7 Ways to Evoke a Vacation State of Mind

With international travel still off the cards, Kiwis are left grappling with the void of overseas getaways, leading to holiday deprivation. In fact, Expedia’s annual Vacation Deprivation study, a deep dive into the trends around annual leave, revealed New Zealand was a nation already suffering from holiday deprivation pre-pandemic.

Despite Kiwis feeling vacation deprived, the study showed they recognise and understand the personal and professional benefits of taking a holiday:

• Travelling improves my general health and well-being (92%)
• Travel improves my connection with family and friends and helps create news memories with loved ones (85%)
• A holiday gives me a chance to hit the reset button on my stress and anxiety (90%)

Together, these positive effects evoke a positive mindset in what we call a Vacation State of Mind, and it extends far beyond the trip itself.

Achieving a Vacation State of Mind

While there is uncertainty around when international will restart. Expedia is encouraging Kiwis to tap into memories from past holidays to use an anchor for happiness. Below are some ways Kiwis evoke a Vacation State of Mind based on survey results:

1. Talk to friends and family about a holiday memory (81%)
2. Look at photos and videos from past holidays (79%)
3. Wear clothes you bought or wore while on holidays (72%)
4. Start planning the next holiday (59%)
5. Dig out souvenirs you bought on holiday and use them (65%)
6. Listen to music that reminds you of the holiday (53%)
7. Cook the local cuisine or a meal from a favourite destination (48%)

How to scratch that travel itch without actually travelling

• Slideshows are not dead: As a fun family activity, get the kids together to create a fun slideshow of old photos and videos from past holidays. Make a night of it by having a viewing party and relive the memories.
• Journal as a family: From reminiscing about past trips, to learning about new destinations, the new Expedia Explorers Journals are a great way to inspire wanderlust. They are full of creative prompts to seed curiosity, inspire conversations, and encourage self-expression.
• Theme it: Relive favourite memories from past holidays by theming a whole week to that destination/country. For example, dedicate a week to Italian cuisine.
• Learn the language: Consider learning the language of the next destination you plan to visit.
• Research and plan: Use this time to research and plan the next holiday for when the time is right. Consider looking into the different museums, sites, restaurants and activities in each destination to create the perfect itinerary.