Staycations – Our Top 5 Tips
STAYCATIONS
OUR TOP 5 TIPS
MAKE YOUR STAYCATION A SAFECATION!
Now that we’re able to travel outside of our local areas and enjoy the great outdoors again, many of us are turning our thoughts to holidays. With European travel still looking rather uncertain, staycations look set to be more popular than ever this year. As a result, caravan ownership has never been so popular!
Offering a self-contained, self-catering bubble, caravans provide the opportunity to explore the UK whilst remaining secure and relaxed. As it’s your private space, you don’t have to worry about sharing facilities with people outside of your household, and you can be assured of the cleanliness and hygiene standards inside – as you’re in control of them. Swift have nicknamed caravan holidays ‘safecations‘ for these reasons!
Read on to check out our 5 top tips for safe staycations in 2021.
1. PLAN FOR THE WEATHER
If you normally holiday in Europe, then the chances are you’re used to blue skies, warm days and plenty of sunshine. However, as we all know, the ‘Great British Summer’ can be quite unpredictable! Whilst this may seem like obvious advice, our number one staycation recommendation is to account for the strange weather we enjoy during the Summer months.
It can be tempting to just pack flip flops, shorts and t-shirts, but if the weather turns, the last thing you want is to be shivering in your Summer togs! Packing for the weather may require a little bit of extra effort, but the prior preparation is sure to pay off. When you’re packing, make sure you’ve included the following items for each member of the travelling party:
- A cosy jumper or hoodie
- A raincoat
- Some shoes you can wear in wet weather
- Entertainment – books, card games, puzzles etc
- A blanket
In terms of activities, it’s a good idea to have a look at things you can do indoors – just in case there’s an unexpected downpour! Most campsites and caravan parks are within easy reach of towns or cities, so check out whether there are art galleries, museums, cinemas or indoor attractions to visit.
2. PLAN YOUR MEALS
Whether you’re going to ‘dine in’ and cook your favourite meals from the comfort of your caravan or you’re doing a gastronomic tour of local eateries, you should spend some time planning your meals before you set off.
Not only will this help to structure your staycation, but it could also help you to save some money! If you’re passing by a large supermarket en route, why not book a ‘click and collect’ grocery order? This will save you from lugging a weekly shop the entire journey and it means you can avoid paying expensive on-site shop prices.
If you’re planning to eat out in restaurants or cafes, make sure you’ve called or checked their website in advance to see if a booking is required. With COVID restrictions still in force across the country, you will likely need to make a prior booking to visit many restaurants.
3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
When it comes to planning a staycation, location is everything. There’s a common misconception that you have to ‘make do’ when holidaying in the UK, but that’s absolutely not the case! Our advice is to think about the things you love about your international holidays. Are you a big fan of lazy days on the beach? Do you love exploring the wild countryside? Want to find somewhere with plenty of culture? Need to be close to great walking routes? Then seek out UK destinations that offer you what you love! Some of the places the Tamar team have previously visited and enjoyed include:
Is your favourite destination fully booked? All is not lost! Look at locations a little further away, so you can still visit the area, but find a campsite that suits your needs. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals too, you might strike it lucky and find that your dream destination has had a cancellation or opened another round of bookings!
4. TIMING IS EVERYTHING
If you’re looking for a little peace and solitude, aim to take your staycation during the week when most people are at work or school. Taking your break during term time also means your break is likely to be less expensive, as prices during school holidays are at a premium.
However, if you need to take your staycation during the school holidays, it’s best to avoid the first and last week of the school holidays, as they’re often the most expensive and the busiest!
5. STICK TO LOCAL GUIDELINES
As of early June 2021, you are able to stay in a caravan park or on a campsite in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. However, it’s highly recommended to check the guidelines before you set off for your staycation, as a number of areas have been impacted by a sharp rise in COVID cases and non-essential travel is not advised.
FIND OUT MORE
If you’re planning on taking a staycation this year but need to upgrade your current van or purchase your first vehicle, our friendly sales team can help! You can reach us on 01752 341133 to schedule an appointment at our showroom.
You can also stay in touch with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get the latest news and updates on reopening and our services. You can also take a look through our caravan tours, maintenance tutorials and how-to guides on YouTube, or via our Help & Advice page.