KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Travel safely with these tips

he summer of the staycation is here and there is no shortage of great places in the UK to spend a few days. Packing up the car for a minibreak, dusting off the tent for a camping trip or booking yourself a luxury stay in a boutique hotel is the new way to go to make those summer memories.

Hotels, campsites, caravan parks and B&Bs are ready to take bookings, and there are plenty of attractions opening up. You might find places are less crowded than usual to keep you safe, with one-way systems and floor markings in place, as well as increased hygiene measures such as deep cleans, and hand sanitiser available.

There’s no need to go looking for your passport – each of the home nations has its own charm and you needn’t stray too far from your locality to find something special. Whether you have a favourite beach from your childhood you want to revisit or you’re on the lookout for a hidden gem, there’s plenty of inspiration out there.

With the boom in staycations, some places will get busy, so take a little extra time to find somewhere off the beaten track – then you can either keep it a secret or brag to your friends about it afterwards!

Scotland has chic hotels for city breaks, castles and all the ingredients for a fabulous family adventure; it’s even home to some Harry Potter hideouts. Wales boasts mountains, coastal walks and some beautiful countryside to explore. And if it’s a road trip you fancy, Northern Ireland is the place to plan your itinerary, with quiet beaches, foodie delights and the chance to explore Game of Thrones locations.

And you’re spoilt for choice in England, from the picturesque Suffolk coast to the green spaces of the North East. Cream teas, ice cream and a visit to a country pub garden are just a few of the delicious ways to round off your day.

Whether you choose a hotel, campsite or caravan holiday, you’ll find a way to enjoy summer safely. And if you fancy getting away from it all, there are plenty of selfcatering cottages to tick every box, whether you’re holidaying with the family, keeping it cosy with two or travelling alone.

AVOID travelling during peak times, and think about cycling and walking rather than taking public transport.

IF you’re driving, plan your route, including any breaks, before you set out. Your household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle.

CHECK your car is safe and roadworthy if you haven’t used it for a while.

WATCH out for more pedestrians and cyclists on the road – and leave room for social distancing at traffic lights.

LIMIT the time you spend at garages, petrol stations and motorway services, pay by contactless where possible and keep your distance.

WASH or sanitise your hands regularly – and always when exiting or re-entering your vehicle and at the end of your journey.

DO not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, or are self-isolating because someone in your household or bubble has symptoms.

IF NHS test and trace has told you to self-isolate, do not travel.

KEEP two metres apart from anyone outside your household (or one metre-plus if you can’t). The two-metre distance must be maintained in Wales (wear a face mask if that’s not possible) and one metre in Northern Ireland.

WEAR a face covering (over your nose and mouth) in shops and on public transport: (which includes buses, trams, coaches, ferries, hovercraft, aircraft, cable cars). In Wales a three-layer face covering must be worn on public transport.

IT’S advised to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where you can’t maintain social distancing, such as stations and taxis.

IN SCOTLAND face coverings must be worn in enclosed spaces such as shops and public transport, but you don’t need to wear one in pubs, cafes and banks. Maintain a two-metre distance (this doesn’t apply to children under 11).

AND remember: going off the beaten track makes it more likely you’ll find your own little piece of paradise.