Now that I no longer have children in school, the prospect of a break in late September or early October is real, and with prices considerably lower than the summer months it is very enticing.
City breaks are undeniably fun; typically, the locations are packed with great things to do, historical monuments to visit, great food, maybe theatre and nightlife. But they can be just as exhausting as real life, and it is easy to get overwhelmed.
Alternatively you might like to go to a beach or seaside location, especially in a place where the weather is guaranteed to be warm and sunny. You can top up your suntan and also try out watersports.
But many people enjoy countryside breaks best of all. There is something so enticing about spending a week in a quiet place surrounded by greenery. A village, a cabin up in the hills, a yurt and some glamping, or a unique accommodation that has a glass roof so you can see the stars.
The increase in the number of people who are ditching the city to head to somewhere remote is increasing year after year. In combination with staying somewhere more remote, people are using the opportunity to ditch devices, read more, and take walks too.
There are so many benefits to a countryside holiday.
Simplicity
Almost no one with a family has a slow life these days; one where they can relax as much as they like. the demands of modern life are placed on everyone – including school children. Extracurricular activities, play dates, sports, homework, extra lessons, multiple messages from the school to parents. The more children you have in school – the more you need to do in between work, housekeeping, chores, and more.
Getting away from the city, into the woods or the hills for a while changes the pace of life for a while. Life gets easier when you are away from all of the distractions and it is just you and your family.
Mental Health
Being surrounded by woods, fields, blue skies, and nature sounds like birdsong, has an incredibly soothing effect on the mind. And the more time you spend, the bigger the impact is.
There is even a Japanese term, Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), that just means slowly walking or sitting in a place surrounded by a natural environment. Research shows that it is an incredible way to reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body.
Exploration
When you live in the city, the chances are you don’t have too much nearby that can be freely explored by you and the children. When you take off to somewhere a bit more remote, you will be surrounded by exciting exploration options.
Of course, you should make sure that where you are going is safe enough and make sure that you take any precautions for wild animals.
But stepping out with a magnifying glass, binoculars, and a camera for a few hours gives everyone a chance to go on their own little adventure.
How to have a treasure hunt in the woods.
Pets
For those who have cats and dogs, it can be horrible to leave them behind when heading for a city break. While there are many hotels and private rentals that offer the option to take an animal (for a price), rural rents are typically more accepting of pets. Many people pack their dogs up with them and take them, too!
The Air
The further out of the city limits you get, the fresher the air becomes, and it is noticeably cleaner. There are very few things in life as wonderful as air that smells like the forest or the countryside.
What’s your favourite type of holiday: city, countryside, beach or mountains.? Please leave a comment and tell me why you like that choice so much.
