It’s time to enjoy a Great British family ‘staycation’
As lockdown eases, we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees
People are being encouraged to enjoy summer safely by exploring destinations closer to home. Taking a holiday in the United Kingdom offers people the chance to uncover some stunning scenery, wonderful attractions and superb accommodation without having to jump on a plane. Here, we take a look at the type of places you can stay, the rules you need to follow and how to enjoy a great staycation.
SUMMER IS here and Britain is beginning to reopen, providing everyone with the opportunity to start dreaming about a holiday.
And this year a staycation could give you some much needed rest and recuperation, while also helping get the holiday industry back up and running.
Hotels, campsites, bed and breakfast accommodation and other places to stay are now opening if they can follow the guidelines relevant to their locality to ensure that their guests will be safe to stay and spend days wandering our award-winning coastlines, exploring our green spaces and getting inspired in our cities.
Each accommodation provider is unique and those that have reopened have had to adapt depending on the nature of their business, including the size and type of accommodation.
But these changes mean it is safe for visitors to come and enjoy a change of scenery.
But even when we are away from home, we still need to follow the guidelines.
Speaking earlier this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As lockdown eases, we should focus on supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country – all of whom are opening their doors for the first time in more than three months.
“They are our local restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, museums, cinemas, and yes, pubs. They are also
hotels, B&Bs, indeed much of our tourism industry.
“All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe.
“But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly. We must not let them down.”
Mr Johnson emphasised that even if we are now allowed to spend nights away from our own homes, we must still follow social distancing rules.
When out and about, we need to remember to look after ourselves, one another and the environment around us. To make sure we’re all doing our bit to travel responsibly, just follow a few simple steps.
When planning your trip, check that important facilities like toilets and car parks are open before you travel.
If you have an attraction in mind, check online to see if you need to pre-book.
Some places may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem.
Stay socially distanced apart from anyone outside your household while walking, running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing.
Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport.
Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments. Take hand sanitiser with you. Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking, cycling or public transport.