Whether your idea of holiday joy is strolling through a sun-drenched vineyard, spending time getting to know a new city or stretching out on a beach on the other side of the world, travel doesn’t just fill your passport with stamps – it can enrich your life. Even a single day spent at the seaside or rambling through a beautiful nature reserve can leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
If you’ve ever lost yourself in a good book looking out over crystal-clear waters, you can probably relate to the idea that a holiday can be relaxing. But that’s not the only way travel supports wellbeing. Studies have shown that going somewhere new can spark personal growth, helping you to develop greater emotional agility, empathy and creativity. And the benefits can begin before you’ve even packed your case. Researchers from the University of Alabama found that happiness can be boosted simply by anticipating an upcoming holiday.
Sometimes, though, holidays can bring overwhelm. For one thing, the sheer range of choices can cause decision fatigue. Then there’s that feeling of ‘so many places to see, so little time’. You might find your time away ends up packed with activities, when in retrospect you’d rather have been sipping a cold drink by the pool. When a holiday turns out not to be what you actually wanted, the wellbeing benefits can be eclipsed. This is where creative writing prompts can help.
Writing for wanderlust
These creative writing prompts offer a way to tap into your subconscious and reveal what really matters to you on holiday. Try not to second guess yourself as you write, just let the words flow. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, either – it’s about getting your thoughts down. If you find yourself stuck, simply move onto the next prompt. Or you might prefer to dip in and out of the exercises. The suggested times offer a rough guide for how long you might want to spend on each, but do as little or as much as you wish.
A past holiday (5–7 minutes)
To start, think back to a previous holiday you really enjoyed. Picture yourself there, and describe the scene. Are you, for example, sauntering down a sunny beachfront, eating a meal outdoors with loved ones, exploring historic sites in a city or hiking through the countryside? As you write, try to conjure the sensory details, placing yourself back in that happy memory.
What brings you joy (3 minutes)
Now look back at the scene you just wrote. What is it about this memory that made it so enjoyable? Was it the people – if any – that you were with? Was it the place, the food, the activities?
The emotions behind the holiday (3 minutes)
Next, think about how this trip made you feel. What emotions come to mind when you picture the holiday? Can you describe them vividly in words? As you write, notice how your body and mind react to the memory. Bear in mind that journalling exercises can bring up powerful feelings. Stop if the process feels too much. You might want to take a few deep breaths while sitting still, or go for a short walk to ground yourself.
The holiday build-up (3–5 minutes)
The anticipation of a holiday can be almost as enjoyable as the time away – browsing guidebooks or planning holiday outfits can help to build excitement for an upcoming getaway. Jot down a list of things you could do the next time you’re due to travel that could heighten the anticipation. You might take inspiration from things you’ve done before, or think of new ways to approach it. It could be anything from getting your hair cut, to learning a few useful language phrases or reading a novel set in the location you’re visiting.
Keeping the holiday feeling alive (3–5 minutes)
Coming home, with a suitcase full of laundry and the return to reality, can sometimes feel deflating after a wonderful time away. But there are ways to keep that holiday feeling going. Think of things you could do to help with this, so you’re ready for the next time. Write a list of your top five. Perhaps you could take inspiration from your trip, and learn to cook the local cuisine? Or reflect on how the holiday gave you more time for relaxation or connection, and the ways you can weave more of this into your daily life. It can help to think about a past holiday you enjoyed, and what you’d like to take from it going forwards.
Embracing the new (5–7 minutes)
Travel can be a great way to experience new things. Write about something you’ve always wanted to try on holiday – it could be a high-energy bungee jump or zip-wire, skiing in a stunning Alpine landscape or a calmer trip, such as an amble around a city you’ve often dreamed of visiting, or canoeing along a serene river. Describe the sights and sounds that will surround you and think about the emotions you’ll be feeling: are you excited, nervous, happy? What does this new adventure mean for you?
Travel nerves (3–5 minutes)
Arranging details, packing demands, financial worries – the time before you leave can be a source of anxiety, particularly if you find flying stressful. If you’re journeying by plane, have a look at the airport’s website – some have descriptions of how passengers move through the airport from check-in to their plane. If you’re worried you have too much to do or you’re feeling pressure to make the holiday special, ask a family member or friend to help you with the admin. Make a list of your worries and brainstorm ideas for reducing them, or ways to find support.
Holiday challenges (3–5 minutes)
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. There are other people to deal with, and the itinerary you created so carefully could be disrupted. Thinking ahead about what you might find challenging or a potential strain can help you to cope if the worst happens. What tricky experiences have you had in the past? Make a list and think about how you could avoid them happening again, or write a short story describing how you’d respond if similar challenges came up on your next trip.
Local attractions (5–7 minutes)
You don’t have to go far – exploring your local area can boost your sense of connection with where you live, and is a great way to get out without spending much time or money. Think about somewhere nearby that you enjoy – a great community cafe with excellent cake, or an art gallery showing interesting exhibitions. Write down what you like about this place, then see if you can think of anywhere similar nearby. Is there a museum you want to visit, or a beautiful hiking route, for example? You could even put a date in your diary to try it out.
Feeling better (5–7 minutes)
The change of scene that a holiday brings can offer a chance to support your health and wellbeing. Maybe you like to rest and recharge by the pool? Perhaps you find the thrill of water skiing or tackling an epic hike rewarding. Or it might simply be the joy of spending time with the people you love, or making new friends in a solo travellers’ group. Think about how to make your next holiday nourishing. Write about your perfect trip, one that leaves you feeling recharged by the end. Describe the weather, the temperature, the scent in the air, the sights and sounds around you. What are you doing? Who’s with you? And, perhaps most importantly of all, how do you feel?