Staycations are all the rage for summer 2020 but with fresh Covid-19 outbreaks being reported at a variety of locations up and down the country, how can you be sure of staying safe at your chosen UK holiday destination?
The easiest way of staying safe is to maintain social distancing, have a face mask close at hand, sanitise your hands regularly and avoid the crowds. That means if you want a day out on the east coast don’t go to places like Clacton-on-Sea, cruise a few miles along the road to enjoy a day at a far quieter place like Frinton.
Or if you are thinking about the bright lights of Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach, slow down and turn off for Lytham St Annes instead. And down in the south west don’t tailgate your way to Torquay, give it a swerve and head instead for somewhere like Brixham just around the bay.
The sea air will be just as bracing, and there will be plenty to do, but it won’t be as crowded and that means there will be less chance of putting yourself at risk of contracting coronavirus.
The Daily Mail’s Money section has produced a report advising staycationers of the best places to visit with the most room per visitor. Top of the list comes The Gower in West Glamorgan, Wales, second comes Keswick in Cumbria and third comes Kilwinning in Ayrshire, Scotland.
At the other end of the list, the places with least room per visitor are Devon, Bowness on Windermere in Cumbria and Llandudno in Conwy, Wales.
But wherever your staycation takes you, the holiday scene will be very different from how it was this time last year and there are a host of new rules to get to grips with to ensure your personal safety at your chosen campsite, holiday let, hotel or theme park.
Campsites
Camping and caravanning are good for social distancing because you take most of the things you need with you, so you won’t have to mix too much.
Nonetheless campsites have introduced stringent health and safety measures to help keep campers safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
This includes strict cleaning regimes and queuing for loos, showers and kitchen facilities. You may even have to check in and use facilities during allocated time-slots and you will certainly encounter one-way systems for foot traffic.
Pitches will be clearly marked out to allow for social distancing between tents, and contact between campers and staff – and campers and their temporary neighbours – will be kept to a minimum.
Some facilities, such as playgrounds, pools and gyms will remain closed though bars and restaurants will be open, probably with a reduced service.
Holiday lets
A self-catering break is an easy way to keep contact with others to a minimum.
The government has introduced new guidance for holiday lets, including deep cleaning between each booking. This could mean stricter rules on check-in and check-out times; it could also mean guests facing extra charges to cover the additional cost.
Some properties may remove items, such as cushions, throws and games – so you may need to pack a few extras for this year’s staycation.
Hotels
A pre-arrival health questionnaire, a temperature check in the lobby, and a digital check-in (via tablet or app) – or staff sitting behind screens – will probably await you at your chosen hotel.
You may be asked to wear a face mask in communal spaces, lift use may be restricted and pools and gyms will remain out of bounds.
You’ll still get tea and coffee making facilities in your room but the hearty self-serve buffet breakfast is a thing of the past with table service required for all meals. In fact, in-room dining is being encouraged in many hotels.
Tourist attractions
Most major theme parks, adventure parks, zoos, safari parks and aquariums have now reopened. However, water parks and water rides remain closed.
If you’re planning a day trip, you need to be organised and purchase tickets online – and remember to head out armed with face masks and hand sanitiser. It’s also a good idea to go early to avoid the crush.
And whenever you go, be prepared for longer queues as there will be restrictions on visitor numbers to allow for social distancing.
You can also expect to have your temperature scanned when you arrive, but be patient, because all these measures are designed to ensure your safety.
Other leisure facilities, such as playgrounds, cinemas, museums and galleries should now also be open – meaning wherever you go, there should be plenty to do.
Keep your valuables safe too
Wherever you go on your staycation, as well as keeping yourself safe, you will want to keep your car safe too. That’s where the experts at Sterling insurance come in so handy. They have insurance packages for cars and caravans and you can get value for money cover for your holiday essentials too. Call 0344 381 9990 for a great deal.
