With restrictions lifting and many destinations and events opening up, many of us are looking forward to summer more than ever. However, it appears that Covid will be here to stay, so it’s important to stay mindful in order to keep yourself and others safe. By taking necessary precautions, wearing masks and taking regular tests, you can enjoy your summer without worrying.
For many of the British public, the summer holidays are all about getting abroad. However, with the global impact of Covid-19 and constantly changing restrictions, many of us have opted to stay home this summer season. But this doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our summer! From UK holidays to day trips, here are 12 ways you can have a sensational summer holidays while remaining Covid safe.
Do Your Research
Whether you’re travelling abroad or just around the UK, keeping up to date on travel restrictions is essential. For example, crossing borders may result in a sudden change in restrictions, which can easily catch you out and disrupt your plans.
Covid-19 is still an ever-changing situation, so its important to check for regular updates and changes. Turning news notifications on your smart phone could be a good way to ensure you never get caught out by restrictions. However, not everything can be predicted, so it’s important to accept that some bookings you make might be cancelled!
Pack the Essentials
Wherever you go, being prepared is the best way to stay safe this summer. A few handy essentials will help to minimise the spared of Covid, while also ensuring your peace of mind.
These must-have items include sanitiser (at least 60% alcohol), which can be handy when touching gates, door handles or shopping trolleys. A pack of rapid flow covid tests are also always useful to have to ensure peace of mind when travelling to new places and coming into contact with others.
A pack of masks is also essential, as they can be easy to lose, so it’s always worthwhile to carry a few spares. Pack a handy travel bag which you can take everywhere to go to ensure that you aren’t caught without.
Regularly Take a Healgen Covid Test
Wherever you go this summer, ensure your peace of mind by taking regularly taking a healgen covid test. These handy kits are easy to use and provide results quickly, so there’s no reason you can’t test yourself and your loved ones frequently. Ensure you keep a pack with you wherever you go and test before going to large venues or before you leave for your holiday.
Going Abroad
While it is not encouraged, travelling abroad is an option if you take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Keep up to date on travel restrictions so you know what to expect when you land. It’s also important to ensure your tests are booked in good time to ensure to get your results before boarding. Try to book hotels with free cancellation in case restrictions change.
However, if this seems like too much hassle, holidaying in the UK might be better suited to stay safe and reduce your stress.
Staycation
With constantly changing restrictions, booking a holiday abroad can be more hassle than its worth. Instead, why not try taking your big summer holiday in the UK? Not only is this safer to protect yourself from Covid-19, it also saves the hassle and cost of testing to board flights abroad. Booking a cottage or an Airbnb can be a hassle-free family holiday without the stress of the airport.
If you’re looking to enjoy the English countryside, the Lake District and the Peak District offer countless walking routes with breath-taking scenery. Alternatively, if you’re missing the beach, Cornwall, Northumberland and the Welsh Coast are just a few examples of Britain’s stunning coastline which could provide a perfect seaside holiday.
City Break
If you’re looking to book a holiday with friends or as a couple, a city break could be a fun way to avoid the airport while enjoying the nightlife of a new city.
Cities like Newcastle and Liverpool are known for their lively nightlife, while Edinburgh and York offer beautiful architecture and historical monuments.
Before attending pubs or clubs, remember to take a healgen covid test so you can keep yourself and others safe while you explore!
Venue Policies
Whether you’re visiting a hotel, hostel or an Airbnb, be sure to ask about the venue’s policies to ensure they are taking necessary precautions. This can also apply to restaurant, bars, or any place you visit where you are in close contact with others.
For example, ask about their social distancing and mask requirements for guests and staff. Contactless check-in options are also preferable as they reduce contact with others. For restaurants, contactless food delivery and outdoor dining options are also important.
Stay Outdoors
Staying outdoors as much as possible is proven to reduce your chance of catching Covid. If you’re visiting a restaurant or bar, aim to sit at an outdoor table rather than indoors.
However, with the unpredictability of British weather, being outdoors is not always possible. Try to open windows to encourage good ventilation on public transport or if friends are visiting your home.
Beach Days
The British coast is often overlooked in favour of beaches abroad. While the water might be slightly colder, there are countless beautiful beaches to enjoy here in Britain. Try to look for beaches with lots of space so you can maintain distance from others.
This is also a great way to meet friends and family, as you can maintain space outdoors while still spending time together.
Camping
A camping holiday is a great way to take the family away this summer. Camping is mostly outdoors, so it’s more Covid safe than a hotel or hostel. When it comes to toilets and showers, ensure you find a campsite with good facilities, which reduces contact with others.
Hiking
Going for a hike is a great way to appreciate Britain’s beautiful countryside. Renowned regions for walking in the UK include the Lake District, the Peak District, Snowdonia, Cornwall or the Isle of Skye. This can be incorporated into your holiday or find your closest for a day trip.
But don’t let your location stop you! Most of our homes in the UK are just a car journey away from beautiful countrywide waiting to be explored. As well as being a Covid-safe outdoor activity, a hike is a cost-effective day out which is suitable for all the family.
Barbecue
Hosting a barbecue in your garden is a great way to spend time with family and friends in an outdoor environment, therefore reducing your risk of spreading the virus.
It’s also easy to maintain distance in a garden, as opposed to inside the house. If your garden isn’t big enough, you could always take a disposable barbecue to your local park or beach.
While you may not be travelling the world in the coming months, you can still make the most of your summer this year by appreciating your local surroundings and, most importantly, spending time with your loved ones. With these fun holiday ideas and handy tips, you can enjoy your summer holidays safely.
