Many of us will currently be debated whether we should book travels abroad this year. At the moment, travel restrictions and country-wide lockdowns are in place all around the world, making it difficult to plan our trips for the foreseeable future. Our advice is to stay local and take a staycation over the summer, with the hope of traveling overseas towards the end of the year.
It’s easy to forget the beauty on our own doorsteps when we’re usually tempted to travel abroad. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and stay at home, and one benefit that could come from this is that we are appreciating the places where we live more than before. We have spent the past year exploring our own towns, cities, and surrounding areas – this summer is the perfect opportunity to spread our wings a little farther and discover more of our own countries.
No matter where you live, there are exciting cities, beautiful countryside, tranquil forests, and dramatic coastlines to discover. Rather than always seeking adventures abroad, now is the time to explore closer to home. Look at where you live from the point of view of a traveller from abroad. For example – I’m always dreaming of future road trips in North America, but residents of the USA would look at where I live in the English countryside with a romantic view.
Consider where a visitor from abroad would want to visit in your own country. Look at your national tourist boards – what locations do they usually promote to visitors? Have you visited them all? Make a list of all the spectacular places that you’d like to visit but have perhaps previously discounted in favour of travelling abroad. Research places to swim, hiking paths, beautiful landscapes, interesting museums, award-winning restaurants, and enchanting architecture – then make a list of where you want to visit.
The beauty of travelling within your own country is that you don’t have to go through the rigmarole of travelling by plane. Not only will you save time and money by not flying this summer, but you’ll also lower your carbon footprint. Consider how much more convenient it is to pack up your car and drive off on an adventure without worrying about fitting everything into a small suitcase. And you can even bring your family pet along for the trip!
After a year of predominantly staying close to home, use the chance to visit friends and family who live in other parts of the country, turning your visit into an exciting getaway. Take a road trip, stopping in various places along the way, meet your family in the middle to make it a holiday for all of you, or base yourself at a friend’s house but take day trips to explore the local area.
Look for what you want in a foreign holiday and how you can get that at home – whether that’s a particular type of scenery or a relaxing getaway. In the U.K, I’ve spent lockdown dreaming of dramatic mountainous scenery and beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. I’d usually head abroad for both of these scenarios, but I’m planning trips to Scotland and Cornwall this summer where I’ll find just what I’m waiting for.
The chance to explore abroad will come again soon, but for now rather than waiting for that opportunity, plan exciting adventures within your own country to get used to travelling again.
Emma Lavelle is a UK based writer and photographer and has her own blog Field and Nest.
