Forget travelling abroad and spending thousands on a holiday, enjoy a staycation in the UK instead as there are plenty of opportunities to save money and you still get a well-deserved break.
Saving up for a holiday can be tough going, especially when you take a browse online and see a break abroad costing thousands. So why not explore the options of a staycation?
What is a Staycation?
To put it simply, a staycation is when you take a holiday in your own country and there are two options to this:
- Stay at home and visit attractions and sights locally.
- Stay elsewhere
The stay elsewhere is the big question mark as you could look to stay in your own town and still do local sightseeing, grab a city break or stay in the countryside in a holiday park, near a lake or by the sea.
By having a staycation, you’ll get the benefits of amazing beaches which go on for miles, green space just waiting to be explored in the countryside and cities packed with culture and heritage to soak up – all on your doorstep.
Benefits of a Staycation
Money
First of all, there’s no worrying about exchange rates or having to work out how many euros or dollars to the pound every time you shop. There’s also the added bonus of not having a load of coins when you come back that you can’t change back or do anything with.
With no flights, baggage add-ons and airport parking you’re saving money straight away. Your costs are going to be on accommodation (if you don’t plan to stay at home), activities and food (which you’d buy anyway). There are some great tips on how to have a budget-friendly staycation here.
Seize the day
Staying local means that you don’t have to waste precious holiday time on long haul flights and won’t need to buy travel insurance or get vaccinated. It’s hassles free and allows you to be more spontaneous.
You can be adventurous at home. Try going to a major train station and buying a ticket for the next train that leaves, just to explore your destination. Or get in the car and drive to the nearest town you’ve never visited. Maybe stay a night or two at a local hostel to jump in on some adventures with the backpackers there!
Saving yourself hours, or even days, of travelling means that you can maximise your holiday time and maybe even pack in multiple smaller trips. Enjoy the flexibility that local travel offers you.
No Passport
The price of a passport might be manageable but if you’ve got to get one for every family member, your foreign holiday is going to be expensive.
Forget the faff of form filling, finding someone from the list to sign your mug shots and save the cash by staying on the British Isles instead.
Got a Pet?
Got a dog, a hamster or even a goldfish? If you stay in the UK for your holiday, then you don’t need to worry about getting an expensive pet sitter – you could take them with you. Check out this article on dog-friendly hotels in the UK for some inspiration!
While your goldfish may be ok for a week alone if you’re going abroad, your dog will need more care. If you don’t have a friend to help, then this will mean kennel fees.
Travel Insurance
When you head abroad, you need to cover yourself for loss of your stuff, delayed flights and for the event you get sick. In the UK, we’ve got the blessed NHS and your stuff could already covered for theft/loss away from home under your household contents insurance. Take a look at your policy before you head off to make sure you’re covered.
The best bet is to be realistic and know what you’re expecting. A holiday in the UK won’t be about sitting beside a pool, but more about seeing the sights and enjoying time as a family.
Knowledge is Power
It’s easy to let amazing experiences abroad, like exploring ancient Khmer temples in Cambodia or hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, dominate your holiday wish-list. But don’t forget that your own culture can be just as interesting. After all, foreigners visit YOUR country too!
I bet you have a list of places in your mind that you’ve always wanted to visit near your hometown, but you somehow never made time for them. Take a long weekend to finally explore and gain a better understanding of your own heritage. It will make you appreciate other cultures more when you travel further afield…
Up your Tour Guide Game
Who hasn’t had a last-minute panic when friends or family come to visit and ask you to show them around? Suddenly, you can’t quite think of anything new or interesting to show them, even if you’ve lived there for years! Even more reason to explore your own backyard.
You will undoubtedly find some hidden gems and cool new bucket list-worthy hot spots. Next time friends or family visit you, you won’t be lost for something to do, and might even have discovered some new favourites to share with them.
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