5 hrs ago
Reverse Vacations: Embracing Discomfort on Holiday
Reverse vacations are a new trend where people choose to be uncomfortable while on holiday.
Instead of staying in luxury hotels and enjoying all the comforts, they might choose to travel without air conditioning, or without a set schedule.
A psychologist named Athul Raj explains that this can help people appreciate what they usually have and make them feel more resilient.
It's not about making the holiday as hard as possible, but about learning something new about yourself.
For example, if you are always online, you might leave your phone behind.
If your life is very scheduled, you might try a few days without a plan.
The idea is to notice how you react to these changes.
However, it's important not to make the holiday too stressful or unsafe.
People who are already very tired or going through a hard time might need comfort instead of a challenge.
Reverse vacations involve voluntarily choosing temporary discomfort during travel.
Psychologist Athul Raj suggests that experiencing discomfort can increase awareness of everyday privileges.
Choosing discomfort can make uncertainty feel less threatening and build resilience.
It's important to focus on what you want to get away from, not just how uncomfortable the holiday can be.
Reverse vacations should not be overwhelming or unsafe, and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Who
- Travellers and Counselling Psychologist Athul Raj
- What
- Reverse vacations that involve embracing discomfort
- Where
- Not specified
- When
- Not specified
- Why
- To increase awareness of everyday privileges and build resilience
Key facts
- Concept
- Reverse vacations involve voluntarily choosing temporary discomfort during travel.
- Psychological Benefit
- Experiencing discomfort can increase awareness of everyday privileges and build resilience.
- Expert
- Athul Raj, Counselling Psychologist
- Key Insight
- Choosing discomfort can make uncertainty feel less threatening.
- Caution
- Reverse vacations should not be overwhelming or unsafe.
- Meaningful Experience
- Focus on what you want to get away from, not just how uncomfortable the holiday can be.
Quotes
Athul Raj
Counselling psychologist quoted by Indian Express
“We tend to normalise comfort very quickly. If we have AC, food delivery, Google Maps, cabs, fast internet, and the ability to get almost anything immediately, after a point we stop experiencing these as privileges. They become expectations.”
indianexpress.com
“The useful part can be noticing your own reactions: What irritated me? What did I miss? What did I realise I could actually live without?”
indianexpress.com



