones’?
There are certain areas around the world in
which people live exceptionally long and healthy lives, we like to call these
areas, ‘blue zones’. From Japan to Italy, people who live in blue zones
practice unique lifestyles, specific to their region. These practices improve
their vitality and longevity, making these places the regions with the longest
life expectancies on the planet.
There are many elements to the blue zone
lifestyle. Amongst other things, people who live in blue zones practice slow
living; they incorporate exercise into their daily routine, they get enough
sleep, and they show a strong focus on community and wellbeing.
In addition, people who live in the blue
zones generally eat less meat, consume alcohol in moderation, and practice
spirituality.
After lockdown, many of us have grown
accustomed to a slower way of living, and we are more health-conscious than
ever. So, when planning your next travel-corridor approved getaway, why not
choose one of these divine blue zone destinations?
Icaria, Greece
From the 4th of July, the
official foreign
travel guidance for Greece is that this country is “exempt from the FCO
advice against all non-essential international travel”. Because of this, the
idyllic Greek islands are set to be high on many Briton’s post-lockdown travel
list!
If Greece is calling out to you, and you’re
looking for a true blue zone experience, you’ll adore the island of Icaria.
This paradise island is famous for the longevity and health of its residents
and it is often even referred to as the island that ‘avoids
Alzheimer’s’. The island’s air,
water, and sense of community have been globally celebrated from as far
back as the 1600s, when the island’s healthy environment was first discussed in
literature.
Not only is Icaria a wonderful destination for health and longevity, but it is also a hidden gem compared to some of its touristic neighbours such as Mykonos and Kos. When holidaying in Icaria, you’ll be treated to remote beaches, beautiful forests, dramatic gorges, and other beautiful landscapes.
Sardinia, Italy
Despite Italy being one of the worst-hit
European countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, they’re set to embrace tourism
again and welcome in UK nationals. Like Greece, Italy is on the green
list that exempts it from the ‘all but essential travel’ rule.
Sardinia is a large Italian island, the
second biggest in the Mediterranean Sea, and it promises a tranquil escape from
the non-stop nature of modern life. Sardinia has come to be known as a blue
zone due to its calm way of life and the healthy diet that its residents enjoy
(made up mainly of whole-grain bread, beans, garden vegetables, fish, and fruit).
This diet is one of the reasons that Sardinians have a particularly long life
expectancy.
As well as sampling delicious food in this world-renowned blue zone, you’ll get to explore historic towns, rolling hills, and secluded beaches galore on your next holiday to Sardinia!
Okinawa, Japan
Finally, if you’re planning on venturing a
bit further, why not check out the paradise island of Okinawa in Japan? Travel to Japan has
also been approved for UK residents, so if you really want to enjoy a slice of
blue zone living, Okinawa is a great option.
Peppered with rich, dense jungles and
unspoilt white beaches, Okinawa offers the dream island getaway. What’s more,
the inhabitants’ focus on health and longevity means that they have a longer
life expectancy than almost anyone else in the world (with an average
life expectancy of 84 years). Often referred to as the ‘land
of the immortals’, Okinawa is most certainly a blue zone paradise! This
island is perfect for anyone who’s in need of a easy and relaxed holiday.
The prospect of throwing on a bandeau bikini or
pair of swimming trunks and hitting the beach is getting closer every day, and
as long as the UK’s foreign travel advice is carefully monitored and respected
by potential holidaymakers, it looks like safe, much-needed holidays to blue
zone locations are back on the cards!
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Created on Aug 25th 2020 08:29. Viewed 667 times.