From beachside breaks to countryside escapes, here’s everything you need to know on how to holiday safely this year.
After the year we’ve all had, nothing sounds more appealing than a getaway to the coast. Having the freedom to explore untrodden paths and take in local culture will mean so much to us all. Although there are still travel rules in place, we’re confident at Lyons Holiday Parks that things are on the up – and there’s no reason why you won’t be able to have that well-deserved break from reality.
With foreign travel being such an uncertain issue at this point in time, it’s no surprise that a new mode of vacationing is on the cards for many: the staycation! In spite of not being 100% sure of hopping on a plane to tropical climates, we’re here to highlight how you can holiday safely at home in the motherland.
Nick Lomas, Caravan and Motorhome Club director-general told the BBC earlier this year: “When our campsites were allowed to be open last year we actually saw record levels of bookings, with new memberships up by 14%. We think that 2021 is going to be like a cork popping from a bottle.”
It comes as no surprise then that 4 in 5 Brits have stated they won’t be packing their passport for the summer of 2021. Almost 85% of UK residents in a survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk said instead they’ll be opting for a staycation. Their research also shows that most keen holidaymakers will be looking for rural, scenic, and quiet destinations. Outdoor activities, like walking, swimming, and cycling, as well as spending precious time with loved ones, is at the forefront of most people’s minds.
10 tips on how to holiday safely
We’re all in the same boat here. Most of us want to travel and explore while keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. In order to make the most of your break while staying savvy, here’s what we recommend:
1. Location
Rural locations are the best way to holiday safely, where social distancing can be practised and crowds are few and far between. Although cities and touristy hotspots may historically offer more things to do, the great outdoors offers plenty of activities from walking, outdoor adventure to days out and cultural exploration. Another tip: order an online shop if you’re going self-catered to avoid having to queue at local shops and stress about losing time on your much-deserved break.
2. Booking
With everyone itching to dash off, it’s a no-brainer that bookings are booming. Booking early will ensure you get the exact holiday you’re after, and that you’re comfortable with the arrangement/ booking details. It’s always wise to use a credit card to pay for bookings, as you’ll have more financial protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
3. Groups
We’re all sick of Zoom calls and self-isolating, so the desire to meet up with family and friends on vacation is completely natural. To protect yourself and others and to holiday safely all the time, it’s best to keep to one household per unit of accommodation, with shared outdoor areas. Most holiday providers should be able to offer accommodation for you and your loved ones within close proximity – so you can enjoy quality time together in your own units.
4. Activities
If this year has taught us anything…it’s how great going for a walk is! This summer, we anticipate that lots of outdoor activity companies will be offering deals. Don’t be afraid to get involved, as long as you’re happy with the level of close contact and social distancing. For things to do in North Wales, check with the reputable tourism board Go North Wales, who will keep you up to date about what’s open. For Manor House Park, check out Visit Cumbria for some great inspiration.
5. Reassurance
It’s OK to need that extra boost when it comes to booking your holiday this year. Going through trusted, reputable companies as opposed to social groups or word-of-mouth recommendations is always best. Remember too that travel agents are there for a reason, so if you have any doubts, book through them. They’ll be able to keep you updated with any changes in guidelines, and will be on-hand to amend your booking when and if required.
6. Policy
It’s a fact we have to face in 2021 that some things we’re looking forward to could be cancelled. If (heaven forbid!) yours does, you want to be in a position where you can ask for your money back, no hassle or stress included. Have no fear in asking your holiday provider what their policy is regarding cancellations, refunds, or postponements. Most providers this year are offering some form of ‘Covid Guarantee’ – so make sure you read the fine print, just to cover your own back.
7. Preparation
Lust for adventure but a bit fearful fo where it may take you? No worries! You can call up the local tourist information centres, tourism boards, or even your holiday provider for recommendations in the area you’d like to visit. Joining a social media group for that particular area is always a good shout – but remember the ‘trust’ quality about your sources.
8. Packing
Not that you need reminding, but remember to pack plenty of disposable face masks, or ensure you have clean three-ply ones with you at all times. Squeeze that hand gel in your suitcase too! Check out the paragraph below on the must-haves.
9. Confidence
Everything that’s happened this year is unprecedented, and we’ve all learnt new boundaries and different things about ourselves. Have confidence in your own knowledge to stand up for what you find comfortable. For example, if you’re in a queue and you feel someone behind you is getting too close, remember you have the power to politely step away (without becoming a member of the social-distancing police, of course! Mutual respect is always needed.) Remember it’s your holiday: and you have the right to holiday safely.
