As the nights draw in and stress levels rise, more Britons are looking to swap grey skies for blue horizons.
New research from UK travel agent Cruise118.com shows searches for “winter sun holiday” have jumped by 195%, signalling a growing appetite for sunshine escapes as winter approaches.
The spike comes as International Stress Awareness Week (3rd to 7th November) helps raise awareness of stress issues, and reflects a wider trend towards wellbeing-focused travel.
Recent research found that 98% of travellers prioritise relaxation on holiday, while 62% choose beach or coastal breaks for their calming effect – a reminder that escaping to the sea is as much about mental reset as physical rest.
Cruises Offer the Ultimate Stress-Free Escape
Cruises are proving especially popular for travellers seeking easy, all-in-one holidays.
According to Lindsay Haslehurst, Head of Product & Commercial at Cruise118, cruising perfectly blends sunshine, simplicity and self-care.
“Cruise holidays bring everything together in one seamless experience,” said Haslehurst. “With accommodation and dining taken care of, guests can switch off, breathe in the fresh sea air and let the ocean do the rest.”
The move towards stress-free travel aligns with recent YouGov figures showing that one in three UK adults (34%) experienced high or extreme stress last year, and 91% felt stressed at least once.
Younger adults are under the most pressure, with 60% of 18–24-year-olds citing “the pressure to succeed” as a key cause, while older adults face longer-term strains linked to finances, health and isolation.
Haslehurst added:
“A cruise offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity. Travellers can explore multiple destinations without the stress of constant packing and planning. Increasingly, cruise lines are developing wellness-at-sea programmes that support both physical and mental wellbeing – from spa therapies to yoga sessions and mindfulness workshops.”
Cruise118’s Tips for a Stress-Free Voyage
To help travellers make the most of their winter escape, Cruise118 has shared its top advice for effortless cruising:
1. Look for last-minute deals
Last-minute sailings can be a smart way to save money, as cruise lines often discount remaining cabins to fill ships close to departure.
If you’re flexible on dates, you could save hundreds of pounds – and enjoy an impromptu dose of winter sunshine.
2. Pack with purpose
Packing efficiently is key to a smooth holiday. Cruise lines may have specific restrictions on what can be brought onboard, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Essentials like swimwear, evening attire and comfortable shoes are musts, but overpacking can make cabin storage tricky.
3. Plan your shore time
Whether you book excursions through the cruise line or explore independently, plan ahead to make the most of your port days.
Always double-check the ship’s departure time before heading ashore – no one wants to be the person left behind on the pier.
Sun, Sea and a Sense of Calm
While winter sun holidays have always been a British favourite, the growing focus on wellness and work-life balance is giving them new meaning.
For many, a week or two at sea offers not just a break from the weather, but a way to reset and recharge.
As Haslehurst puts it:
“A winter sun holiday isn’t just an escape from the cold – it’s a proven way to unwind, reset and leave everyday pressures behind. With Cruise118, switching off becomes effortless. Set sail for sunshine, sea air and total relaxation, and make stress a thing of the past.”
About Cruise118
Founded in 2009, Cruise118 is one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists.
Part of the world’s largest cruise retailer, the company partners with every major cruise line and has helped over 65,000 customers plan and book voyages around the world.
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