What makes a holiday?
As it is now the busy holiday season, with many rushing off to a variety of destinations, it makes us wonder what a holiday actually is and what makes it enjoyable?
Regular holidays as we know them, are relatively new.
The word Holiday, is a corruption of Holy Day. These were religious days when as far as possible, all work stopped, and a welcome break was enjoyed.These Holy Days date back as far a mediaeval times and beyond.
Apart from the wealthy, who often took lengthy grand tours of the world, the workers had no set time off.
It was a slow process over the years, with only some people gradually being able to have a few days unpaid "holiday".
Not all were so lucky, but many who worked in large mills and factories, would perhaps have the opportunity to travel to a different area, as by the mid 1800`s, transport links were improving as train travel was expanding. This provided not only the novelty of a new way to move around, but to a different destination, perhaps to the coast, which would be an adventure in itself.
Regular days off from work were not to be expected. Work of any kind was hard, hours long, and pay low, so any opportunity to grab a trip away from everything was very welcome.
Often these breaks were day trips, and may have just involved the employee on a " work day out", as taking a family anywhere was usually not a consideration.
Bit by bit, employment rules changed, and once the trade union movement was established, workers had more rights. It took until 1939 to become law, that one week should be a paid holiday entitlement.
Seaside resorts were an irresistible draw. The clean fresh air, water and beaches, were a far cry from cramped, noisy, city factories which were often quite dangerous places with machines working constantly.
Wages gradually improved, so those who could afford it, started to take their families to these coastal towns. Soon a thriving industry had built up, with enterprising landlords and more usually land ladies, providing accommodation and meals for this increasing market.
Other entrepreneurs followed, and soon entertainment, shops and eating places added to the variety.
The benefits were obvious. Removal from a hard work pattern with little money and not much to look forward to was very beneficial all round. Workers were tired from toiling hard, so physically and psychologically, this amazing boost to the senses had a huge therapeutic effect. They returned to their work, refreshed and with something new to think about. Employers also benefited, as their work force worked harder in order to make more money for the next holiday.
It did however unsettle many, who saw a different world and different ways to make a living.Seeds were sown which resulted in some families moving away from the cities.
It wasn`t just the coastal areas which became popular.
Improved transport links allowed people to connect with family and friends in other parts of the U.K. which also led to people moving elsewhere.
By the 1950`s, as standards of living improved, and annual holidays became a two week entitlement, other holiday options became available.
Holiday camps became popular as accommodation and activities for the whole family were available at sites throughout the country.
As car owning families increased, caravans offered a holiday alternative, being mobile and cost effective.
The annual holiday became such a huge date on the calendar, that over the years, it has increased out of all recognition.
The main benefits are escapism from the work place and the daily routine which can be stressful. It provides somewhere completely different, where time management isn`t an issue, and there are plenty of new things to see and do.
It helps repair and improve physical and mental health, and usually pleasant weather is enjoyed. There is time to bond with family and friends, and try new food and experiences.
Nowadays we tend to take holidays for granted, whether we go away or not.
We have several weeks holiday entitlement from work, public holidays, week ends and other special days such as the Coronation.
How we spend the time off is up to many factors.
During the 60`s and 70`s, the foreign package holiday was established.
This was revolutionary, as it brought the opportunity for the working classes to travel to a foreign destination for the first time due to increased air travel. Everything was included, the flights, accommodation and food. The travel company would provide a representative, who would meet the holiday makers at the foreign airport and be a point of contact during the holiday.
It was a runaway success story. The first country to really reap the benefits was Spain and the Balearic islands.
The weather was fabulous, the beaches and coastal resorts were safe and inviting, and the social scene with amazing new food and entertainment was a huge hit, plus it was all at an affordable cost.
Over the years, the trend has continued, with new destinations adding to the list all the time.
Those who have been holidaying abroad regularly, are always looking for pastures new, so now look to far flung exotic destinations.
There have been casualties of course, and the obvious ones have been the staple holiday destinations of U.K. seaside resorts and holiday camps.
Tastes have changed, and the public want warm weather, and a more sophisticated holiday, opting for villas and self catering places to stay, and some even owning foreign properties.
However, there have been two drivers for change.
The Covid pandemic practically killed the holiday market throughout the world, and it is only now beginning to get back on track.
The other is the rise in the cost of living. Many families simply cannot afford to travel abroad, in fact to go anywhere, as the cost of a family holiday is perhaps out of their reach for the moment.
There are many ways to spend holiday time. Cruising, caravaning, holiday lodges, camping, mountaineering and hobby holidays.
There has been an increase in U.K. "staycations", with the general standard of accommodation being raised, and a greater choice of activities on offer.
The main thing is to remove oneself from the daily routine of work and home life. To fill the time with different activities, or do nothing at all, and feel relaxed and refreshed at the end of it.
It is all about recharging batteries. For some it may be a good rest from a busy lifestyle, and for others having the time to follow other pursuits.
Unfortunately, holidays are linked to expense. However if budgets are tight, it is still possible to have an enjoyable holiday while being based at home.
Day trips, catching up with friends and doing things together with family, with no work or school restrictions can be very therapeutic and enormous fun without breaking the bank.
With more time off than ever before, holidays can be taken all the year round, with short breaks available both at home and abroad.
It`s all a very far cry from when a Holiday meant a Holy Day!
