Staycationing? The beautiful art of holidaying at home – or at least in the same country. We have a wealth of destinations in the UK that are fascinating, terrific, exciting, breathtaking and beautiful – sometimes you miss the things that are right in front of you. From the following pointers you will see how staycationing can both save you money and result in fantastic breaks away.
Avoid airport taxes and other travel fees
Airlines, while great at getting you from A to B can really break the bank with their extra charges when it comes to holidaying abroad, not to mention the fact that you will probably have to buy food in the airport which in itself is financially crippling! Holidaying in the UK means you just need a car or train (or even just a bike!). Additionally you can feel extra smug because, unlike your jet-setting (and quite frankly irresponsible) friends, your carbon footprint will be as minuscule as that of an ant wearing stilettos. Holidaying in the UK will also save you a fortune on visas and time – no trawling through the internet to find the best deals – it can all be done last minute and on a whim! Staycationing allows you to be spontaneous: plan your break away on a friday afternoon and leave that evening!
And how about places to stay?
Well, there’s always hotels and B and B’s (which admittedly can be quite pricey at times), but staying in a real home is another great option. This is a lot less restrictive than staying in a hotel and far far nicer and more fun – plus you don’t have the tedious task of checking in, queuing for a seat in the restaurant or waiting at the bar for a drink. Imagine being met with a warm welcome instead of a reception desk, and most probably the smell of a delicious supper wafting in from the kitchen – this new fad is just like staying with friends. Even if it’s just for the weekend it’s a great way to end the working week winding down in a comfy living room, experiencing something completely different yet just like home, but a little bit adventurous as you renew your passion for Britain! The don’t call it Great for nothing.
Really affordable accommodation CAN be found in the UK
From cottages to castles, farms to city pads, some of the friendliest, loveliest, cheapest, prettiest, nicest, smiliest, funnest, most interesting, dynamic, cosy, cuddly, lovely-jubly home from home affordable accommodation can be found on our very own lovely little island. Plus many of these properties are just perfect if you are a freelance contract worker, going on a course or just traveling for work!
Meet new people who will actually become your friends
Let’s face it, you’re not going to stay in touch with that lovely waiter from that bar or the lady in the shop who sold you those overpriced sunglasses. Visiting somewhere in the UK however means you have the chance to make friends all over the country – as the saying goes, ‘a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet’ (unless they are offering you sweets from a car in which case you should always say ‘no’ and run). A home from home experience can make a huge difference to your stay away. It can be really enjoyable and you get to meet great people – it’s something that should be seen as exciting – there is no one better to stay with than people from the area you are visiting as this will enrich your experience (and if you’re lazy like me you won’t have to read a guide book as they will tell you all you need to know!).
Annabella Forbes is Founder of Bed&Fed.
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Council officials in Cornwall are said to be considering levying a £1 a night tourist tax for anyone staying in a hotel, B&B or holiday cottage. The county swells in size in the Summer months to more than 5 million people, compared with the out of season figure of 500,000, and it’s being argued that this is putting a strain on local services. The proposals don’t appear to have the backing of those involved in the tourist industry in the area, presumably because it might make some visitors consider going to other destinations where the tax is not levied. Would a £1 a night tourist tax deter you from visiting Cornwall, and would this be a dangerous move by the council?
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It may not offer sun, sea and sand. But one out of the three is always a possibility – and in Chesterfield, you’re always going to find the best ice cream in Britain…! The latest tourism trend is apparently all about “Middle Britons” forgoing their holiday abroad, based on research that revealed more than a quarter of middle-class families will remain in the UK for their annual holiday this year.
Located just a stone’s throw from the centre of Salisbury is a stunning new B&B which has become the city’s first to achieve five star status. 
