As we get older, sometimes we long to return to a particular period from our past. Maybe to when we were young and life was simple. To happy times and wonderful memories.
An event might suddenly trigger nostalgia. With happiness as the major theme, it’s no wonder that nostalgia travel has become a popular travel trend. What is nostalgia travel?
What is nostalgia travel?
Nostalgia travel focuses on revisiting places and experiences that evoke positive memories of the past. The trip we take may be for sentimental or emotional reasons or to grant a wish that we made long ago. What common triggers usually cause people to take nostalgia trips?
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Movies & Music
Movies
Some common prompts for nostalgia travel include movies and music. Exploring a place that featured in your childhood. A place that has intrigued me since childhood is Salzburg, Austria. Why?
The Sound of Music made me do it! It’s the most watched and beloved movie of all time. The estimates are that over one billion people worldwide of all different age groups have seen the movie. My family regularly watched the movie on TV when I was a child.
My childhood dream came full circle when I visited the film’s location in Austria. The feelings of nostalgia were strong, and the trip was extra enjoyable as I finally got the chance to relive my childhood.
On my visit, a lot of other tourists were doing the same. We were in the Mirabel Gardens in Salzburg re-enacting scenes from the movie. Not as adults, but as children again. Singing, dancing and enjoying the moment. In our own bubble of happiness.
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Music
Music attractions are also a theme of this travel trend. Another much loved band is ABBA. ABBA has sold hundreds of millions of records, making them one of the best selling music artists of all time. Their music has been popular for decades and there has been a resurgence in their popularity, especially with the younger generations.
You may have been too young or not even born to see ABBA in their heyday. But you now have the chance to attend ABBA’s virtual concert residency in London, ABBA Voyage. I’m heading there this summer.
You can also visit the ABBA Museum in Stockholm. I highly recommend a visit. You’ll walk in and dance out.
Why is nostalgia travel popular?
Nostalgia travel is popular as it:
- Holds an emotional connection
- Gives us a chance to revisit simpler times
- Helps us to create fresh memories
- Is an escape from our current life
- Satisfies our bucket lists
Emotional connection
Our emotions are a big part of who we are. Nostalgia allows us to reconnect with positive emotions from the past and memories we hold dear.
Our senses can also trigger nostalgia. Ever experienced a flashback to a place after smelling a certain scent? It’s amazing how we can instantly recall memories activated by our senses.
Simpler times
We crave comfort and familiarity and revisiting simpler times meets this need. This comfort zone helps us deal with change and uncertainty.
Fresh memories
This travel trend helps us create fresh memories in a familiar setting that hold special significance.
Escape from life
Sometimes we just need to disconnect. It helps our mental and physical health. Nostalgia travel also gives us a boost of positivity and time for reflection. It’s an escape from life, if only temporarily.
Bucket lists
It’s not a coincidence that destinations that are high on our bucket lists have a special meaning to us. There is an invisible pull that makes us book travel to experience those dream destinations on our wish list. Each bucket list is unique. Tailored to our interest, aspirations and preferences.
So it’s time to reflect on the good times from the past. Is there a destination that you have dreamt about since childhood? If you want to enjoy some nostalgia and relive the memories, book that flight now!
I’ll see you at the airport soon!
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Linda is a best selling author, travel blogger and travel coach. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
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