Flightgiftcard curates a guide to global practices that promote happiness.
When the festive cheer of Christmas has faded, the prospect of a long January can leave even the most positive of us feeling flat.
Planning the next escape can give us something to look forward to, but incorporating wholesome habits into our daily routine can also provide just the pick-me-up we need. Whether experiencing these rituals in situ or adjusting our lifestyle at home, we can take inspiration from countries around the world that have healthy ways of boosting wellbeing.
From “còsagach” in Scotland or “sobremesa” in Spain to “Ubuntu” in South Africa or “Mysig” in Sweden, read on for Flightgiftcard’s round up of destinations that foster fulfilment through positive lifestyle practices.
India: Laughing yoga
As the birthplace of yoga, India is a deeply spiritual country, well-known as a place of reflection and meditation. Although yoga is commonplace in the UK, “laughter yoga” is still a thoroughly Indian practice. Practitioners claim that our bodies benefit from the combination of laughter and yoga, and a good belly laugh followed by stretching and flexing is good for our muscles, posture, core, any aches and pains, and, of course, positively boosts our mental wellbeing by releasing feel-good endorphins.
Flights to Delhi start from £362 return.
South Africa: Ubuntu
Translated from Zulu, “ubuntu” is about showing humanity towards others. It encourages being open in heart, soul and mind, connecting with your surroundings and community, and helping others. As more of us look towards meaningful travel as a way to give back, incorporating a sense of ubuntu into our daily routine is a great way to add meaning to our own – and others’ – lives.
New direct BA flights to Durban, South Africa start from £456 return.
Spain: Sobremesa
The midday meal is the largest and most important meal of the day in Spain. It’s also a place to enjoy a “sobremesa”… Once all the food has been consumed, Spaniards like to linger to share stories, drink coffee and play cards before resuming the rest of the day (or heading to the sofa for a siesta!). Forget the ‘food-is-fuel’ mantra, this custom is about indulging in long, lazy lunches and spending quality time with friends or family over many courses and lots of options – Spain is the home of the sociable food ritual of tapas after all. Why not adopt the Spanish tradition of sobremesa to help you through the cold winter weekends? Or book that trip to Valencia, Madrid or Barcelona to enjoy it in situ!
Flights to Valencia, 2019 city of culture, start from £30 return.
Scotland: Còsagach
A Scottish Gaelic word to rival Danish hygge, còsagach (pronounced coze-sag-och) means ‘snug, sheltered or cosy’. Scotland’s harsh winters provide the perfect excuse to hole up indoors and the perfect opportunity to delve into that neglected book, snuggle in front of the fire, and enjoy a hot chocolate (or toddy), whilst listening to the weather raging outside. Còsagach is all about slowing down, unwinding and recharging. Whether it’s in your own home or in a cosy pub or mountain lodge in Scotland, this ritual is sure to get you through the winter feeling warm and fuzzy.
Flights to Edinburgh start from £31 return.
France: Joie de Vivre
“A cheerful enjoyment of life; or an exultation of spirit,” are two definitions of France’s joie de vivre. It could be enjoying a great meal or an interesting conversation, sitting at a café and watching the world go by, or simply spending time with loved ones and feeling a sense of happiness and contentment in doing so. We all know the benefits of slowing down, putting our phones away, and just being present to enjoy whatever we’re doing. To get some joy into your routine, try a new class (sport or craft), learn a new skill, or challenge yourself to try something you’ve always wanted to.
Flights to Paris start from £73 return.
Sweden: Mysig
Mysig in Swedish is a term that encapsulates being kind to oneself, spending quality time, getting cosy, enjoying indulgences and taking pleasure in simple things. As well as creating a cosy environment, Swedes make sure they find time to do things that make them happy, such as having dinner with family, baking – a standard Swedish winter ritual – relaxing in a hot bath with candles, or snuggling on the sofa with a good book and hot drink. Embrace the downtime Swedish-style and disconnect for a calmer, happier you this January.
Flights to Stockholm start from £40 return.
Norway: Friluftsliv
Nordic countries score highly on the World Happiness Index, with Norway regularly taking a place in the top five. Norwegians can often be found exploring the countryside on weekends thanks to the spectacular landscapes made up of glaciers, mountains and forests. An appreciation of the great outdoors is coined as “friluftsliv”, a Norwegian word meaning ‘celebration of nature’. Whether it’s going for walks, learning to fish, put down the phone and enjoy a day in the wild.
Flights to Bergen, Norway start from £162 return.
-Ends-
*Fares referenced are valid for travel between 20-29 January via Skyscanner. Prices correct as of 08 January 2019.
Notes to Editors:
Flightgiftcard & Hotelgift co-founders, Loes Daniels & Jorik Schroder, are available for interview or comment upon request.
For further press information, please contact:
Jo Kendall/Elsa Findlay/Julie Aguilera
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0) 20 3440 8930
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About Flightgiftcard & Hotelgift
Flightgiftcard is the world’s only flight gift card brand. Hotelgift is the number one hotel gift card brand.
With no catch and no limitations, Flightgiftcard and Hotelgift’s monetary value provides giftees complete freedom to book wherever and whenever they want.
Both gift card options can be redeemed, via the Flightgiftcard and Hotelgift website, for flights with over 300 airlines, and over 110,000 hotels worldwide.
With short and long-haul flights to 980 destinations across the globe, recipients of a Flightgiftcard will find flights to suit all budgets and requirements.
Flightgiftcard & Hotelgift offers a choice of three simple options to deliver the delight:
- A customisable, digital gift card that can be emailed to the recipient or printed for hand delivery.
- A luxury printed gift card with a handwritten message (shipping takes 2-4 working days).
- A recorded video greeting that can be sent alongside the ecard.
Flightgiftcard launched in February 2018 in the UK following the success of sister brand, Hotelgift.
Set up in the Netherlands in 2014 and operating in the UK from July 2016, Hotelgift launched officially in the UK on 21 November 2017.
