It is U.K. holiday time again, which will include a break from working life and a long break for school children and students of further education.
What do holidays mean, why do we need them, and how do people spend them?
To most of us it means an escape from the daily routine and repetition of work or study, which often has us feeling tired, stressed and anxious.
It gives an opportunity for families to get together as often constrained by the pressures of working life.
Holidays can mean a variety of things.
It can be flying abroad to relax in the sunshine or have an activity experience somewhere exotic, or it can mean exploring our own country, pursuing a hobby, or remaining at home, relaxing and catching up with friends.
The main thing is to remove oneself from daily routine and replace it with a more pleasant and relaxing way to pass the time.
The aim of this change is to mentally and physically give the body and mind a rest, and after the holiday, the individual should feel refreshed and ready to resume work with a more energetic and positive mind set.
Often it is the planning and anticipation of the holiday which contributes to much of the overall excitement.
The very fact that looking forward to something unknown and pleasant, causes the mind to fantasize about it and makes the routine of work become less important.
Will the destination, accommodation and food be as it appears on the website? Will the temperatures be good?
If there are children, there are other factors to consider.
Is the destination child friendly? Are there activities for them?
Once a holiday booking is made, the count down can begin.
If there is a journey involved, how will it be made? How many people will be involved? How long is the holiday going to be? Are there any health preparations such as vaccinations? Who is going to look after family pets? Will any assistance be required whilst holiday makers are away? How will the holiday be paid for?
As the time draws nearer, holiday clothes and necessities are purchased.
At last the departure date arrives, and the working days are left behind.
The break away for most people works out well and has the desired effect, although there will always be some holidays which don`t turn out to plan for a variety of reasons.
It could be travel or destination issues, personality clashes, health problems or just unforeseen factors.
Most of us enjoy the holiday and although usually financially challenged on return, can`t wait to plan the next one.
There are of course many people for whom a holiday is not possible, either for health or financial reasons or personal circumstances.
Often it affects people who could really do with a break such as carers.
It is only since 1939 that trade unions helped make a weeks holiday from the work place mandatory.
Nowadays, most working people have several weeks holiday entitlement, together with public holidays and special days such as the Coronation.
An increasing number of people take holidays throughout the year, and as many of the public wish to work fewer hours, holidays are increasingly flexible to meet the demand.
The Pandemic influenced the holiday market world wide in a negative way, followed by a sharp increase in the cost of living which affected many.
The holiday market appears to be improving, and after this year`s season, will be able to assess how holidays were spent, and measure the success of 2024.
If you are joining the big escape soon, have a wonderful time!
f 2024.
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