Retreats in the time of Covid 🦠 - The tales of our 2020 guests

We are all hanging onto the last few weeks of 2020. If we could fast forward to the new year, we would be the first to do so in a heartbeat. For us at Helios, we had set us to have the year of Wellness Travelling; having surpassed the yearly number of 20 retreats. Covid struck a devastating blow to our plans and dreams. 

The anxiety surrounding travels exceeded by far the excitement. We consider ourselves lucky that we could host four retreats in a turbulent year. With a good portion of bravado and continued optimism, the Helios team adapted and worked to create a safe environment for those who still could travel relatively unaffected despite Covid. 

There was a rewarding sense of appreciation towards every minute that went by on these retreats. From our two pre-pandemic and two events during the pandemic, we shared unique experiences. 

We asked four of our guests to share with us what have they learned about travelling in a year ravaged by a pandemic? What advice would they give themselves and others about travelling amidst uncertainty? What lessons are they taking on, having seen usual travel grind to a halt amidst the pandemic? And what did they learn about themselves in through travelling this year?

What have they learned about travelling in a year ravaged by a pandemic?

Claire Stapleton

I feel so lucky and blessed to have been on a trip of a lifetime to the Atlas Mountains for an amazing retreat and then to stay and experience the wonders of the Sahara desert before the world shut down. 

I was the strange one in the airport with a mask then, gladly, I got away when I did, it made lockdown more manageable to maintain my fitness mindfulness and feel blessed that I had travelled safely this year with Helios.

David & Ricardo Pilgrim

We’ve learned that it’s not so important to always feel like you have to get on a plane to really feel like you’re having a holiday. We discovered new places in the UK that were just stunning and as picturesque as anywhere we’ve been overseas. So now we will really carefully plan the big trips and appreciate them all the more. 

Melissa Jackson

The biggest thing I learned this year was that it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. Especially if you are going to a Helios Retreats or packaged holiday, you can feel at ease knowing the organisers have taken every precaution to make it safe and enjoyable for you. 

Sophie Malkin

Travelling in a pandemic has turned from a mode of transport into a complete luxury (yes even with Ryanair!) so it’s made me even more grateful getting to do something so simple as travel!

Sam Unsworth

I’ve learned that I enjoy to let plans unfold and to be spontaneous while travelling, rather than meticulously planning your itinerary. You cannot plan who you will meet or the experience you will have while abroad, so enjoy them and be flexible in your travel plans. I have been to places and countries while travelling that I would never have gone to were it not for the people I met while travelling and it is fantastic.

What advice would they give themselves and others about travelling amidst uncertainty? 

David & Ricardo Pilgrim

 Do your research depending on your own situation. One of us simply can’t afford to be quarantined coming home and miss work so we’re a little careful about where we go for holidays. And we’ll be first in the queue for the vaccine!

Claire Stapleton

If you want to and can do it safely - just do it! We only have one life and this year has given everyone time to reflect. I’ve made a new bucket list of places to go and things to do with my health and safety a new top priority.

Melissa Jackson

Do what feels comfortable to you and make sure you know everything you need to ahead of time and check for regular updates from the official websites. Be prepared for things to change last minute and make sure you tell people who need to know this, like your boss. If they’re comfortable with it, and you are comfortable with it then you are good to go! 

I would also say it’s best to go more secluded spots and take a more relaxed approach, rather than trying to have the same wild holiday you may have had before. It’s important to get away and switch off, so book a holiday with that in mind. The partying will have to wait! 

Sam Unsworth

Simply: GO. There is uncertainty around many things in life and I believe that actually putting your feet forward and taking the plunge is half the battle. Do it and don’t let uncertainty ruin your travelling.

Sophie Malkin

My advice would be to prepare for all eventualities, this includes potentially needing to get a different flight, self isolation at home and even packing the work laptop for a ‘just in case’. it will avoid any stress or disappointment as there’s always the ‘plan B... or c!’

What lessons are they taking on, having seen casual travel grind to a halt amidst the pandemic? 

Sam Unsworth

Ironically, to try and travel more and make the most of my free time outside of work. It is incredibly easy to simply stay in London and do things here all year round, but pushing yourself to experience other cultures, meet new people and adventure outside of your comfort zone makes life far more exciting.

Claire Stapleton

Previously, I'd travelled on lots of short trips to see as many places as I could. Now, I will plan my trips for longer periods and plan to explore more remote nature adventures and beauty rather than busy cities or activities crammed with people.

David & Ricardo Pilgrim

Watching people deal with travel dramas due to COVID-19 is a little daunting and we wouldn’t want that to detract from the joy of holidays, so the UK staycation is a lot more appealing now. That said we are still keen to head overseas when we can and we’re pretty open to trying new places we wouldn’t have thought about before, provided they’re safe and we won’t get quarantined coming home. 

Melissa Jackson

I think the biggest lesson is to understand that anything can change and to be ok with that. I’ve also taken this year as a chance to stop and be ok with not going anywhere, finding new places nearby and ways to switch off. It’s helped me to really figure out my priorities and really consider how I want to holiday and spend my leisure time. 

Sophie Malkin

I have certainly learnt wallpapering skills throughout the year! Although after coming back from the retreat I decided to try to learn a new skill and have taken up CrossFit to further challenge myself.

What did they learn about themselves in through travelling this year?

Melissa Jackson

I tried to ski just as France closed their boarders at the very beginning. Luckily, I made it out! But this taught me that I can do well under stress and no matter what, you will always find a way.

I am usually a “do it yourself” traveller, but this year, through deciding to treat myself and go on a Helios retreat, I learned how amazing it is to not have to plan and do everything in your own and truly relax.

There is something out there suitable for everyone, and as a solo traveller, a retreat really takes the uncertainty out of how good your breakaway will be. You know it’s going to be great and have everything you could want!

Claire Stapleton

You can plan, prepare and do things safely. Travelling is an adventure and each trip I learn something new about myself in confidence, resilience or catastrophes.  

David & Ricardo Pilgrim

We’ve actually been even more into fitness holidays, making the most of getting away from home. Since our last Helios Retreats, we did get away, took our resistance bands and our running shoes, using them most days. I think we’re less likely now to chill and lie in about on holidays. 

Safety and gut-feelings go hand in hand during times of uncertainty. One thing this year has shown is that no matter what, we will always explore the world as long as it is safe to do so. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we committed to the safety of our guests as paramount to continue our retreats.

After a tireless amount of work, our team worked relentlessly alongside our local partners round the clock, we ensured there is no risk and adopted a Covid-safe approach to our retreats to guarantee our guests were in excellent hands. The result has been a success! 

Now, with the news of a vaccine available soon, we expect to get back on track and meeting you all at one of our destinations.