If you’re heading to see the TOG stand and all on offer at the Destinations Travel Show at London Olympia from 29th January to 1st February, you’ll likely notice a familiar feeling. With so much worldwide inspiration on display, from Arctic adventures to tropical island escapes, the scale of it all can overwhelm even the most experienced travellers.
Sometimes, in these moments, we just need a moment to pause. Earthing, or connecting to nature, can be one of the most effective ways to do this. Luckily, London has countless places to do just that, taking you away from the busy stands and vibrant streets and placing you in the serenity of nature.
What is earthing?
Earthing, sometimes called grounding, has gained considerable attention over the past few years, especially among people who prioritise outdoor wellbeing. At its core, it’s the practice of reconnecting with the Earth’s natural energy, such as walking barefoot on grass, sitting on the forest floor, or even using grounding mats.
Studies suggest that this direct contact with the electrons in the Earth’s surface can help to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and lower our stress levels. Stepping away from the digital tools we use every day and immersing yourself in nature isn’t just good for your mental health, it could be good for your physical health too.
Green spaces on your doorstep
You may think the concept of earthing goes out the window in a busy city like London, but you’d be mistaken. In fact, the capital has so many hidden pockets of greenery for urban nature lovers that you can find tucked away behind bustling streets or theatre-heavy locations.
Holland Park, with its Kyoto Garden, is a beautiful meditative refuge in the heart of Kensington, while The Phoenix Gardens near Tottenham Court Road is a haven for urban wildlife and birdsong.
Knowledgeable local property experts at Hudsons Property, have a series of useful area guides to central London locations. Whether you’re looking for the leafy squares of Bloomsbury or a quieter corner in Soho, these guides can help you navigate like a local. After an intense morning of comparing safari operators or debating the merits of various trekking routes at the show, this kind of sensory reset can be invaluable.
Nature as a decision-making tool
The beauty of taking these earthing breaks during the Destinations show is that they complement rather than compete with your travel planning. When you’re bombarded with glossy brochures and enthusiastic sales pitches, your decision-making ability can become overwhelmed.
Walking through a park or square allows your subconscious to process what you’ve seen while your conscious mind relaxes. You might find that the trip you’re truly excited about becomes clearer once you’ve had twenty minutes of fresh air and natural surroundings. It’s the same principle that makes walking meetings so productive. Movement and nature unlock different parts of our thinking.
The rhythm of urban nature
There’s something about observing the rhythm of urban nature, from dog walkers following their regular routes to parents playing with their kids in the park or birds enjoying the crumbs from al fresco lunches.
It’s these little rituals that remind us to be present and enjoy everything that makes the city so special, and doing so in an outdoor setting means you get the double benefit of mindful observation paired with connection to the Earth, by immersing yourself in nature.
Bookending your show days
If you’re attending the show over a few days, you might consider bookending each visit with a nature walk. Start your day with a stroll through Hyde Park’s quieter corners, before the exhibition opens. The Serpentine’s edge at sunrise offers a surprisingly tranquil experience, with mist rising off the water and early-morning runners creating a sense of shared purpose.
Then, after a full day of gathering information for your next big trip, decompress with an evening walk through Kensington Gardens. The Albert Memorial and Italian Gardens take on a different character as daylight fades.
The bigger picture
The irony isn’t lost on us that we’re suggesting you spend time in London when the purpose of your visit is to plan adventures in far-flung destinations. But that’s precisely the point.
True connection with nature doesn’t always require a flight to New Zealand or a trek through Patagonia. It starts with noticing the restorative power of green spaces all around us and making time for them regularly, not just during holidays.
The Destinations Show can inspire your next big adventure, but the parks of London and throughout the rest of the UK can remind you why you seek those adventures in the first place: to feel more present and more connected to the natural world.
So, as you plan your route around the exhibition stands, factor in some time to ground yourself and unwind. Your mind, body, and ability to make clear decisions will all benefit from the balance. After all, the best journeys don’t start with frantic planning but with a clear head and grounded perspective.
Author: Annie Button