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What with international travel being brought to a near standstill by the spread of Covid-19, many Brits have found themselves making alternative plans for their holidays. The staycation has exploded in popularity; campervans are flying off the forecourts, and holiday homes are under almost unprecedented demand.
Photo by Roxxie Blackham on Unsplash
For many, being a tourist at home is a strange experience. Exactly how should we behave and plan these trips? For the most part, the answers are much the same as they were when we were holidaying abroad.
Look for what’s novel
Just because you’ve lived in a given country for your entire life doesn’t mean that you’ve exhausted everything it has to offer. The UK is crammed full of hidden treasures, most of which go ignored even by the people who live just down the road. Whether it’s a romantic UK city break or more remote rural escape, there is something for everyone. Do your research before visiting a given area, make a list of the places you’d really like to visit, and make time for each of them.
Consider the weather
When composing your itinerary, it’s worth thinking about how the weather is going to behave. Set aside one or two indoor activities for the rainy days – that way, you’ll still be able to get in all of the things that you’d like to see and do.
Dress appropriately
If you’re going on a city break, then you might get by with what you normally wear when you pop down to the shops. Most holidaymakers in the United Kingdom will be headed off the beaten track, however. Doing so makes social distancing easier, for one thing. But for another, the UK has a great deal of natural beauty to offer.
A hike through the Lake District can be unforgettable on a clear day; and the same is true in the Scottish Highlands or in the Yorkshire Dales. Make sure you’re wearing lightweight and waterproof clothing; women’s trousers should be nicely breathable, water-resistant, and paired with a suitably rugged pair of hiking boots.
Book in advance
For some activities, you’ll need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. And this applies especially during an age of coronavirus, where venues and attractions need to carefully control the number of simultaneous visitors.
Look for vouchers
If you can get a discount along the way, you shouldn’t hesitate. Those vouchers will add up over the course of a few days, and allow your holiday budget to go further. Although you’re in your own country, the money can definitely add up over time. So vouchers are always a good option!
[…] been on a lot of staycations and I love exploring more of the UK. There are so many gems to find, places to see, things to do and wonderful food to eat, it’s […]
I’m still not feeling 100% ready to really travel, but I’ve been enjoying spending time exploring around where we live! I love staycations in general, so when it’s safe I can’t wait to get back out and find some fun new places!
Considering the weather is definitely a big one for the UK haha! Planning a few indoor activities is a great idea 🙂
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I haven’t left my town for the whole of 2020 but I love that Windsor has so much so I don’t need to. I can be a tourist for the day on my doorstep!
Rosie
Great advice! Lving in Italy this summer I discovered many amazing places that I otherwise would not have visited. thanks for sharing
Some really great ideas! We want to go to more places in the uk for days out or little holidays x
I’ve never really travelled in the UK other than day trips places close to home so I’ve got plenty to potentially discover x
Sophie
Thanks for sharing, I have found going to places in our towns or counties better sometimes that going further a field, even though visiting the seaside was much needed break from the same places 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
I love exploring around the UK, lockdown has made me appreciate just how much there is to see and how much I’ve been taking for granted! We’ve got a few staycations coming up in Autumn and I’m so excited for them now xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Some great tips here, I love a good old discount/voucher. Very true about the weather too, summer doesn’t necessarily mean sunshine and hot temperatures in the UK!
Paris | http://www.thegirlinflat26.wordpress.com
We went on our first staycation this year to Bath – and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made! Like you said, there are so many hidden treasures at home, and this year (and the years after) I want to try my best to explore and do more staycations!
I really want to go to Bath!
I feel as though you can’t plan with the weather – it’s a case of just risking it and seeing what happens 😂
True. I keep an eye on weather apps religiously.
These are some great tips. I’ve been fortunate to go on three staycation mini breaks since lockdown eased and I’ve really enjoyed them. I always forget to look for vouchers so I definitely need to get better at that.
That’s great to hear!
I absolutely LOVE this concept!
Most of us are sticking close to home. It is always amazing to me how much fun you can have in your own backyard. Sometimes, we do not appreciate how blessed we are…so much around us to enjoy. 🙂
I totally agree!
It is always great to be a tourist anywhere you go! So important to dress for the weather. I wasn’t ready for the cold when I went up to Boston and only wore one layer of leggings! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
Bet that was cold!
The UK is a beautiful country and there are so many nice nature spots literally everywhere. So there is definitely a great hike around the corner somewhere for most of us. I found one close to home as I did research as you suggested and I am so glad I did.
There really is!
You are right Jenny… Great tips… 🙂 <3 <3
Spirituality Awakening
Great advice! I’m going to be having breaks this year, thanks for the advice
We’ve been doing weekend getaways within driving distance here in the U.S. We look for each room to have its own in-room heat and air conditioning in the room (central where you’re sharing your neighbors recirculated air). We have felt safe so far everywhere we have gone. It does good for the soul to get a change of scenery.
That’s great to hear!
I love travelling around the UK – especially around Scotland x
I love exploring my own country and, in fact, it’s something Ryan and I have vowed to do now that we can’t go anywhere else. Plus, NI is that small that we could go ‘touring’ and also come home to our cat-kids at night with no issue.
Sounds perfect!
What a great thought!
Great advice! I’m going to be having uk breaks this autumn instead of abroad and I definitely will be booking things in advance!
Sounds fab!
I hope to make a staycation before the end of the year (as long as I feel safe!) . I hope people can take advantage of taking a holiday in the UK rather than go abroad! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I agree 🙂