Take your hobby on holiday in 2022

Did you pick up a new hobby during lockdown or find yourself enjoying physical activities you didn’t previously have time for? According to research from the British Medical Journal, the ‘down time’ provided by the COVID-19 lockdown contributed to a rise in interest and engagement with physical activity. Further research from Sport England supported these findings, revealing that 62% of adults consider being active more important now than pre-pandemic.

One activity that has proven extremely popular post-lockdown is cycling, with 72% of adventure travellers planning to make it a key part of their next holiday. Yes, many people are now fusing their newfound passions with travel plans and inspiring a new holiday trend for 2022. With this in mind, we thought we’d share some of the most popular pandemic-inspired hobbies and the best places to try them…

Cycling Holidays in Europe

If you’re a passionate traveller and an avid cyclist, why not combine the two? Book a cycling holiday and explore new trails all over the globe. Some of the most popular cycling holiday destinations include:

• Girona, Spain - known as ‘The Beverly Hills’ of cycling, it’s home to many professional cyclists and boasts a wonderful climate, varied terrains and glorious mountainous scenery.
• The Dolomites, Italy - The UNESCO site of Italy’s Dolomite range is a must-visit for all cycling enthusiasts. Not only does it offer some of the most impressive mountain views in Europe, but also challenging climbs that will really test your endurance.
• Peak District, England - If you’re looking to book a UK cycling holiday close to home, The Peak District ticks all of the boxes. Although we can’t promise great weather (it is Britain after all), the rugged scenery and varied routes that will take you through tunnels, and Viaducts, will more than make up for a spot of rain!

Walking and Hiking Holidays

Along with cycling, walking proved one of the most popular physical activities to do during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Yes, more and more people were heading out for daily walks as a way to not only boost their physical health but improve their mental health too.

Post-pandemic, we expect to see an increase in travellers booking walking holidays to soak up the scenery and get back to nature. Some of the most popular hiking holiday destinations for 2022 are:

• Senja, Norway - One for the adventurous hikers. Far above the Arctic Circle lies Senja, Norway’s second-largest coastal island. A beautiful place for hiking with soaring peaks, challenging hill climbs and colourful fishing villages to explore.
• Wicklow, Ireland - Known as ‘the garden of Ireland,’ Wicklow is home to one of Ireland’s best long-distance paths, the Wicklow Way combining forests, heathery hills and fascinating historic sites for a walking holiday to remember.
• Lake District, England - It doesn’t matter the year; the Lake District will always be one of the best walking destinations! From dramatic fell climbs to peaceful lake strolls, it has something to offer walkers of all ages and abilities.

Cooking and Foodie Escapes

Cooking was another top pick for many people during the lockdown. Working from home meant people had more time to focus on their food and experiment with new flavours and cuisines in the kitchen. Fancy enhancing your cooking skills on your travels? Here are some of the top foodie escapes for 2022:

• Tuscany, Italy - Learn to cook like an Italian! Tuscany is the perfect place to master mouthwatering Mediterranean classics.
• Kyoto, Japan - Kyoto is a great place to learn how to cook Japanese cuisine, including Obanzai, Izakaya and Sushi. Take part in group cooking classes or book a home-cooking class at a private house for a truly authentic experience.
• Toulouse, France - When it comes to French comfort food, there’s no better place to visit than Toulouse. Learn how to serve up robust stews and hearty, rich dishes at one of the professional cookery schools.

Painting Holidays

According to the World Health Organization statistics, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. Whilst coping mechanisms vary from one person to the next; many people took up painting as a form of anxiety relief.

But painting doesn't just have to be limited to the home. It’s one of the best hobbies you can do on holiday with endless sources of artistic inspiration in new places. Here are a few destinations to add to your wishlist:

• Orkney, Scotland - Immerse yourself in nature in this quiet, remote corner of Scotland and explore its towering sea cliffs and Celtic-Norse heritage through art.
• Venice, Italy - A dream location for anyone who loves art. Venice is known for its monumental Renaissance paintings and famous works of modern art.
• Paris, France - An art-lover's mecca with over 1000 art galleries and museums to visit, including The Louvre and Galerie Daniel Templon.

Photography Getaways

What better hobby to have than one that will take you around the world searching for the most dramatic landscapes, buzzing local culture and rare fauna and flora? Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you’ll likely draw inspiration from any new place you visit. However, here are some of the best locations for photography holidays in 2022:

• Iceland - One of the most magical settings on the planet, comprising ice caves, glaciers, volcanic craters and the Northern Lights.
• Cambodia - An extraordinary country to photograph, with appealing landscapes everywhere, including Buddhist temples, extravagant royal palaces, bustling cities and sleepy fishing villages.
• Galápagos Islands - Renowned for its outstanding wildlife photography opportunities. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin and capture some of the most unique and awe-inspiring creatures on the planet.

Where will your lockdown hobby take you next?

Whether you’re planning a cycling holiday in Spain, an art retreat in Italy or a cooking holiday in France, PlansChange has excellent hotel rooms at amazing prices. Visit our Resale Deals page to view the latest offers and book accommodation for your hobby-inspired holiday!

And don’t forget to share your experience with us. We love to hear from our customers, so leave us a comment on Facebook and Instagram.