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Wellness breaks on the rise, says ABTA
Over two million holidaymakers are planning to take a wellness break in the next 12 months, according to a new ABTA survey, which found that 34% intend to take part in activities to improve their mental or physical health such as yoga, meditation, spa and holistic treatments.
However, for some, this simply means taking time away from technology, such as smartphones and laptops.
Two-thirds (67%) of people plan to do activities such as yoga, pilates and nature hikes – with 14% planning to spend over four hours a day on them.
The next most popular wellness activities on the list are spa treatments (42%) and meditation/silent time (39%). Some 14% plan to try holistic therapies such as Reiki and chakra balancing.
Holidaymakers plan to spend an average of almost 4.5 hours a day doing a combination of wellness activities, according to an online ABTA survey, with the most time being spent avoiding technology.
A quarter of holidaymakers intend to spend more than four hours a day making a conscious effort to keep away from their gadgets.
Whilst holidaymakers are keen to avoid too much time spent on their devices, the popularity of wearable technology, which many people use to track their health and fitness activity, shows no sign of slowing down.
Around 12% take an exercise tracker, such as a Fitbit, away with them, rising to 20% of holidaymakers in the North East.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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