2021: The year of the staycation

Despite the huge vaccine rollout that has taken place across the UK in recent months, it looks as though when it comes to travelling abroad, COVID is still having a huge impact on where we can and can’t go. With the government’s ever-changing and ever confusing traffic light system, many people are giving up their hopes of a sandy beach abroad this year, and instead are opting for a staycation in the UK.

A staycation can refer to either staying at home and making use of your time having fun in your local area, or it can mean travelling to a different part of the UK for a holiday. However you want to spend your staycation this year, you will be alongside thousands of others who are staying in the UK for their holiday this summer. Therefore, it is no surprise that 2021 is being deemed the year of the staycation.

The rise in UK staycations

The way we enjoy holidays has changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after spending so long indoors, many of us are desperate to get away and enjoy a break. This has led to more people opting for a staycation this year. Research has suggested a 75 per cent increase in the interest of UK summer holidays to places such as Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District, and Hampshire. This has led to many popular UK tourist destinations being fully booked for the duration of the summer holidays.

Benefits of staycations

When you consider the benefits of staycations it is hardly surprising that they have become so popular in 2021, especially amongst families with small children. Unlike when travelling abroad, a staycation allows you to enjoy fun family activities no matter where in the country you are, and still be close to home if you need to rush back. Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about over-packing and being over the weight allowance limit when going on your holidays somewhere in the UK. For many parents, the thought of flying with their children fills them with dread and anxiety, which makes a staycation an even more appealing option.

Another benefit of staycations, especially in 2021, is that they offer more security and stability than a holiday abroad. While guidelines and restrictions have been relaxed in the UK, they are still in place in many countries across the world. Similarly, there are still guidelines when it comes to international travel, meaning that depending on your destination, you may be required to self-isolate when you arrive as well as when you return home. Therefore, by going for a UK staycation instead you can avoid any of the hassle that comes with testing and isolating, and can focus on having a great time away.

Things to do on staycations in the UK

Some people make the mistake of thinking that a trip away in the UK is less fun or enjoyable than a trip abroad, but there are many different places to go and things to do that will suit all travellers. From visiting some of the world-famous tourist destinations in the capital of London to some of the picturesque beaches in Cornwall and free days out in Lancashire, you will not run out of new places to visit and enjoy. You can even learn a new skill during your staycation this summer, such as skiing and snowboarding at the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope at Chill Factore Manchester. Who would’ve thought you could enjoy snowboarding lessons from the comfort of the UK?!

Just because you can’t jet off abroad this summer doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a summer break away. Instead, by joining the thousands of others looking to enjoy a staycation this year, you can make the most of your holiday and experience everything that the UK has to offer!