Find wellness by the water to beat Covid blues

The Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of staying healthy in both mind and body and new research from industry body Discover Ferries, suggests that waterside breaks could help ease the pain of 2020.

Key findings show over three quarters (77%) of people agree they find spending time by the water relaxing and two thirds (66%) of the public feel like they have been on holiday when they have spent time by the water or by the sea. Furthermore, 79% of people say the sound of the sea relaxes them and 66% agree the sea air makes them sleep better.

Over half (53%) of people aged 16-44 agree that the lack of holidays this year has negatively impacted their mental health. So, time by the coast, rivers or lakes could prove the perfect antidote to 2020 pandemic malaise. In light of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions, Brits have changed what they look for when booking future holidays. Over a quarter of people (26%) want to spend more time outdoors, exploring their destination by foot or bicycle, and a quarter (25%) want to make the most of every part of their holiday, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Abby Penlington, Director at Discover Ferries, says: “Holidays help us to reset and unwind, but with fewer opportunities to get away this year and the added strain of the pandemic, it’s unsurprising many of us are struggling with mental wellbeing. Taking to the water helps holidaymakers make the most of every precious moment, allowing them to relax, unwind and forget their worries. Ahead is the promise of the most beautiful waterside destinations in British and European waters. Easy check-in processes, relaxing onboard passenger lounges and refreshment areas all add to a chilled-out ambience from start to finish.”

With stunning sea or river views and the chance to spot local marine life close up, ferry travellers can experience the calming benefits that being by water offers from the outset of their journey. Large public decks naturally lend themselves to social distancing and give ferry passengers space to relax or stretch their legs, collect their thoughts and experience a more mindful method of travel. Holidaymakers travelling by vehicle also avoid packing stresses – without baggage restrictions and options for bike racks and campervans, sports gear and camping equipment are transported fuss-free.

Additionally, the research found that just under a third of respondents (32%) are looking for a beach holiday or coastal destination for their next escape. Furthermore, people are looking to continue the hobbies and activities they have taken up or tried in lockdown in their holiday and leisure time, with a third (32%) of Brits wanting to continue walking and more than a fifth (22%) wanting to continue cooking and/or baking.

Penlington adds, “To inspire holidaymakers looking to enhance their health and wellbeing we have compiled a guide to escapes by ferry that stimulate the mind, body and spirit.”