by Dale Robinson
-6 October 2026
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Home > Latest News > What Makes a Feel-Good Holiday? Finding Your Kind of Break.
What Makes a Feel-Good Holiday? Finding Your Kind of Break.
A quiet morning overlooking the sea. A walk somewhere new. A long lunch with people you love. A feel-good holiday means something different to everyone.
With World Mental Health Day offering a moment to reflect on wellbeing, it’s a good opportunity to think about what you want from your next break. Beyond choosing a destination, that might mean making time for the things you enjoy, taking a gentler pace or spending more time together.
Here are a few ideas to help you plan a holiday that feels right for you.
Choose your kind of break
It’s easy to get caught up in recommendations, travel trends and other people’s holiday photos. But the trip someone else loves might look very different from your ideal getaway.
You might enjoy exploring a busy city, returning to a familiar resort or finding somewhere quiet to read and relax. Perhaps being active is how you unwind, or you’d rather have very little on the agenda.
Before booking, think about what you’d like more of during your time away: rest, company, adventure or simply a change of scenery. Let that guide your plans.
Leave a little room in the itinerary
When you’ve been looking forward to a holiday, it can be tempting to squeeze everything in. Yet a packed schedule can leave little time to enjoy where you are.
Choose the experiences you most want to have, then leave some space around them. A free afternoon gives you the option to explore a little longer, stop somewhere unexpected or head back for a rest.
You don’t have to see every sight for a trip to feel worthwhile.
Make time for the small moments
Some of the most memorable parts of a holiday never make it onto an itinerary.
It could be having breakfast without watching the clock, finding a café you return to each morning or sitting outside as the sun goes down.
Give those moments a little space. A holiday doesn’t need to be full of big experiences to be enjoyable.
Find a balance with your phone
Your phone can be invaluable when travelling, whether you’re checking directions, storing tickets or keeping in touch. But you may also welcome a little time away from everyday notifications.
If it suits you, put your phone aside during a meal or pause before reaching for it when there’s a quiet moment. You can still take photographs and stay connected while deciding how much of your break you want to spend on a screen.
Talk about what you each enjoy
If you’re travelling with others, it helps to discuss expectations before you go.
One person might want an early start and a full day exploring, while another would prefer a slower morning. Agreeing on a few shared plans—and allowing some time for different interests—can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Spending time together doesn’t have to mean doing everything together.
Get the practical details ready
A little preparation can mean fewer things to organise once your holiday begins.
Check your travel documents, plan your arrival and keep important contact details somewhere easy to find. If you take prescribed medication, check that you have enough for your trip and review any rules for bringing it into your destination.
It’s also worth checking your Travel Insurance carefully, including whether it meets your needs and covers the activities you have planned.
If you’re living with a mental health condition, our mental health and Travel Insurance guide explains the options we can help you explore. Answer medical screening questions accurately and check the policy wording for the cover provided.
Enjoy a feel-good holiday at your own pace
There’s no single recipe for a feel-good holiday. Your ideal break might be sociable, peaceful, active or a mixture of all three.
You don’t need to return with a long list of places visited or activities completed. Making time for what you enjoy is a good place to start.
Travel Insurance cover is subject to medical screening, eligibility, policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
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