Get real, be authentic and embrace #solotravel
Open yourself up to the joy of exploring things on your own. With an increasing number of people taking the plunge and trying #solotravel, you don’t need to wait for anyone to take that well-deserved break. It might seem daunting at first, but whether you’re single or just need some me-time, there are lots of great ways to experience independent travel without feeling alone. And what better way to ease yourself in, than by doing it in your home country? Stay in your own private room, with one of many great Airbnb hosts, and keep yourself occupied with experiences and activities available from them, helping to expand your mind while you also meet new people. Try crafting your own gin in a Cornish distillery, discovering natural treasures on a hike to a hidden glen through the Scottish woodland, or brushing up on your cultural knowledge with a black history walk through London.
Get cultured with an #arttour experience
Cultural experience is all about perspective, and cultivating a deeper appreciation of art is a good place to begin. Insider art tours – whether a walk in the urban landscape or a guided gallery tour – can be great way to immerse yourself in a new environment and get you looking up from your phone. “More and more people are looking for unique experiences that enable them to learn and grow – even on holiday,” says trend forecaster Victoria Buchanan of The Future Laboratory. “This is driving a shift towards finding a memorable and authentic local experience in the cities we visit – where the emphasis falls on learning through experience and sharing ideas.” How about peeking into artists’ houses in Suffolk or going on a graffiti street art tour through east London? If you want both modern art and the art of nature, Tate St Ives overlooks the Atlantic, plus, to stay inspired, there are converted artist’s studios or cool lofts for an overnight stay. The UK is a hotbed of creativity, so take a look at the huge array of arty activities on Airbnb.
Try #forestbathing
Research suggests that a third of Brits have purposefully taken a digital detox [pdf] to switch off, and what better way to do that than forest bathing. A Japanese tradition, forest bathing is all about soaking up the goodness of nature, and there is scientific evidence to suggest that it can lower heart rate, blood pressure and boost the immune system, as well as improving emotional wellbeing. “Things like forest bathing are playing into the wider urban movement to counter the stresses of city life and harness the emotional benefits of reconnecting with nature, slowing down and being present,” says trends consultant Shabana Ebrahem. Luckily, you don’t have to go to Japan to reap the benefits – the UK has plenty of forests to bathe in, with many just a few hours drive from major cities and towns. Check out the New Forest in Hampshire or Kielder water and forest park in Northumberland or if you’re visiting London but still want some of that forest feeling, there’s also a Silent Disco fitness tour in Highgate Woods. Look to stay in a cool cabin, nature lodge or treehouse on Airbnb to keep those benefits working throughout the night – or check out other nature or wellness experiences, from surfing to astrology.
Lights off! Go #stargazing
Kielder in Northumberland might have the largest dark sky area in Europe, but it’s not the only destination for stargazing. In fact, the UK has no less than 12 International Dark Sky awards. These are protected areas with minimal light pollution, and in some of them you can even see the Milky Way with the naked eye. So how to get started in stargazing? Download an app like Star Walk to help you figure out what you can see from your location. Or if you want to hone your study of celestial wonders with other enthusiasts, there are a huge number of stargazing events and festivals that happen all over the country, and places like Snowdonia National Park and Exmoor National Park are great to visit all year round. Of course, you’ll need to stay the night, so check out Airbnb’s selection of rural cottages, or many of these dome homes, which have glass fronted rooms to sleep with a starry sky view.
Find a famous #filminglocation
The UK is a film industry hotspot, and it’s never been easier for film buffs to scout out locations from their favourite TV shows and movies. For a spot of magic, visit Antony House in Cornwall, the backdrop for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, or Alnwick Castle in Northumberland to get a taste of Hogwarts (and even have a broomstick training lesson). Why not go one step further and pretend you’re on a film set by staying in a campervan from Airbnb for the night? If period TV dramas are more your bag, get down to the Cotswolds for the Downton Abbey tour or try the four-day Pride and Prejudice tour that’ll take you from Bath to Cheshire. For something a little more modern-day, there’s also a three-hour Towie tour through Essex.
Combine a foodie break with #foraging
Conscious foodies are now combining short UK breaks with wild foraging experiences. From mushrooms to truffles and even mussels, get involved with a field-to-table approach with professional forager, ecologist and cook Caroline Davey on the Fat Hen day or weekend course. One option includes an off-road cycling and foraging day, ending with a three-course wild lunch eaten on the beach in Cornwall. If this is all new to you, get a helping hand from the foraging cookery course – Root Camp is great for 15-21-year-olds; or, for adults, learn how to make your own food from “seed to plate” in Kirknewton, Scotland. For those prefer to go freestyle, incorporate your forage with a photography walk in Cornwall. Stay the night in an Airbnb off-grid coastal cabin or yurt for wild vibes, or book a farm stay and learn from produce experts themselves.
Join the #responsibletourism movement
Protecting the environment while you travel is easier than you think. Whatever your interests or skills, there are many ways to be a responsible tourist – from volunteering options to make your holiday both feel good and do good, or staying conscious about your carbon footprint. “People increasingly want the experiences they engage with to have a positive impact on the world and to feel that they are giving back to the community,” says Buchanan. The National Trust offers volunteering opportunities – from repairing pathways in the Lake District to running children’s heritage craft workshops in Kent – or try the Conservation Volunteers charity for ways to get involved in looking after local green spaces and other coastal-based activities. If you’re visiting more metropolitan areas but still want to learn how to save the environment, how about an urban beekeeping course in London? Top off your stay by staying in an eco-friendly earth house on Airbnb to reduce your carbon footprint even more.
Airbnb does not endorse specific experiences; these were chosen by the Guardian.
For more inspiration go to visitbritain.com/jointheworld
