Where would you go on a Virtual Holiday?

As the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown continues and the government warns us all not to make holiday plans just yet, many people may start to feel disheartened and their state of mind may start to slip downwards. After all, a lot of us very much look forward to our summer holidays! In an effort to diminish the effects of this eventuality I have decided to help you to travel to their favourite destination – from the comfort of your own armchair!

It may seem silly or insensitive to think of holidays amongst the despair and grief of this pandemic, but changes of environment undoubtedly play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing. As much as we need security to thrive we also need diversity. From the excitement of choosing where to go and where to stay, to researching sights, restaurants and shows to attend to the actual week or fortnight itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories, holidays really do matter.

Not only new life experiences enrich our own life but they also provide relaxation, and most importantly, escapism from everyday life. The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times, and there is nothing wrong in wanting to still book a holiday. Regular escape can play a key role in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible. It is just that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’ for a while...

Normally we may engage in other forms of escapism, such as going to the cinema, the theatre, a music event, the gym, the pub, an exhibition, a bike ride or a restaurant. Unfortunately all of these (except maybe the bike ride) have been taken away from us, and this has lead to an increase in our desire to plan getaways for once the lockdown is lifted. 

This is why I have decided to create five free downloads to enable you to spirit your mind away to an amazing holiday destination and in doing so, take back a little of the relaxation and release you would have enjoyed if you had actually been able to get away.

Since we do not have much choice at present regarding how long a reprieve might take, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual holiday’ can offer a brief moment of escapism. This allows you an outlet for the stress we are facing, and the energy to re-engage with life in lockdown.

These free downloads are a form of self-hypnosis, and only require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, listen to my words, visualise the holiday destination, and relax. Of course you probably have your idea of where you would like to go, so although I have chosen five types of holiday you could take, feel free to change these using the power of your imagination! The  five holiday destinations I have chosen for the recordings are

Gigi Mangolo, Managing Director of Destinations Travel, believes there will be a number of key things holidaymakers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business. He said: “We’re expecting people will be wanting plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long. It is likely that destinations such as New Zealand, Canada and America will be popular, especially for self-drive trips. Others may feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.

“On the other hand, some families might want privacy to reconnect with each other after enduring being apart for such a long time. I think we will see beautiful islands such as those in the Caribbean proving popular for multi- generational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together, whereas couples might prefer treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.”

He added: “We understand how essential it is for many people to have something to look forward to once we emerge on the other side of this terrible pandemic, and a holiday away from their lockdown base will be a real tonic.

“I think Elisa's offer to help people take a short break, in spirit if not in body, is a lovely idea, and hope it helps people stay positive in these difficult times.”

Until you can travel to all of these wonderful places you could treat yourself with my downloads and let me know what you think!