The winter months ahead may look a little bleak, but with news of a potential vaccine, it feels like there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel. We know how to make that light a little brighter still. We've always been interested in the psychology of travel, and in particular the science of anticipation. When we're young, it's all about the magic of Christmas and the bliss of birthdays. As we grow older, and switch out rose-tinted specs for regular prescription lenses, there remain a few things that are still guaranteed to fill you with glee ahead of time, including day-dreaming about future travel plans.
The Art of Planning
It starts with reading a superb travel article in a glossy, or seeing a killer Instagram post of a place that sparks an irresistible urge to pack your bags and disappear. When the wanderlust becomes too strong to ignore, you need to speak to somebody who knows the destination inside and out and who can take care of all of the logistics. That's where we come in. Get in touch with one of our destination specific experts - either on the phone or by video call - and escape the real world for a while as your holiday starts to take shape.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Next comes the anticipation phase (we lovingly call this an 'anticication', as it's almost as good as the trip itself. Almost). Here's the science bit: when thinking about your future holiday you receive a boost of the so-called 'happy hormone' dopamine - one of the many reasons why travel is good for you. According to a 2010 study carried out in the Netherlands we experience high levels of happiness when we're planning and looking forward to a holiday, but even better, the benefits of anticipation last all the way until the trip itself, so feel free to think long term and start planning for late 2021 or even 2022, by which time - in shallah - vaccines and fully functioning testing regimes will be in place.
Book With Confidence
But what happens if the trip can't go ahead due to changing travel restrictions? Good question. In these uncertain times we know you'll want total confidence before booking. That's why we've introduced our Coronavirus Confidence flexibility pledge which allows you to postpone or cancel your trip - or even change the destination - up to 30 days before your departure for no additional charge. We also provide coronavirus cover travel insurance, ABTA and ATOL bonding, and access to a global network of Concierges who know their destinations inside-out and can recommend all the best secret spots to escape the crowds.
Say 'No' to FOMO
There's another reason to get your holidays squared away now. 2021 is set to be the year of limited availability thanks to 2020's postponements jostling for the best flights, accommodation and experiences with the usual in-year travel bookers. Deciding last minute to go on that dream trip in 2021 and finding that everywhere is booked up is not a good look. They say good things come to those who wait, and waiting for a holiday has got to be one of the best gifts to get you through the long months of winter ahead.