Back in the olden days (as I like to call them), everyone would go on holiday within the UK. The only people who went abroad were the rich and famous. But of course, in recent decades, that’s all changed.
The rise of affordable overseas trips means that most people choose to go elsewhere, rather than stay within the UK. But things might be returning to the old ways of doing things, for two reasons.
The first is that we’re beginning to understand just how beautiful and fascinating the UK is. Sometimes the best places are right on our own doorstep. The second is that we have to prepare ourselves for the fact the coronavirus pandemic will make international travel a little more difficult for a while.
If you think it’s time that you begin exploring more of the UK, and you’re ready to find out more about the beautiful isle we call home, check out the tips below that’ll get you on your way.
Make the most of the time you have
When we think about packing our bags and going on an adventure, we usually think that we need to have a week or more to play with. And that can be kind of true; if you’re going overseas, then it’s best to go for as long as possible, especially since it can take a few days to get into the rhythm of the destination.
This can obviously take a bit of pre-planning as you’ll need to book time off work, but when you’re staying in the UK, short trips are just fine. You don’t have to wait until you have a clear couple of weeks in your work diary. It’s more than possible to go on a trip for just a few days or a long weekend. You can set off after work on Friday and return Sunday evening, providing you’re not going too far. This means you can be a little more spontaneous.
Have a reliable set of wheels
One of the best things about the UK (at least compared to other countries) is that our public transport network is good. There are trains that’ll take you up and down the country.
However, if you want to explore the UK to the fullest, then it’s best that you have a reliable set of wheels which will also give you more independence to explore in your own time and you can enjoy not being held to a timetable.
We love to drive – hubby especially – and although it’s a cliche, there’ s nothing like the feeling of being on the open road and exploring new places.
Getting yourself a reliable set of wheels like the new Vauxhall Astra will give you the freedom to explore the more remote parts of the country, the areas that can’t be reached via train or coach. Plus, having your own car will give you the freedom to make those last-minute trips too, without having to check that there’s a train running first.
Camp under the stars
Did you know that only about 10% of the UK is ‘built on’? That’s all the cities, houses, roads…everything. This means that there’s a whole lot of land out there that’s nothing but beautiful, green landscape.
While it can be fun to explore the cities, there’s something special about leaving civilisation for a while and spending some time outdoors enjoying nature. Camping is the perfect way to do this, and the kids will love it too.
Look at investing in a high-quality tent for your family, and you’ll be able to explore the most beautiful campsites in the UK. Indeed, once you get into the rhythm of setting up your tent and so on, you’ll find that you can easily set off for a weekend of fun without much planning. You’ll just need to pack up the car and set off on your adventure.
Or if you need a bit more luxury, why not find a glamping site? Posh tents with creature comforts are all the rage right now.
Where is your favourite place to visit in the UK?
Where do you like to pack up the car and head to for a long weekend? Please tell us your favourite places in the comments.
Happy exploring!
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.