Five ways to make your staycation sparkle

Self catered...but not by you

If you’re a foodie, the culinary roadmap of the UK is wonderful to explore, from freshly caught Cromer crab to Cornish stargazy pie. But even the most enthusiastic chefs need a break, particularly after the year we’ve had. Self-catered yes, but that doesn’t have to mean self-catered by you! Consider hiring a private chef or a local catering company to cook a few nights or put together a picnic basket for a day on the beach. Having people to look after you will instantly add the relax factor to your home-from-home holiday.

(photo credit: www.uniquehomestays.com )

TAP INTO LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

The appeal of a hotel versus self-catering is often having someone else to do the thinking for you. But you can enjoy that experience when self-catering too, by enlisting a little help. Looking to book a table for eight with the best sunset views? Need a handwritten list of beaches with easy parking for tired toddler legs? There’s so much local knowledge out there just waiting to be shared, you just need someone who knows where to look and who to ask.

hire a holiday wingman

Research shows that the most satisfied holidaymakers immerse themselves in the local culture, nature and hidden secrets of their destination. Experience is now as important as relaxation when it comes to what makes the perfect holiday. This is all well and good, but it takes time and energy you don’t have to dig out hidden gems and create an itinerary, particularly if you’re travelling with kids or friends with different interests. Hire a holiday wingman to pull together a list of unmissable local highlights, organise bike hire, or arrange private surf or riding lessons. It will take the stress away, and give you something to look forward to.

hit the road in style

The benefit of a staycation is the ability to load up the car with everything but the kitchen sink without the worry of airline luggage allowances. But it can feel a bit same-y, especially if your holiday car is the same faithful vehicle you do the school run in, complete with sweet wrappers and receipts. For a bit of post-lockdown extravagance, why not hire your dream car to road trip the amazing landscapes of the British Isles? Yes it’s a luxury, but if there was ever a time to treat yourself, it’s now!

and finally...don’t be afraid to ask

Your holiday is an investment of your hard earned cash, and like any investment, you want maximum bang for your buck. So don’t be afraid to ask that there’s dairy-free milk (or favourite wine) in the fridge when you get there after a long drive or that there are enough pillows on the bed. The more detail on your likes and dislikes you give when booking, the more personal and special your holiday will be!