Tourists are swapping sunbeds for surf boards and pool days for pottery classes as holiday makers are using getaways to dive into new hobbies. With nearly three quarters (70%) passionate about picking up new skills on a getaway, one in three hail travelling the world as “one of the best ways to discover something new” according to fresh data from holiday company First Choice.
More than half (55%) are eager to revive childhood hobbies like painting, dance and martial arts.
“Changing your environment by going abroad effectively takes your mind off autopilot and wakes up the neurons in your brain, making you more receptive to learning a new skill when you’re away.” says Dr Becky Spelman, Harley Street psychologist.
"Holiday hobbies are like taking something that's good for you and then adding an extra health benefit to supercharge the experience. Engaging in creative activities, such as painting or cooking on holiday, can help lower cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone.
“While stimulating activities, such as creative writing, learning an instrument, or a new language, can enhance memory and self expression."
Hiking, Ghost Hunting and Crafting are among the Top 20 hobbies Brits want to embrace this year, with tile making, cooking and astronomy also on the list. Boosting physical and mental wellbeing (36%), improving knowledge (31%), and forming new friendships (26%) being key motivators for embracing new pursuits among those surveyed.
“Holidays where you have the chance to do something energetic or to stimulate yourself in a different way - like trying a new hobby - are proven to help boost your mental health, creativity and general wellbeing.” adds Dr Spelman.
