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As we return to work after the Christmas and New Year break, you might already be thinking about your next break away. The constant hum of city life, The blaring horns, construction chaos and endless chatter of urban living can take a toll on your well-being. Enter the latest travel trend: calmcations—the antidote to noise pollution and the key to rejuvenation.
Havila Voyages, which operates along Norway’s breathtaking coast, is leading the way in this serene revolution. They’ve recently unveiled the world’s first-ever noise forecast, showing just how dramatically you can escape the city noise pollution by venturing into Norway’s tranquil fjords.
From Chaos to Calm
Imagine swapping the overwhelming 78 decibels (dB) of noise in London’s Vauxhall for the serene 38 dB of Geirangerfjord. That’s the kind of peace you’ll find on a Havila voyage.
For comparison, New York’s Times Square averages a thunderous 86 dB, while the remote Norwegian town of Vardø typically hums along at a gentle 44 dB.
This groundbreaking noise forecast is available via Havila Voyages’ new web page, offering a live feed of sound levels in Norway versus major cities worldwide. It’s a powerful reminder of the toll urban noise can take on our health, and the benefits of escaping it.
Why Noise Matters
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution is the second biggest environmental health risk in Western Europe, after air pollution. Chronic exposure to noise has been linked to stress, cardiovascular issues, and even premature death. In the EU alone, an estimated 22 million people live with noise-induced chronic stress.
Norway’s rugged fjords, remote islands, and strict noise regulations create a natural haven of peace, making it the perfect destination for a calmcation.
A Journey to Quietude
Havila Voyages’ battery-powered ships make the experience even more tranquil. These silent, emission-free vessels can sail for up to four hours at a time through Norway’s UNESCO-protected fjords, ensuring your journey is as peaceful as the destinations themselves.
What’s more, Havila Voyages has curated a Spotify playlist of soothing Norwegian soundscapes. I’ve been captivated by listening to some of these as part of a recent competition Havila Voyages held on Instagram, in the run up to Christmas 2024.
It’s a whole 22 minutes of calming joy – perfect to uplift you on your commute on dreary January day.
Featuring the sounds of horses trotting along Lofoten’s beaches and birds chirping by the river in Øye, the playlist is a noise detox for your mind and body. So take a deep breath, turn on those Norwegian soundscapes, and start planning your calmcation today.
How to Plan Your Calmcation
If you’re ready to embrace the quiet life, Havila Voyages offers an 11-night round trip from Bergen to Kirkenes, and back again, starting at just £1,355 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin, full board, flights excluded).
So, as we return to work after the festive break, if you’re looking for an excuse to leave behind the relentless noise of the city and sail into a world of calm then this is definitely worth your consideration and your body and mind will thank you.
For more details, visit www.havilavoyages.com.
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