WISH YOU WERE HERE... again!

Whether you keep going back to a happy holiday destination or a much-loved TV show, repetition can be comforting. Yvonne Martin discovers how to make it work for her - and how to know when it's time to break out and try something new 

- Dr Audrey Tang, Hilda Burke

Driving along the coast to my favourite holiday destination, the scene is satisfyingly familiar. The road descends among the pretty houses, bringing a different and delightful view at each and every turn, the sun glints on the sea, and I am happy and excited to be back here again. Arriving at St Ives in Cornwall never fails to lift my spirits.

Myself and my partner Allan visit this beautiful seaside town every year with my sister and her husband, and their daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. We are three generations, ranging in age from four to 70, and each one of us loves this trip. I mean really loves it. Counting the sleeps until we go; planning the meals we'll cook when we're there; making sure we have a booking at our favourite café: it's Christmas-level anticipation.

But returning to the same holiday destination year after year is not for everyone, and some may question why go back to the same place when there is a whole world out there to discover? And it's a fair question to ask.

Yet research shows I'm not alone. According to a study carried out by Norwegian Cruise Line earlier this year, nearly three quarters of us repeat the same holiday every year.

And while you can - and I do - explore new and unfamiliar places, too, visiting your old favourite is a pleasure that's hard to beat, and can be a real wellbeing boost, too.

"There are many benefits to returning to a familiar place, but I would say the most important of these is almost guaranteeing your ability to relax,' says chartered psychologist and coach Dr Audrey Tang.

Much as holidays are a treat and a pleasure, they come with their own stresses, from navigating unfamiliar roads and airports, to not knowing where to turn if you face a problem at your destination.