With the second national lockdown due to come to an end this month, many of us will be looking to escape the confines of our homes and enjoy a well-timed staycation if the updated restrictions allow it.
Staycations have become a mainstay during the pandemic. With overseas travel off the menu for most, individuals have had to indulge their travel bug on home turf.
As a result, travellers have discovered a range of great destinations and hidden gems, not to mention supported local businesses as they adjust to life post-lockdown.
Enjoying a staycation however isn’t all fun and games. With the risk of contracting Covid-19 a reality for all, staying safe when you’re far from home has become even more of a priority. Here we share our top tips for staying safe on your staycation.
Choose your destination wisely
When selecting a fitting staycation destination, you’re certain to be looking for a fun place with plenty of things to do.
You should also refer to the Covid infection rates of the area to ensure it is safe to travel there.
Once lockdown lifts, the government is expected to re-introduce the tiered Covid alert levels with a few tweaks. If this is the case, be sure to check which tier your proposed staycation destination falls into before booking your accommodation and planning your trip.
Whilst many people will assume that rural areas are the best choice for a Covid-secure staycation, city breaks are also an excellent idea as The Travel Manuel reveals:
“On a city staycation, you could even visit your city – the one you already live in – but stay in a hotel, eat delicious food at nice restaurants, and play tourist for a few days.
You can drink hot chocolate in cosy cafés, take romantic walks down the river, and wear your newest, most fashionable winter coat.
Then, if the weather gets nasty, you can head inside for a cosy afternoon looking over the city view. Perfect.”
Select safe accommodation
Hotels aren’t necessarily the best bet if you are looking for a Covid-secure stay. Serviced apartments on the other hand unlock plenty of perks for the discerning, safety-conscious traveller.
Serviced apartments are renowned for providing more space, freedom, facilities and flexibility than hotels and other accommodation options. These plus points will certainly come in handy as you look to enhance the safety of your staycation.
When staying in one of our serviced apartments, you’ll benefit from your entrance for easy social distancing; full kitchen facilities if you’d prefer to dine in or do your own laundry; and enhanced sanitisation courtesy of regular deep cleans, the highest standard of housekeeping and frequent disinfection of all areas.
Devise your itinerary in advance
While many tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, non-essential shops, and other facilities are expected to reopen post-lockdown, doing your research and planning your itinerary is a must.
Some attractions may only open partially as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. Opening hours may also vary. After the first lockdown, many attractions changed how they operate too, not only improving sanitation and facilitating social distancing, but reducing the number of permitted visitors.
Pre-booking selected attractions is therefore a priority. Check each attraction’s policy ahead of time and book in advance where necessary.
Despite plummeting temperatures and wintry weather conditions, enjoying the great outdoors on your winter staycation will mean you see a very different side to Cambridge and stay safe. Check out the best places for a walk in and around Cambridge for inspiration.
Go flexible with your staycation
In the age of Covid-19, nothing is certain, with rules and restrictions changing all the time. Whilst you may be eager to forge ahead with staycation planning, be sure to book accommodation that offers flexibility. By choosing a flexible deal you can book your city break with confidence.
Our Christmas breaks are great options for those looking to enjoy Cambridge at the most wonderful time of year.
With our Christmas package, you can enjoy fantastic discounts of over 50%, a range of luxury freebies, Covid-secure accommodation, and great flexibility.
You can stay any date within 12 months of purchase, subject to availability, so if things don’t go to plan, you’ll still have a fabulous city break to look forward to.