UK. London Heathrow Airport has released an evocative soundtrack that aims to capture the essence of a holiday and inspire travellers.
Created in collaboration with sound artist Nick Ryan, Sound Escapes features more than 30 sounds from 13 locations. It is based on more than 24 hours of audio contributions from passengers sharing holiday sounds, after members of the public were asked to submit audio clips of up to one minute in length that capture the feelings of their holidays.
Sound Escapes can be heard in the video above as well as on Heathrow’s social media channels @HeathrowAirport or @heathrow_airport.
The waves on a beach, the splash of a swimming pool, and a plane taking off are the sounds that most help UK travellers relive holiday memories, according to the airport. Heathrow said the Sound Escapes programme aimed to transport passengers to sunnier climes at what it says is the gloomiest time of the year.
Heathrow commissioned research identifying attitudes towards sounds and what people enjoy hearing in a bid to “help them escape the daily grind and feel instantly relaxed”. It showed that some of the most loved sounds were domestic in nature. The noise of a crackling open fire was picked by 32% of respondents, while babies laughing (31%), rain against a window (30%) and a dramatic thunderstorm (23%) also make people feel relaxed and inspired, the airport said.
Birds chirping (18%), the sound of a kiss (14%) and a sports crowd cheering (13%) made the list of the most exciting sounds around the world, along with an airplane landing (12%) and the roar of a sports car engine (11%).
The research also found that the UK’s five favourite destinations were New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Sydney and Paris.
Sound artist Nick Ryan commented: “When I travel, it’s the way a place sounds that fascinates me so when I hear those sounds again, it takes me straight back. I have long been interested in the connection between memories and sound and the more I explore, the more I realise the two are linked. I hope people tune into the Sound Escapes and enjoy the captivating auditory adventure we’ve created.”
Heathrow Airport Chief Commercial Officer Ross Baker said: “Sound Escapes captures the excitement, fun and adventure of going on holiday. We hope this audio taps into travellers’ memories to deliver an aural experience that inspires the next adventure.”
