Q.
In a world streaked with madness – and budgets at full stretch – many will not be travelling far this holiday season. What ways do you find to escape at home? What say others?

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A.

In 2023, Savanta polled 2,271 adults from the UK about their favourite forms of local escapism.

How I escape. UK. 2023
i.    Watching TV. 54%
ii.   Reading books. 33%
iii.  Social media. 27%
iv.  Listening to the radio. 24%
v.   Going to the pub. 21%
vi.  Going to the cinema. 16%
vii. Listening to podcasts. 14%

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Are you looking for new ways to learn about different cultures from the comfort of your couch? It might be time to look for an old-fashioned, snail-mail, pen-pal.

In their 2026 Trend Prediction report, Pinterest tells us to expect a ‘letter writing renaissance’ from Gen Z and Millennials. But don’t bother showing up with your dull white envelope, and your grocery store stamp. This is all about glittery, sticker-laden, scrapbooks to go.

Pen-Pal Search Volume Trends. Pinterest Predicts 2026
• Pen-pal letters. +35%
• Handwritten letters. +45%
• Pen-pal ideas. +90%
• Cute stamps. +105%
• Snail-mail gifts. +110%
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www.justcurious.ca

Header Art: Yeti Iglesias