HOLIDAYS WITHOUT FILTERS

Humans are the only animals that trip over the same stone twice… but you and I, we crash into Big Ben every time holiday season comes around. We dreamt of luxury, all-inclusive, and bargain prices.

And, in the end, we end up with a suitcase full of holiday clichés that wouldn’t even get past Ryanair's baggage check: queuing under the 40°C sun for the food truck, beaches where you can't even fit a toothpick, 45 minutes looking for a parking spot near that “secret” cove that looks like a festival mosh pit…

This time, we've decided to bust some summer myths so you can go on holiday without filters; hard truths to set expectations and avoid wanting to find Nemo at the bottom of the ocean and never return to dry land.

Myth #1. Off-peak season is a fairy tale

Some people still say it's better to take holidays in September or June. That everything’s cheaper, there are fewer people, it's not as hot… Spoiler alert: 67 million Brits and Irish think the same. At this point, every day is peak season… so take your holidays when it suits you and accept that it’ll be rammed.

Myth #2. The untouched destination… like a hermit’s hideaway

There’s no bigger myth than destinations WITHOUT tourists with fanny packs, sandals, or farmer tans. Virgin coves, countries still undiscovered by mass tourism… Actually, whether you’re seeking spiritual connection in India, chilling in Cornwall, or at exotic destinations… if you don’t see tourists… you’re the tourist. Better stop looking for untouched destinations and choose according to your vibe: beach, backpacking, partying, total relaxation, catching up with mates… despite the crowds.

Myth #3. Suitcases like Mary Poppins' bag, where everything fits but you always use the same stuff

Swimsuits, sunglasses, flip-flops… a book; actually no, better take two just in case. Trainers in case you feel like running, a jacket in case it gets cold… that boho outfit you’ll wear once in your life… We pack like we’re moving house and taking residence under a parasol. We should apply the proverb “if it weighs more than a chicken… you’ll pay for excess baggage”… or wasn’t it that?

Myth #4. Nothing’s as pretty as in your Stories

Instagram in these months looks like a travel agency ad: mates in Ibiza, colleagues doing a buffet review, your cousin live-streaming his road trip in Scotland… What’s not in the photo? Waking up at the crack of dawn to park at the beach, the paper-thin walls of the hotel that leave nothing to the imagination (yes, we heard everything) or the stress when you get lost in traffic and not even Google Maps can find you. Not even Instagram filters can fix everything happening around, before, and after that dream photo.

Myth #5. I’m too tired… for a holiday

To those who go from being swamped at work to being swamped with activities, excursions, and an endless to-do list, we need to talk: the idea is to enjoy without running around like a headless chicken through all the Google lists like “everything you need to see in Italy in 48 hours”.

Our advice? Plan the bare minimum to meet YOUR expectations (e.g., a pint at 3 PM and not much else) and still survive. For everything else: declare a strike on yourself, chill out (and see what happens), embrace the art of doing nothing, take a nap so good you drool on the pillow and live your holidays like it’s always a Friday.

Myth #6: Post-holiday blues

Truth be told… this one isn’t a myth. It’s pure truth with no remedy. We get nostalgic unpacking our suitcase, scrolling through our photo gallery like it’s a time machine… and putting on a brave face to avoid seeking a party every time someone says, “you’re not that tanned”.

The only comfort left? We’ll suffer a bit counting down the days to the next holiday… but until then, we’ll enjoy this post-holiday glow that we’ve got… and without needing to bathe in after-sun lotion. 😜💦

PS: And of course, this week's post is sponsored by our Handsomefyer Sun, the all-in-1 cream with SPF 50 to keep you looking good wherever you go… and without ending up looking like a lobster.