Borders are open again, and we can all finally travel. Not with as much ease as we used to before COVID; but, we can do more than take a walk in the park now, and what better time to take that staycation? Long trips and vacationing way out of the UK into other countries and continents might still seem a little daunting, so you can ease your way back into it with a staycation.
If you don’t know what a staycation is, take a guess; yes! You’re right. Staycation is a combination of the words stay and vacation, and it simply means going on a holiday in one’s own country instead of traveling abroad and usually for as little as a few days to a few weeks. The word is an interesting one, and it is said to have been coined by Canadian comedian Brent Butt in the tv show corner gas in an episode that aired in October 2005. It gained widespread use in the US in May 2008 when the summer travel season was hampered by gas prices reaching an all-time high, leading people to change their travel plans. The term staycation was added to the Merriam-Webster collegiate dictionary in 2009 and has since been a part of travel lifestyle lingo. And why not? Staycations are cheaper, involve less transit, and give you a chance to discover the UK’s hidden gems.
From Surrey to Edinburgh to London and Essex, you can have the best of time’s ‘staycationing’ in the UK. You just need the right tips, and here are a few for you;
1. Take a COVID test or get vaccinated
There are no longer travel restrictions between England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, so you can travel freely. However, COVID tests are still a thing, and you will have to show that you have tested negative for the virus or have been vaccinated. So if you intend to leave your locality for your staycation, try to check this off your list to make your trip more seamless.
2. Make a plan
The prospect of going on a staycation can be thrilling as there are lots to do and see in the UK, so to have the best time and do as much as you can, you need to make a plan. Write out all the things you’d like to do while on your staycation. For example, Visit the spa, visit monuments like Stonehenge, the Thames river or take the Harry potters tour, take a short cooking class, visit a gym, go swimming. Outlining the things you’d like to do will help you with every other decision; picking out your staycation home or hotel location, the kinds of clothes to bring along, etc.
3. Sort out Logistics
What’s your plan for movement? Although it’s a valid option, surely you don’t plan to sit in all day, every day while on your staycation. If you’re going to hire a car or rely on taxis, it’s important to make up your mind about that before going on your staycation. Getting this out of the way will certainly help you make the most of the time you have. If you plan to hire a car, a campervan is always a good option for any kind of holiday. It has enough room for you and your family, with utilities inbuilt to make your transit smooth. The cost for a Campervan hire will depend on how many berths, the conditions of the campervan, and what season of the year it is. In a low season which is usually October to April in the UK, a good enough campervan would go for about £300 per week, and in peak season, usually between July and August in the UK, prices can come up to around £1200 per week. Whatever season you decide to take your staycation in, you should consider a campervan for getting around.
4. Have a budget and stick to it
This is a very important tip. Know that whatever your budget is, you can achieve a really fun and worthwhile staycation, so you don’t have to wait until you have a really big budget or spend way above your means to have a staycation. Before you set out on your staycation, look at your finances, be honest about what you can afford, and then work with that. Look for staycation apartments or hotels within your budget and take the bus or train in the staycation location if your budget doesn’t allow for hiring a car. Promise you will still have a blast!
Now that that’s out of the way, here are some great locations for a staycation in the UK;
● Visit Norfolk for the Wildlife
If you’re interested in wildlife and lovely natural scenery, then Norfolk is the place for you. From its royal attractions, the seals, to the windmills, Norfolk is the perfect countryside destination for your UK staycation. There’s also an efficient train network to give you a wonderful, seamless experience of the area.
● Love the movies, visit Sussex
If there ever was a place with “street credibility” handed to it from movies, it would be Sussex. If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, then you have to experience Sussex on your next staycation. There are other sites like the Petworth house and park, good wood house, Weald and Downland living museum, and a host of others.
● Kent
If you love greenery, vineyards, castles, and wine, then Kent is for you. Kent is also great for a romantic getaway; there is just an air of romance in the air at Kent. There’s so much to see and explore, and there’s a good picking of inns, manors, and hotels to choose from at Kent. Definitely consider it for your next staycation.
● Belfast
Belfast is a delightful city that doesn’t get enough credit. Belfast has a maritime history that you can learn about at the majestic Titanic Belfast if you’re interested in history. There’s also a free-to-visit botanical garden which you’ll enjoy visiting.
Whether you’re trying to take a break from work or you’re looking to spend some quality time with your partner, whatever your reason is for wanting a staycation, these tips and pointers are sure to help you make the most of your holiday. Don’t wait any longer; start planning your staycation now!