10. Keep updated
With lockdown guidelines differing between governments (especially in England and Wales!) it is vital that you stay up to date with the rules of the location you’re in. You can find all information from the Welsh Government here, the UK Government’s here, Scotland’s here, and Ireland’s here.
What should I bring?
To help you make the most out of your staycation this year, we’ve compiled a check-list for you. This combines your general holiday items, as well as some extras to bear in mind:
General:
- Face coverings (3-ply)
- Hand sanitiser
- Phone chargers
- Wet wipes (or hand wipes)
- Your own pillow (if preferred)
- Cash, card or plenty of change for the arcades!
- Maps/ sat nav
Days out:
- Disposable cutlery/ coffee cups
- Plenty of snacks!
- Sunglasses
- Suncream
- Picnic blanket
- Buckets and spades (in case shops are shut!)
- Activewear for those long walks
- Beach bag
Days in:
- Board games
- Books
- Electronics
- Deck of cards
The power of double-checking
You won’t sound crazy for contacting your holiday provider to check a few things before booking. We completely appreciate that some of you may be anxious, and we’re here to alleviate those concerns. Here are some things to bear in mind before travelling or putting down a deposit:
- Does the holiday provider have a Covid guarantee?
- What happens if you can’t make your booking for Covid-related reasons?
- Do I need to bring my own bedding?
- Will there be enough activities to keep my children entertained?
- How can I ensure the accommodation is Covid-safe?
- Do I need domestic travel insurance?
- Do I need to bring any additional documents (driving licence, proof of address etc)
- Are facilities open, and if so, is there a bookings system for using them?
- What are the local restrictions in place in the area I’m staying?
- Are there any additional rules/ guidelines within that particular company?
Why Lyons Holiday Parks is the best way to holiday safely
In case you didn’t know, the Lyons group have 13 parks dotted around North Wales, and one park based in Cumbria. Each park is unique, and between the dozen-plus sites, we’re positive we have something that will cater to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful break in the mountains, a nearby beach to spend hours on, or a few quirky arcades and fish & chip shops – Lyons Holiday Parks have it all.
We have provided cherished family memories to thousands of families across our 96 years in tourism. That’s almost a century of making your holiday dreams come true! We’d love to say that this year won’t be different – but in fact, it will. We know how eager you are to get away, and we have experience in tailoring our holiday packages to meet your needs. This is why we think 2021, the Year of The Staycation, has the potential to be the best summer holiday you’ve had on record.
What do we have to offer?
A range of facilities, packed entertainment schedules, prime locations, on-site bars & restaurants and even a shuttle bus is what we have to offer! When you book with Lyons, you’ll have everything you need. Whether you prefer staying on-park and making the most of the amenities or having access to the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Here’s why:
Coastal parks
- Robin Hood, Rhyl – our flagship park is a popular family favourite with all the trimmings and facilities
- Lido Beach, Prestatyn – a quieter family park with direct beach access, a gym and spa
- Winkups, Towyn – set in the heart of a bustling seaside resort with bars and arcades
- Oakfield, Towyn – a unique park with a play area, cabaret club and sports bar
- Pendyffryn Hall, Penmaenmawr – boasting beautiful panoramic views of Mount Snowdon and the Irish Sea from the clubhouse
- St Mary’s Touring Park, Gronant – a touring park for families and groups with a play area and fishing lake
- Manor House Park, Allonby (Cumbria) – direct access to the Lake District from this touring & hire fleet park
Countryside parks
- Lyons Woodlands Hall, Ruthin – nestled among the hills and woodlands with a gym, sauna, and tennis court
How are we ensuring you can holiday safely with us?
We’ve travelled and navigated the troubles of this year with you. Just like you, we feel as though we’ve missed out on all the fun, dancing, playing and more. We want more than anything to welcome you all back, so we’re dedicated to ensuring you can holiday safely. Here’s what we’re doing this year to protect you, your loved ones, as well as our staff and teams:
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings
- Social distancing policies implemented throughout the park
- Bookings system for pool use
- Covid-effective cleaning products
- Hourly cleaning of door handles in our main buildings
- Deep-cleaning of holiday homes hired out for booking, with an approved seal on the door
- Face covering policies in place
- Altered entertainment schedules
- Spaced out tables and seating areas inside venues
- Staff education on Covid-awareness and protocol
- Staff regularly hand-sanitizing and constant use of face coverings
