At the time of writing, millions of people in the UK have had to cancel their holiday plans because of the Coronavirus pandemic and restrictions.
But holiday lovers don’t need to despair just yet! Staycations have been growing in popularity over the last few years, and they’re only set to get more popular this year.
Are staycations worth it?
In this blog, we’ll explore 7 reasons why staycations (or ‘holistays’) are a fantastic option for those who want some time away without having to go abroad.
What is a staycation?
First of all, let’s define the word ‘staycation’.
A staycation is when you holiday in your own country. You could even count staying at home and enjoying some day trips out and about in your hometown, but most people like to explore new, scenic parts of the UK.
For example, you might want to stay in a luxurious hotel, treat yourself to room service, or enjoy a spa break away. Here at Northcote Manor, we get lots of guests from other areas of the UK coming to stay and enjoy the gorgeous North Devon countryside.
There are so many benefits to staycationing in the UK, we think staycations will be a popular choice for years to come.
Benefits of a staycation
1. It’s kinder to the environment
It’s no secret that air travel puts a lot of strain on the environment. A recent study found that even a short flight from London to Paris for a family of 4 emits a staggering 220kg of CO2. Comparatively, taking the train from London to Manchester emits an average of just 48kg of CO2.
Travelling within the UK is much better for the environment than travelling abroad, and you can still enjoy exploring new places and new scenery.
Need inspiration? Check out our blog on the top things to do in North Devon.
2. It could save you money
One of the biggest benefits of going on a Staycation is the amount of money you’ll save. Traditional holidays aren’t always the cheapest option. In fact, many of us save for months to be able to enjoy a weekend away on a sunny beach.
Imagine being able to enjoy the relaxation and pampering of a holiday for a fraction of the price – all because you don’t have to worry about airfare, passports, airport transfers, or exchange rates.
We all love saving money, and with staycations, you don’t need to sacrifice the fun.
3. You can take your pets!
This is a major reason why staycations are becoming more and more popular. Instead of having to leave your furry friend at home or in kennels, they can enjoy the holiday too!
Choosing a dog (or cat) friendly hotel or accommodation is key to this, so you might need to do a little research. For those who are travelling with a four-legged friend, we have lots of bedrooms which are dog-friendly.
You and your pets can also enjoy all the beautiful North Devon walks – especially since time outside is proven to be excellent for both our mental and physical health.
4. You can help support the local economy
Holidaying in the UK not only saves you money, but it can actively help out local businesses and economies.
When you’re on holiday, you might end up eating out at local cafes or visiting bars and restaurants. This means your pennies are helping to support locals rather than other economies.
Staying at boutique or independent hotels or holiday cottages rather than chain companies also helps local business.
5. It can be as long or as short as you want it to be
Now you don’t have to factor long travel times into your holiday plans, you can choose shorter, more convenient breaks that fit in around our schedule.
Why not escape to the country or explore a new city for a weekend, or take only a few days off work for a relaxing break. Staycations are particularly good if you’re short on time or have very few days off, as they can be as short or as long as you need them to be.
Many places also offer fantastic deals on certain types of stays, so it’s always worth looking out for special offers.
6. You won’t run out of things to do
The UK is a really diverse place, and there are so many unexplored corners to discover. With so many places to see and explore, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Gardens, stately homes, wildlife parks, outdoor sports, walks, hiking trails, castles, museums, and towns and cities are just a few of the attractions that you can enjoy. You might even plan a road trip around particular restaurants you want to visit across the UK!
7. You can explore our beautiful country
The best thing about staycations is the opportunity to explore what this amazing country has to offer.
From staggering views in the Lake District to the wild beauty of Dartmoor and North Devon to historic towns and villages – you can always find a new beautiful place to explore in Britain.
Want to experience a spa and hotel staycation in North Devon? Get in touch with our friendly team and book your dream stay today.
