Chilly Day Holidays

There can’t be many of us who haven’t had our travel plans disrupted this year. But if you’re putting off having a winter break until we have a bit more certainty back in our lives, check out Kirsty France’s tips for a getaway the pandemic (hopefully) can’t spoil.

STAY LOCAL

Now, you could take this really literally. You could have a proper staycation by sleeping in your own bed but otherwise acting like a tourist. Visit your local restaurants or get takeout and go to all those attractions on your doorstep that you’ve never got round to seeing.

If you don’t fancy staying that local, explore somewhere new in the UK. Pick a place you can drive to then you don’t have to worry about cancelled flights or quarantining when you get back. At the very worst, if there’s a local lockdown you can get in the car and head home. It could be the perfect way to discover a hidden gem that becomes a new favourite.

HUNKER DOWN

If you’re worried about sharing space with loads of other people, you’re not alone. I’ve been lucky enough to go away a couple of times this year and most hotels and holiday parks have restrictions in place but they really vary. It’s hard to make a decision when you don’t know how the safety measures will affect your enjoyment of your holiday.

Thankfully, there’s a simple solution. Book accommodation that is just for you and the family. That could be a cosy cottage where you can snuggle up by a log fire, or a long weekend in a camper van. (I’m sure there are some hardy souls who’d brave a winter trip in a tent, but I’m not one of them!) Either way you get to enjoy having a break in your own safe space.

LOCKDOWN PROOF

Even when you’re at home it can be a challenge finding new and different things to do. A lot of local attractions are reopening but others are closing their doors in the face of reduced visitor numbers and continuing restrictions. If you’re planning a break it’s worth doing your research to find out what’s likely to be open and how safety precautions will affect your visit.

Otherwise, just wrap up warm and make the most of the great outdoors. Get out for a walk in the countryside or head to an isolated beach. With pubs and restaurants staying open (fingers crossed) you could even treat yourself and warm up with a pub lunch.

If you believe in taking a belt and braces approach, there are a couple of extra things you can do. Take out some insurance so you’re covered even if something does go wrong. Booking a package with a travel agent also gives you ATOL protection so you can get a refund for your whole break even if one bit of it is cancelled. Plus you’ll be supporting an industry that’s really struggling right now.

GOING, GOING… HERE TO STAY!

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