Written by Zoë Rutland
Travel isn’t all far-flung destinations and epic landmarks. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that exploring our own backyard can be as thrilling as hopping on any flight. In fact, 42 per cent of 18–24-year-olds in Britain would never have considered a staycation were it not for lockdowns.
Despite restrictions easing, staycations – and the security and ease they offer – look set to stay at the top of many travel wish lists. Here are a few reasons why staying local is no consolation prize to that bucket-list trip around the world.
Travel isn’t all far-flung destinations and epic landmarks. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that exploring our own backyard can be as thrilling as hopping on any flight. In fact, 42 per cent of 18–24-year-olds in Britain would never have considered a staycation were it not for lockdowns.
Despite restrictions easing, staycations – and the security and ease they offer – look set to stay at the top of many travel wish lists. Here are a few reasons why staying local is no consolation prize to that bucket-list trip around the world.
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Nothing beats that first glimpse of the Greek coastline from above, but no matter how we spin it, getting on that very flight costs the earth. The last couple of years have made us seriously reflect on our environmental impact, with stay-at-home orders allowing idylls like Venice to rest and recover from the influx of tourists. If we’re inspired by anything going forward, it’s to travel responsibly, and staying close to home is a surefire way to reduce our carbon footprint.
The brand new Lumo train service from London to Edinburgh operates high speed trains that are 100 per cent electric, journeying along the east coast in just four-and-a-half hours. On board, you’ll discover a food menu that is 50% plant based to make waste easier to recycle. And, once you’re up north, you’ll lose count of the creative restaurants cooking up a feast with locally sourced ingredients (take Edinburgh Larder’s comforting brunch, for one).
The brand new Lumo train service from London to Edinburgh operates high speed trains that are 100 per cent electric, journeying along the east coast in just four-and-a-half hours. On board, you’ll discover a food menu that is 50% plant based to make waste easier to recycle. And, once you’re up north, you’ll lose count of the creative restaurants cooking up a feast with locally sourced ingredients (take Edinburgh Larder’s comforting brunch, for one).
Save money
Transport, accommodation, food: the cost of a holiday abroad quickly adds up. If you stay within your own city or region, you can take advantage of carpooling with friends, hunker down at the homes of friends and family and even utilize any discount cards.
Craving fresh air? Head north to hike the incredible Hadrian’s Wall Path in Northumberland or cycle the undulating South Downs Way from Hampshire to Sussex, both of which offer immense views of the British countryside. After a bit of culture? Make use of London’s free museums by visiting the Hyundai Commission: Anicka Yi exhibition at the Tate Modern, where AI jellyfish float above you, or take the kids to see the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
Craving fresh air? Head north to hike the incredible Hadrian’s Wall Path in Northumberland or cycle the undulating South Downs Way from Hampshire to Sussex, both of which offer immense views of the British countryside. After a bit of culture? Make use of London’s free museums by visiting the Hyundai Commission: Anicka Yi exhibition at the Tate Modern, where AI jellyfish float above you, or take the kids to see the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
Embrace spontaneity
Whether you’re in need of a last-minute trip (cue working from home cabin fever) or can only spare the weekend, travelling locally is simply feasible. Over the last year, people have become way more spontaneous with their plans, with many booking a lot closer to their travel dates than before.
With a country as diverse as Great Britain, there's no lack of activities to get you out the house: catching atlantic breakers off the coast of Cornwall, paddleboarding through the picturesque rural heartland of the Wye Valley or raising your heartrate on the world's fastest zipline.
With a country as diverse as Great Britain, there's no lack of activities to get you out the house: catching atlantic breakers off the coast of Cornwall, paddleboarding through the picturesque rural heartland of the Wye Valley or raising your heartrate on the world's fastest zipline.
Support home-grown businesses
Community has been at the forefront of our hometowns over the last two years: the indie coffee shop whose dark roast rewarded your daily walk, the Italian takeaway that brought the feel of a restaurant into your home and the candle-making store that kick-started your self-care routine. In fact, 66 per cent of UK shoppers are now more likely to shop locally after the pandemic.
One of the most exciting and unexpected industries that is now taking off in Britain is wine production, with many local wines gaining plaudits from all over the world. The south-facing slopes of Kent, Sussex and Cornwall is a particularly popular region for growing vines. Sparkling wines dominate the scene here: sample the best on a vineyard tour, such as those at Cornwall’s award-winning Camel Valley.
One of the most exciting and unexpected industries that is now taking off in Britain is wine production, with many local wines gaining plaudits from all over the world. The south-facing slopes of Kent, Sussex and Cornwall is a particularly popular region for growing vines. Sparkling wines dominate the scene here: sample the best on a vineyard tour, such as those at Cornwall’s award-winning Camel Valley.
Soak up a little culture
When we travel, we’re so often fixated on learning about another place’s culture that we can forget about the heritage on our very doorsteps. Britain's cities are vibrant, multicultural places. Join joyous parades in the capital like Chinese New Year and Notting Hill Carnival or attend world-renowned festivals across the country like Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Hay Festival of Literature and Arts and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Take a companion
If the pandemic gave you the impetus to finally get a furry companion, you’re not alone. More than half of UK households own at least one pet, and if you travel locally, your companion can happily join you. Just think: long walks with your dog along the Norfolk coast path before settling into a country pub, or relaxing spa retreats where your best friend can join you for a massage and some "pawsecco". That’s enough to get the tail wagging.
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