It’s never too soon to dream up some sunshine.
This year might have been a washout, and next year is going to be staycation central… We all better get booking or risk losing out in the rush!
Here at Lilly Likes, we have been trying to find ways to perk up the lockdown pre-Christmas period for everyone involved… And it’s been hard work.
This week, we turn our attention to the best places to book a holiday for, when it comes to staycation next year. Don’t get us wrong, we’re guessing, but we decided to dig out all our home travel deals with looooonnnng expiration dates. That way, between now and 20 months or so, you should be out of lockdown at least one period long enough to get in a good dose of luxury, opulence, and five star satisfaction.
As ever, you can view some of our previous entertaining articles in our blog section. With any luck, a look over Lockdown Take 2 or our article about keeping the kids entertained during quarantine will keep you amused for a few minutes, hopefully easing the undoubtedly overwhelming boredom and frustration we are all currently feeling.
The Best Places to Go on a Post-Pandemic Holiday
Anyway. Let’s get on with it. Here is Lilly’s take on the best places to book a hotel in, once the pandemic has run its course.
Cardiff
When it comes to destinations with a cultural feel, the capital city of Wales is idyllic. It is far enough from home that you don’t feel you are staying in the UK, yet close enough that you don’t need to take the risk of getting on a plane.
For a few miles on the clock, you could spend an overnight for two at the four star Clayton Hotel in Cardiff. This deal includes double breakfast and Prosecco for two, so it’s ideal for the love in your life, or for the BFF in your life.
The Clayton is a winner of the prestigious Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice award. It is nestled in Cardiff Bay, the UK’s largest waterfront development – which you are free to explore. The area is filled with some of the best shopping and bars in the city, as well as being close to the castle. Other things to do in Cardiff involve helicopter tours, Paddle boarding for the adventurous, or an afternoon tea for those that love the quiet life.
Edinburgh
There are so many things to see and do in Scotland’s capital city that it is going to be chock-full of tourists in 2021. Obviously, visiting Edinburgh Castle is one of the top things to do in town. It is perched on a precipice above the skyline, atop a craggy hill of its own. You could hike Arthur’s Seat, enjoy a boat cruise down the Forth, or enjoy 9 holes of mini-golf at Scrapheap.
Whatever you end up doing in Scotland’s capital, it makes a wonderful base of operations. From there, you are only a short drive from Perthshire and the southern Highlands. If you want breath-taking, spectacular views, there really is no need to go abroad in 2021. Wait till summer hits and just drive north.
Edinburgh is home of the food tour, but we do suggest you stay in as much luxury as you dine in. For 4 star experiences and food thrown in, try the No. 11 Brunswick Street hotel. Alternatively, the Mercure always has nice rooms available in the centre.
Belfast
Although you might need to put your car on a ferry to get there, Belfast is well worth the drive for a staycation success in 2021. This historic city has a myriad of features, only 75% of which contain or are related to alcohol. Don’t be fooled, Belfast isn’t all the stereotype it’s cracked up to be. You will find there’s a lot more to do there than you think.
Did you know that they filmed whopping great big chunks of Game of Thrones in Ireland? Did you also know that you can go on a tour that retraces the steps of the filmmakers? The GOT tour covers the majority of the film locations and is much loved by all. You could hop aboard for an experience on the HMS Caroline, the last surviving warship from the battle of Jutland.
Belfast is home to a fascinating history of political conflict, is within driving distance of the set of ‘Derry Girls’, and sports plenty of shops and restaurants… not to mention the bars. As for where to stay, we suggest that you retain an air of mystery and go for a 4 star location discerned upon arrival. What fun!
What About the Countryside for a 2021 Holiday?
There are numerous different glamping sites dotted throughout the countryside, each of which simultaneously bring you closer to nature and make nature feel like a luxurious home. You can glamp in any part of the country – from bonnie Stirlingshire to caravanning in Warwick – there are endless opportunities in the world of glamping pods and wigwams.
You can fit up to a family of six inside most yurts – like this one in Devon. Some come with extra luxuries, like this Suffolk 4 person trip with a hot tub. And some even come with activities thrown in, like this one in Shropshire that includes a visit to an Alpaca Farm. Who doesn’t want to go to an Alpaca Farm?
The Staycation Verdict?
There are plenty of options for a holiday at home next year, but you will need to book up soon. With things being as they are, getting booked early will be the difference between a fair fortnight and a frustrating one. All the major events and city stays will book up first, so if you do struggle to find something, we would remind you that there are still a whopping great number of hotels, B&Bs, hostels and rental rooms that aren’t listed on the internet.
If the worst comes to the worst, pack the tent and head out to the forest. Sometimes, a holiday is a mindset as much as it is a time and place.
