Need a Vacation?

As most of the world continues to struggle to keep Covid19 in check, governments are warning people not to make any vacation plans just yet! Many people may be finding their state of mind slipping downwards without their annual vacation to look forward to. In response, I’m going to help people to travel to their favourite destination – from the comfort of their own home!

Amid the despair and grief of this pandemic, it might seem silly to focus on a vacation, however, vacations undoubtedly play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing. From the excitement of choosing a destination and accommodation, researching everything from sights to restaurants, to the actual week or two itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories, vacations really do matter.

It’s about ‘life experiences’, relaxation, and most importantly, escapism from everyday life. The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times, and by wanting to still book a vacation, we are actively engaging in escapism behaviour. Escape is key in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible – that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’.

And of course, many forms of our regular escapisms, such as going out to the gym, bars and restaurants, have been taken away from us, or have increased restrictions making them less enjoyable than they once were, thus increasing our desire to plan ahead for getaways once we come through the other side of this.

I’ve now created three free recordings to enable people to spirit their minds away to an amazing vacation destination and in doing so, take back a little of the relaxation and release they would have enjoyed if they had actually been away.

At a time when we can’t guarantee a lengthier reprieve, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual vacation’ 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 during a pandemic.

My free recordings are a form of self-hypnosis, and simply require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, listen to my words, visualize the vacation destination, and relax.

I’ve chosen three types of vacations for the recordings – a beach resort, a trip “home” to visit family, and a river cruise to reflect predictions made by Sandi Laing of Laing Travel which specializes in organizing tailor-made trips for people around the world.  Sandi Laing, owner of Laing Travel, believes there will be a number of key things vacationers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business.

She said: “We are expecting travelers will be seeking plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long – destinations such as the East Coast of Canada or houseboat rentals will be popular, especially for self-drive trips. Also, many people will feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.  

“I believe travelers will be looking for small group travel, small ship river cruises, private villa rentals and other less crowded destinations.

“Conversely, some families might want privacy to reconnect with extended family after being forced apart for such a long time. I think we will see many people traveling “home” to visit family, or even planning smaller, idyllic vacations to islands like those in the Caribbean for multi-generational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together. Couples on the other hand, might favour treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.  Imagine staying in a small 5 bedroom farmhouse on the Amalfi coast with your family and friends, learning to make your own olive oil, bicycling through the countryside, sampling the local cuisine and wine.”

She 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 vacation away from their lockdown base will be a real tonic.

“I think Leslie’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.”

If you would like to experience one, or all of the virtual vacation recordings, click here for the sign-up information.