Nostalgications are a big travel trend right now, with more and more people recapturing the charm of the kind of summer holidays they had when they were young. It’s all about revisiting the past, sharing happy memories and making new ones with the people you love most in the whole wide world. It’s about slowing down and finding calm in a constantly changing world.
Remember those carefree holidays you had when you were young? Those long, happy hours spent playing on the beaches, roaming through the fields, it was all so different back then, so much simpler, before the advent of mobile phones, the internet and social media. That’s why nostalgications are such a big thing – these days nothing seems to stand still for long so going back to your childhood holiday haunts feels safe and comforting. It’s an opportunity to share it all over again with your offspring and extended family.
It's looking back in a good way, evoking times when life was more laid back. Apart from staying in the same location, revisiting the same shops and pubs, what else are nostalgications all about, how do you reach back into the past and bring it back to life, reshaping those memories and sharing special times a second time around? Think about the things you used to do and go do them again, it’s that easy; check out our ideas for things to do on your nostalgication and re-love every moment.
Go Crabbing
Crabbing is fun, full stop. Those hot summer days sitting on the edge of the quay, down at the harbour, dangling your lines in the water, pulling up crabs, the sea sparkling before you. Crabbing is so easy too, all you need is a line or net, some bait and a bucket to put your catch in. If you don’t already have the gear, you can buy it in local shops.
The bait is usually bacon or fish offcuts. Back in the day, crab lines had hooks to attach the bait to, but these days most of them come with bait bags (it’s a good idea to buy spares). Let your line loose into the water and you’ll soon feel when the crabs bite; haul them up, pop your catch in the bucket, have a count and a closer look before you pop them back in the water unharmed.
Take a Boat Trip
Another great idea for days by the sea. Boat trips are one of the best ways to see the coastline, it’s something all ages can do, and dogs are usually allowed on board too. You’ll have commentary from the skipper, telling you all about any shipwrecks and key points along the coast. As well as sightseeing, most boats also run mackerel fishing and deep sea fishing trips where you can catch your supper. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins.
A trip on a narrow boat or a horse drawn barge is equally relaxing, drifting along the still waters of a canal, with refreshments served onboard. Keep your eyes peeled and you might see ducks dabbling, swans gliding by, the bright blue flash of a king fisher, and if fortune is really smiling down on you, you might even see an otter.
Go Fishing
Show the young ‘uns how to catch fish! If you’re over 13 You’ll need an Environment Agency Rod Licence for this, which, if you haven’t got one, will take a few minutes online. Find a designated fishing lake and angle for coarse fish like carp, tench and bream, or head to the river (or even a stream) and fish for brown trout, though make sure you have any necessary permits first. You can start off with child-friendly tackle and bait with worms. A huge bonus of fishing is the tranquil environment and the bounteous fresh air; it also teaches patience and the skill of casting.
Play Outdoor Games
Outdoor games are enormous fun and it’s something the whole family can join in. There are so many games to choose from - tag, rounders, French cricket, hopscotch, hide-and-seek, even kiss chase! Make it a mini sports day with bean bag, egg and spoon, sack races and three legged races, award medals and round it off with sandwiches, cake and of course, lemon barley water! Be organised, take any equipment you might need like bats and balls, cheer on the participants, whip up the team spirit.
Go For a Picnic
Got to love a good old-fashioned picnic, just like The Famous Five, with tins of sardines, hard boiled eggs, home cooked ham, pork pies, and lashings of ginger beer. Choose where you want to go, ideally it will involve a short stroll through sun dappled woodland, across a wildflower meadow, along a river or to a hilltop with panoramic views that roll on for miles. Spread out your traditional tartan picnic rug, gather round and unpack your hamper. You can all join in the prep for it, buttering bread, baking quiche and cakes, making sandwiches and salads.
Go for a Bike Ride
A family bike ride is such a brilliant way to get outdoors and active. Hire bikes, tag-alongs, child seats, child bikes and helmets and go exploring or choose a family friendly cycle trail that’s mostly traffic free. Plan your route well to include stops for snacks, a picnic, a bit of playtime, and to enjoy the scenery.
This is a fantastic shared experience that creates lasting memories, it’s good for your health and good for your wellbeing.
Go Rockpooling
Remember those happy hours puddling about in rockpools? It’s such a lovely way to pass the time, getting close to the marine life in the miniature world of rockpools. Take your nets and a bucket, see what you can find in a fascinating underwater world – crabs, sea anemones, maybe a starfish. Get back to basics by taking a book instead of using apps to help you identify things, love the sea air and coastal scenery, have fish and chips by the shore to round it all off. Check the tide times before you go, obvs.
Fly a Kite
There’s something about watching a kite soaring high in the sky, it’s a great way to unwind and be outdoors; instead of looking down at phones and computers, you’ll be looking up to the skies, absorbed in the moment. Start kids off with a simple, single line kite that’s easy to fly. It doesn’t even need to be windy, a light breeze will be fine, just find a big open space away from roads and power lines. Tie it in with a picnic.
Storytelling
Ah, the happy hours spent sitting around a campfire or under the bedclothes swapping stories; those are such good holiday memories. This is another activity for all ages, a great way to bring you close and connected with parents and grandparents, sharing their stories too. Remember it’s not a competition, it’s just fun! Make your stories scary, humorous, or pick a theme that suits you all. Storytelling is something you can do indoors, out in the garden, in a cosy BBQ lodge - wherever you like.
Go Stargazing
Spend carefree hours lying in the garden looking up at the night sky, picking out the constellations. It’s so humbling, that vast cosmos above you, it will fill you with wonder. You don’t even need any equipment as most of the planets and stars can be picked out with the naked eye on a dark night with no light pollution, but if you want to see more, try binoculars before investing in a telescope. Use books to help you identify planets and major stars, find Ursa Major, Orion, Cassiopeia and Leo.
A big garden isn’t necessary for stargazing, just big skies, although there are several designated Dark Sky sites in the UK where you’ll have the clearest views. You don’t have to stay up all night, but you can make it more of an adventure by factoring in late night snacks.
Go For a Nature Walk
So many people have the happiest memories of nature walks and playing outdoors from their childhood holidays. Untroubled hours spent ambling through open fields, puffing your way up hills, strolling through ancient woodlands and along babbling brooks. It’s all so beautiful, out in the fresh air, stunning scenery and untamed nature all around you. Take your Spotters books and binoculars, make a list of what you see – how many types of trees, wildflowers, birds and mammals. If you’re quiet who knows what you might spot – deer at feed, foxes slinking along the hedge line, squirrels leaping from branch to branch; watch buzzards soaring overhead, listen to the birdsong, soak it all up, love it.