Science Says: Padel Weekends Beat Post-Holiday Blues

There’s a strange emptiness that sometimes follows a good holiday. The suitcases are unpacked, the tan is fading, and your inbox is bursting. What should feel like a fresh start often feels like a comedown. And you’re not alone. Psychologists have studied this feeling known as post-vacation blues and found that it affects millions of people across Europe every year.

But here’s the good news: the antidote might be much closer than your next holiday. According to recent studies, physical activity, community interaction, and short-term goal-setting can significantly reduce symptoms of post-holiday depression. And few activities tick all those boxes like padel.

A 2021 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry linked regular participation in social sports (like padel) with a 33% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another paper from the European Journal of Sport Science found that players who engaged in weekend competitions or coached sessions reported greater life satisfaction and energy levels, especially during seasonal transitions like September.

At Weebora, we’ve seen this play out firsthand. Our weekend padel packages, available across Spain, Italy, Portugal and beyond, aren’t just travel products—they’re emotional resets. They’re curated escapes that give you something to look forward to after the holidays, something to train for, something to enjoy without having to plan an entire vacation from scratch.

Imagine this: it’s a Friday evening and you arrive in Barcelona for a weekend of padel by the beach. You meet fellow players, warm up under the Mediterranean sky, and join a small tournament organized by your coach. Later, you toast with vermouth and tapas, swap game stories, and remember that summer isn’t over just because your August flight landed.

Weebora’s weekend catalogue is full of these experiences from wellness retreats in Oporto to intensive coaching camps in Rome or social tournaments in Valencia. All are bookable in just a few clicks, tailored to your level, and designed to make you feel good physically, socially, and mentally.

In a time where burnout and overstimulation are so common, these weekend experiences act as micro-holidays, blending the benefits of sport with the joy of discovering a new place. And science agrees: a University of Derby study showed that even brief “active getaways” can trigger long-lasting mood improvements, especially when shared with others.

So if you're staring at your calendar wondering how to stay upbeat until December, don’t wait for the next big break. Grab your racket, pack light, and join a community that’s always in motion.

Weebora isn’t just about travel. It’s about keeping joy in motion, one weekend at a time.