“Travel has always been my favourite luxury, but I do it differently these days.

Previously, I would only take one or two big holidays a year, which tended to be week-long jaunts to far-flung places.

However, having seen my passport collecting dust for years on end, I’ve made a pledge to really make the most of my weekends, cramming in as many trips as my budget will allow.

We’re so lucky living in Europe that you don’t need to take annual leave to go abroad – places like Paris and Amsterdam are totally doable as a two-night stay – and I’ve realised that for me, it’s the thrill of being somewhere different (rather than the indulgence of a week on a beach) that’s the true luxury.

Even a UK-based day-trip can help scratch the itch – popping a bottle of Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava on a sweltering Brighton beach, you could almost be in Barcelona…”

Kiran, 33, London

“It’s something I’ve only come to realise recently, but I value disconnection so much these days.

Scrolling through my phone every minute of every day was a bad habit I didn’t even realise I had. It was mindless. 

I’d pick my phone up to check the time or my emails or whatever – get distracted, forget what I was supposed to be doing and end up in a TikTok hole.

When I realised what was happening, I vowed to have at least an hour a day of phone-free time to do something like a puzzle or read a book – something that engages my brain but also helps me to wind down after a long day.

I’ve been doing it for a month or so and it’s now the time of day I look forward to the most – surely that’s the ultimate definition of luxury?”

Iman, 34, Brighton

“My new favourite luxury – that I try to incorporate into every morning – is jumping out of bed as soon as my alarm goes off, splashing my face with water and heading out for a walk.

Sometimes it’s just a quick stroll around the block, other times it’s a 45-minute wander.

It sounds cheesy, I know, but I don’t always wear my headphones either, which means I can connect with nature, listening to the birds sing and the rustle of the leaves falling from the trees.

It really helps set me up for the day, especially when I’m working from home and probably won’t get a chance to leave my desk at any other time.”

Jo, 32, Kent

“I probably shouldn’t admit this, but before the pandemic hit I was one of those people who was always ‘too busy’ to check in with my family as often as I should have done.

Then when everything changed, I realised how precious my time with them really is and what a waste it was not to use it.

I’m from Newcastle originally and my grandparents live just outside there in Whitley Bay – I don’t get to see them in person too often, so regular video calls are a luxury I now work hard to make time for.

They love to hear about my life and what I’m up to, and seeing their faces is miles better than a speedy phone call.

I know I’m not going to have the opportunity forever, so I need to make the most of it now, while I can.”

Olivia, 27, Bristol

“Not being able to see my friends in real life for so long now means I am officially the queen of the dinner party and I’ll happily plough hours into setting up an impressive tablescape.

Instead of doing post-work drinks when I’m knackered, I‘ve started to invite people over on a Sunday for brunch – with added luxury supplied by a bottle of Freixenet Cordon Rosé Cava, because sparkling rosé is always a good idea.

Spending proper time with my mates feels like the ultimate treat these days, and doing it at my place means we can fully chill out, have a gossip and catch up on each other’s lives without having to shout over loud music or huddle round a tiny table in a crowded bar.”

Miranda, 34, Liverpool

“If not being able to go further than a few miles’ radius of my front door for the best part of two years has taught me anything, it’s that my local area is full of little gems that I was completely unaware of.

There’s something incredibly luxurious about spending an entire weekend in my neighbourhood, without having to squeeze myself onto a single bus or Tube.

From the coffee and bread shop that sells the best fresh loaves every Sunday to a local fishmonger who does incredible sushi, there are so many great spots within a stone’s throw of home.

Appreciating how lucky I am to have it all on my doorstep has been a great side-benefit from a challenging couple of years.”

Dominique, 37, south London