WITH UNCERTAINTY around overseas travel influencing lots of people to opt for staycations this summer, there’s a growing return to the classic seaside holiday – a tradition that evokes fond childhood memories for many.
Nostalgia has already influenced fashion, home interiors and music trends in recent years and it’s now impacting our travel habits too. As adults look back on simpler times, many are seeking opportunities to slow down, reconnect and spend more meaningful time together.
However, a new survey by Parkdean Resorts suggests that quality family time can be difficult to find in the chaos of everyday life. Almost one in six (14%) Welsh adults say they don’t feel connected to their family, while nearly a fifth (19%) say they rarely or never spend uninterrupted quality time together.
The findings suggest the pressures and distractions of modern life could be to blame, with 11% of Welsh adults admitting they are always on their phones during family time, highlighting the challenge of being fully present with loved ones.
Despite this, there’s a definite appetite to switch off, with four in five (80%) Welsh adults saying they’d consider a digital detox holiday with family. Not all would find going screen-free easy though, with 30% saying they’d need organised activities to take part. A quarter (25%) also said ‘phone free’ times would make disconnecting easier.
For many, the appeal lies in the chance to reconnect with loved ones. Almost two in five (39%) say spending quality time with friends and family on holiday would be the biggest appeal to them. The mental benefits of switching off were also important for over a quarter (26%).
In response to the findings, Parkdean Resorts has launched its new ‘Unplugged’ campaign, encouraging families to use their summer holidays to reconnect with each other, revisit childhood holiday memories and take a break from their devices.
In a bid to remind people of the simplicity of good holiday memories and tap into the sense of nostalgia, Parkdean also asked people about their earliest and most memorable trips with family and friends. Caravan holidays were listed as the most common childhood holiday memory for Welsh adults, reflecting the enduring appeal of simple seaside breaks and shared family experiences.
On the findings of the survey, Toby Durston, Regional Director for Wales at Parkdean Resorts commented: “Wales has so much to offer families and couples looking to reconnect on a summer getaway.
“From stunning coastal walks and beautiful countryside to a wide range of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Our Trecco Bay park is one of the largest holiday parks in Europe and is the perfect destination for families, with its Blue Flag-awarded beach and fantastic range of activities.
“From bowling and adventure golf to hoverboarding, there are plenty of opportunities to switch off from screens, spend quality time together and create long-lasting memories.”
This summer, Parkdean is encouraging everyone to consider taking time away from the screens in order to relax, be present, and focus on real-life experiences while spending quality time with loved ones.
For inspiration, advice on taking digital detox holidays this summer, or to find your nearest holiday park in Wales, visit the Parkdean website.
