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Even though things are edging back to a sort of normal, COVID is still very much on all our minds. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we’re thinking about masks and hand sanitizer or whether that person is a bit too close for our liking. Or perhaps that’s just me. But I for one am over the moon that we’re settling in to a more normal pace of life now. Quite frankly I’ve missed it.
Photo by Megan Andrews on Unsplash
One thing I’ve missed the most is my staycations. I love a staycation, having not been abroad for a number of years now and exploring the UK instead. I had a fair few planned for this year which sadly all got cancelled. But as thing start to re-open, we’ll all be heading back to our favourite staycation destinations soon enough. I personally can’t wait to go back to The Ferry House Inn!
But of course this IS a *new* normal we’re talking about here. So not everything will be the same as it was before. And as excited as we are of being able to head out into the world again, we need to take the appropriate precautions during our trips and staycations post-COVID.
Research the accommodation and ensure they have measures in place
I mean, this should be a no brainer for all hotels and B&B’s around the UK but it’s always worth checking *just in case*. I’m very much a just in case kind of person and I’m never one to hesitate in ringing up somewhere and asking allllll the questions. So before you leave, make sure you’re heading somewhere that’s taking the appropriate precautions.
Ensure your car is safe for the drive
If you’re going on a staycation in the UK then it’s likely you’ll be driving there. In the world of COVID, driving is certainly the safest option and the more you can avoid public transport the better. But I mean, none of that is any good if you car breaks down, is it? We can’t predict everything however so ensure you have a car warranty to cover any unexpected costs.
Pack enough masks, gloves and hand sanitizer
Remember you’ll need to take enough masks to cover your time during your staycation. If you have disposable masks, you’ll obviously need to throw them away after use. If you have washable ones and don’t have access to a washing machine whilst you’re there, then you’ll need to being enough to cover everywhere you go where you might need one. Same goes for gloves. And don’t forget to stock up on the hand sanitizer.
Take medical supplies and keep emergency phone numbers at hand
If one of you does end up falling ill on your trip and it IS COVID, you’ll definitely want to be prepared. Even if it isn’t COVID, you still want to be prepared. I had the flu during a trip 2 years ago and it was the most miserable weekend! Ensure you’ve packed paracetamol, inhalers (if needed) and all that good stuff and have some emergency contacts in your phone to call if things do get bad.
Research low COVID risk activities
Of course if you’re on a staycation, you’re not going to want to just sit in your room. But it’s normal to be wary of the activities you’re going to be doing too. Before you go, research the area and find some low COVID risk outdoor activities that you can enjoy during your staycation. I personally can’t think of anything better than spending a week relaxing in the countryside after the year we’ve had!
Don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing
If there’s somewhere you desperately wanted to go but you don’t feel like they have enough safety measures in place and don’t feel comfortable – don’t do it. Your health is much more important! I think this period of time has really made us reflect on what we do actually feel comfortable with when it comes to strangers. So it’s okay if you’re barriers have changed.
Have you been on your first post-COVID staycation yet? How did you find it? What tips would you give to someone heading on theirs soon?