Take a break from the norm with holiday at home
At this time of year, straight after Christmas, we are traditionally inundated with advertisements for summer holidays. Catalogues fall out from magazines, unsolicited emails fill our in boxes, and brochures for cruises clog up our letterboxes, along with a steady stream of television commercials.
All tempt us with bright blue skies, sunshine, open seas, wide sandy beaches, palm trees and gorgeous hotel swimming pools. These are invariably thinly populated to emphasise how relaxing the resorts are by day and yet how entertaining they are by night. Forget all that!
The year’s pandemic led to painful travel restrictions, serious concerns about social distancing and holiday cancellations and many people opted for holidays in Britain. Next year may well be different but for some of us the need for a change of scenery and a deep desire to “get away” will remain unchanged.
There is an alternative to a holiday abroad: a holiday at home. Not a “staycation” but a holiday spent in your own home. To make the most of this, however, you need to do a little homework and follow some practical steps.
■ Research all the places near your home that you’ve promised yourself you’d like to visit. A seaside resort, historic houses, particular walks or views. There’ll be more than you think, though check if they are allowed to be open. ■ You don’t need to pack a bag. Clothes, toiletries and what have you, they are all at home waiting for you. It’s so easy. ■ Don’t be tempted to use the time at home to do jobs you’ve been putting off for months: a bit of decorating, clearing out the garage or whatever. Some self-discipline may be required: just don’t tackle them.
■ Don’t spend hours in the kitchen. One of the joys of holidays is eating out and never having to do the washing-up. Yes, you can quickly put together a picnic but try nipping down to the local cafe for breakfast and let someone else clear away the dirty dishes as long as you’re in Tier 2. Alternatively get a takeaway delivered which is still permitted under Tier 3 rules.
■ Actually go out for the day to the places you’ve researched. See point 1 above. ■ Try things such as different foods that you suspected you didn’t like: eel, cabbage, octopus. You never know, you may become a fan.
■ Remember to keep in touch with family and friends. Astonish them by sending postcards or a “wish you were here” text message.
■ On holiday, you meet new people and sometimes build lasting friendships. Try to do the same at home. You may find great company in neighbours whom you didn’t really know. After all, they have one thing in common with you to start with as they live nearby, though you must adhere to the social distancing rules.
At the end of your home holiday you will be refreshed not to mention better off financially and a little self-satisfied. You didn’t suffer interminable waiting at check-in desks, disappointing accommodation, delayed flights or, even worse, a return flight to a remote airport halfway across the country and a miserable coach journey in the middle of the night.
You may not have had glorious sunshine every day but at least you will have avoided sunburn. There again, if this year is anything to go by, you may have enjoyed beautiful English weather without stress, lost luggage or the cost of travel insurance. After the traumas of this year, you deserve it. Well done!