We plan our holidays months and even years ahead of time, and look forward to our time on holiday throughout the year. But why is it that holidays have such an allure? While a break from work is enjoyable, we generally have two days off each week on Saturday and Sunday. Holidays generally involve taking time away from home to explore and travel.
Our species has evolved to survive all around the world and man has lived and thrived on all seven continents. Exploring new places and experiencing what they offer is a curiosity that is coded into our DNA. For most of the time that homo sapiens have existed, we lived in nomadic groups, and as our society evolved so did the distance and amount of time we spend travelling.
Change of Scene
Staying in the same places day in and day out can get frustrating. With most of us currently working from home this means that the vast majority of British people are spending a huge amount of time at home, often without going outdoors. While we tend to endeavour to transform our home into a comfortable place to live after months of the same, many wish to flout the rules and to head outside.
With lockdown protocols slowly easing, many are now taking the chance to enjoy the outdoors. Spending extended amounts of time indoors can become monotonous and can make people feel lethargic. Taking the time to explore outside in new surroundings can act as the equivalent of brushing off the dust and make you and your family feel invigorated. Spending time in wild and green spaces is proven to be good for your mental health and wellbeing. Holidays often allow us to spend time on our own health and wellbeing which we may not have time for ordinarily.
When we travel we often visit the beach, nature reserves, ancient forests or grasslands. The UK has some wonderful scenery that can help you get your creative spark back. From learning knitting, to painting and composing, nature has acted as an inspiration to creative people for centuries.
Learn About Yourself
Taking time off from work and spending time in an unfamiliar place can give you the space you need to learn about yourself and to grow. If you are considering a big change in your life or are unsure of what to do next, many will take a holiday in order to think it through.
Being away from your surroundings can give you the space you need to think through your next move without being influenced by other people’s thoughts, and choose what you believe will suit you best. There are many ways to explore new hobbies and interests in order to learn about what you might enjoy. Here are a few ways to learn new things:
- To expand your horizons, you can book in for a class or talk in order to explore a new skill or something you already enjoy such as cooking, poetry or watercolour painting during your holiday. These can be relaxing and informative ways to spend some of your holiday leaning more about your interests.
- Engage with the landscape with some activities such as cycling or canoeing. There are many canoes and bicycles available for hire around the UK, and a quick Google search will often come up with quite a few in the area where you are staying. Physical activities can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you to enjoy the world around you.
- Take some time to yourself and explore your current hobbies; if you are a fan of music visit a record shop, foodies can visit a local deli or farm. What are holidays if not opportunities to explore the activities that you enjoy?
Curiosity
Taking time for a holiday gives us the chance to experience new foods and cultures we likely would never try in day to day life. Holidays are a time to broaden your horizons and indulge your curiosity for the unknown. Booking in to learn about history and activities you have never tried before is a fantastic way to help you enjoy your holiday. There are hundreds of new experiences for you try, but here are a few broader categories for you to consider exploring while on your vacation:
- Food
Many local areas take pride in their local food dishes, with communities all over the UK offering up unique and interesting foods such as elvers, stargazy pie or locally made cheeses. When you are staying in an area look up the local food offerings as well as which restaurants serve traditional food. This can give you and your family a truly unique dining experience as well as recipes you may want to bring back home with you.
- Activities
A wide variety of activities can be enjoyed on holiday, from paddle boarding to baking classes. Booking in to learn a new skill can be a fantastic way to ensure you enjoy your holiday and expand your horizons. From learning how to scuba dive, to tips and tricks for foraging, learning new things is often a really exciting way to engage your creativity and recharge. Many of the new hobbies and activities you enjoy as a part of your holiday can become part of your weekly routine if you enjoy them.
- History
The UK has a fantastically rich historical record, with museums such as the Natural History Museum and historical sites such as the Hastings battlefield offering opportunities for you to explore the past. From Roman invaders to more modern history, there are sites all over the UK that will show you a snapshot of the past.
- Culture
With many art galleries and performances ranging from The Lion King to opera, there are many opportunities to enjoy the UK’s unique culture. From visiting a festival to listen to live music to enjoying an art gallery, there are thousands of ways to participate in local culture. Many local villages and towns will have a unique cultural heritage to explore; for example Kent is known for the hop farms and breweries that are found around the county, many of them making for excellent places to visit.
If you think Salomons Estate may be a good fit for you in your holiday in Kent, then please contact us here. We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have about booking accommodation with us at Salomons Estate.