For anybody that loves travelling, COVID has thrown up challenges. But it’s also offered opportunties. With venturing abroad fraught with complications, holidaying closer to home is easy, less stressful and gives you the chance to explore beautiful places that weren’t on your bucket list.
How I staycate
The U.K. is full of interesting places to visit. I decide where I want to go the most, and then work out how whether I want to pay the price of journeying and staying there. I’d love to go to Bath, but I’m not paying £100+ for a return train ticket and coaches from West Yokshire don’t seem to be on at the moment. The cost of going there puts it down on my list. I’d rather go to somewhere naturistic like Windermere for £35 return if I’m on my own and therefore relying on trains/coaches.
Does the destination tick my boxes?
Are there interesting things to do there? I love museums, films, theatre, nature etc. so, for example, I check whether there are nice walks nearby which are a travellers staple when some indoorsy things are currently closed/limited. I can wind away an evening in the cinema, read or watch enticing content using 4G or wifi.
WiFI wanderers
Many of my generation are lost without wifi, and would go crazy if they can’t get a good solid connection. I like to stay in places with wifi however being on GiffGaff means I can choose the size of my ‘goodybag’ each month- so I can pay £12 and get 11GB of data which comfortably lets me stream videos and surf the web dude. God forbid the wifi and 4G signal is poor…but I take books along and a notebook to give me some options! Staycations can also be chance to switch off from the digital world and give your synapses a rest. Many of us are frequently stimulated by vibrations, pings, swoops and jingles from our devices/extra limbs.
Getting from A to B and planning your days
Phones are brilliant for guiding you via maps to the nearest supermarket to buy your vegan sausage roll without much fuss (I still get lost, it’s part of the fun :D). You can also google “Windermere walks” or “things to do in Windermere” before or during your stay to build up a shortlist for your itinerary. I work out where I want to go the most on a given day and whether there are interesting spots nearby to visit on the same day if I have time.
COVID opportunities
COVID has given us a chance to delve in to nature, replenishing our stressed and uncertain bodies in the U.K.s varied embrace. It’s easy to hop on board splitmyfare and get yourself some digital tickets or nationalexpress if you prefer your luxrious carriage to have four wheels. I usually choose the well-reviewed cheapest options on booking.com as they come with a bed and a door in which you can walk out and explore the U.K.
What are you waiting for!
Well Now Dave 