Who said a holiday needs to be abroad? These days, we are so quick to assume that a holiday requires us to leave our wonderful land and head to another. Nowadays, a lot of young people have seen more of France or Spain than the country they live in. We assume a holiday requires a costly flight and a big bundle of holiday days, but what if it didn't have to be this way?
This summer, I recommend you stop before looking up flights and instead consider trying something both new and familiar. Why not take this time to explore your own wonderful country, or somewhere else in the UK? Give yourself the opportunity to fall back in love with the place that raised you. We promise, there's more to the UK than we give it credit for!
A staycation in the UK also allows you to avoid uncertainty and the possibility of cancellation. You're saved from visa issues or health risks by being in charge of your destination and remaining within borders. You don't have to consider the impact of Brexit or Covid, you simply choose a destination and hire a campervan to get there.
What is a staycation?
A staycation is exactly what the name implies, a staying vacation. Instead of travelling to another country, you stay in the one you live in and explore an area of it instead. Usually, a staycation won't involve flying, as you're travelling locally. A true staycation could be staying at home and being a tourist in your own town. Alternatively, you might camp nearby in a campervan, to see more of local nature. But a staycation also applies to exploring a different part of the country, so travelling down to Devon or heading north to the Yorkshire Dales. As long as you're stay-ing close, it counts as a staycation!
Why should you go for a staycation?
1. Staycations tend to be cheaper than travelling abroad. Flights can be quite expensive nowadays, so at least a third of your holiday costs will go to simply getting to the place. The money that you would’ve spent on flights can go towards something else for you to enjoy this holiday.
2. They tend to be more environmentally friendly! As we mentioned, a staycation usually doesn't involve flying, which reduces your carbon emissions greatly. Instead, you can enjoy the wonders of slow travel with a campervan or car, or take the train. The rest of your trip usually isn't too environmentally damaging, making a staycation the best choice for sustainable travel.
3. Staycations really reduce your hassle. Especially post-Brexit and post-Covid, we've realised that travelling abroad can be rather complicated. So save yourself the hours of research and travel in your own country instead. You won't have to exchange pounds for another currency and constantly do the maths when purchasing something. You won't be struggling with a new language. You won't have to suddenly drive on the other side of the road.
4. You can pack anything and everything! Since you're not flying, you won't be restricted luggage-wise and desperately weighing your suitcase hours before you're supposed to depart. You can pack any toiletries, your shaving razor and more.
5. Staycations support the local economy. A lot of industries took a hit during Covid and are still building their way back. Do your part to support them by holidaying locally.
6. You won't feel obliged to take such a long trip. When we're taking a flight and paying for an expensive holiday abroad, we feel the need to travel for long enough to make it feel worth it. But instead of taking two weeks off and then working non-stop for months, split this holiday into two parts and travel locally. Or split it further into three short getaways. This ensures you always have something to look forward to and can make the most of your holiday days by attaching your trips to weekends.
Why take a campervan?
Consider a campervan to be an upgrade from your ordinary road trip. Campervans give you the freedom to follow any path and remove the need to plan every step of your trip. A campervan allows you to see as much of the UK as you desire - and have time for!
Instead of choosing just one wonderful place to visit, choose a bunch of them. And then relieve yourself of the hassle of searching for accommodation and paying ridiculous prices for a hotel, and take your accommodation with you! Permit yourself to properly unpack and bring with you your favourite comforts from home. Sleeping with your own pillow and blanket is always a bonus on holidays, almost as great as it would be to bring your own bed! Another reason to take a campervan is that you don’t have to grow tired of either overspending on food or having unfilling meals. Simply cook your own, and let your meals out be a treat and not a necessity.
Staycation Ideas
Now that we’ve decided on your staycation with a campervan in the UK, it is time to look at where you’ll be going. There were so many incredible options to choose from, but we’ve tried to narrow it down to our top picks across the UK!
Wales
You need to visit Wales this year. It's a stunning destination, too often forgotten by people visiting the UK. Use this opportunity to explore this historically rich area. A Goboony favourite is the Abergwesyn Pass in Powys. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive around these 11 miles of sharp turns, steep ascents, bridges and exhilarating descents. It is surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains and sweet villages, ensuring an entertaining view throughout!
Whilst in Wales, also consider Black Mountain Pass, a 22-mile challenging route that reaches 495 metres at its highest point. This 45-minute drive will provide you with stunning views across the mountains.
Head to Anglesey, a small island tucked on the coast of Wales. This is one of two places in the UK where you can spot the elusive red squirrel. It is also home to the largest aquarium in Wales. We recommend hiking up Holyhead Mountain, which offers a view all the way over to Ireland on a clear day!
Scotland
Glasgow is considered to be the perfect destination for a city trip! It's known for being a hub for music, culture and shopping. Take a stroll through the largest city in Scotland and enjoy the stunning street art and excellent galleries and museums. If you like hiking, then depart from Glasgow for the West Highland Way, Scotland's most famous hiking route.
Are you hoping to do a road trip in Scotland? You'll have plenty of choices! Travellers often tackle the North Coast 500, but this route is getting far too crowded to be enjoyed properly. So instead we recommend trying the South West Coastal 300 or the Argyll Coastal Route.
You might also enjoy a getaway to a Scottish island for your staycation. We recommend camping on the Isle of Skye, as the views are simply unbeatable. At 50 miles long, it's the largest of the Inner Hebrides, meaning there is plenty to explore.
England
Have you ever visited the Lake district? Thousands of travellers come to the UK specifically to explore this gorgeous region, so take the opportunity to see it for yourself. Avoid travelling in the peak season, as it can be quite busy, and instead go in autumn or spring. It's quite a drive up north but worth it for the beautiful scenery at England’s largest National Park.
Or engage in some history by visiting Stonehenge in Wiltshire, our very own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combine this with a drive through Cheddar Gorge, in Somerset, and be in awe of Britain’s biggest gorge and some breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll be on the edge of your seat negotiating the twists and turns through these spectacular 450-foot high limestone cliffs. Take this opportunity for some adventure through exploring the stalactite caverns - full of prehistoric markings - or go for some rock climbing!
If you're looking to visit Cornwall, why not head to Polperro? It's one of the most picturesque villages in the region and looks like it's taken right from the pages of a fairytale. It's a great camping destination, as you can park your campervan right on the sandy beach with a view of the ocean.
Northern Ireland
For many of you, this might involve a trip on the ferry, but it's worth the effort! Northern Ireland is a dream destination and the perfect location for a road trip. Everyone should see the Giant's Causeway once in their life. It consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and is located in County Antrim.
Alternatively, we recommend heading to Derry for a city trip. Whilst Belfast is also a great destination, we have a soft spot for Derry. It's considered the best place to get the authentic Northern Irish experience. You can explore the remains of the 17th century city walls, visit the Tower Museum, cross the Peace Bridge and more.
Need more ideas for your UK staycation? Check out our bucket list of 25 UK destinations you simply must visit!
A staycation can be whatever you'd like it to be. You could visit all corners of the UK or opt to stay close to home. It can be a chance to dive into the history of where you're from, or it can be a chance to rest and regain your energy during time off work. A staycation is yours to design, so take this opportunity to consider what you're looking for in a holiday. Whether you decide to enjoy a weekend away or a week-long road trip, we hope you have a lovely staycation!
