Scandi lifestyle expert shares guide to enjoying home comforts and exploring locally this summer.
With summer upon us and school holidays fast approaching, our minds inevitably turn toward where to spend some well-earned time off.
With many still having to tighten belts in the face of the continued cost of living crisis and given soaring temperatures in Europe which make trips to the continent less practical or less desirable in peak summer months, Brits may be looking to holiday closer to home this year.
Catharina Björkman, Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura says: “In Scandinavian countries, whilst we love to travel and explore the world, we also have a deep appreciation of holidaying in our own countries, making time off work a more relaxed and effortless affair.
“Staycationing allows you to discover and enjoy aspects of your hometown, county or country that you might otherwise overlook.
“Hygge is a very well-known Scandi concept, but it isn’t just about cosiness. Holistically speaking, it’s about appreciating everyday simple pleasures. Staycationing is a great way to practice a hygge approach to life and means that the sense of contentment achieved during downtime can last even once the holiday itself is over.”
Please read on for Catharina’s guide to summer staycationing Scandi style…
In good company
There are many ways to staycation but who you holiday with can affect the dynamics and tone of the experience.
A family summer holiday might be packed with swimming, ice cream stops and park visits, but kids can be entertained and engaged in adult-focused plans too, so don’t forget to schedule some activities for yourself and they will happily tag along.
A staycation is perfectly suited to a romantic getaway too (think treehouse, spa, gastronomic adventure, forest lodge with hot tub or beach house) and will likely mean less stress and arguments with no airport, luggage restrictions or language barriers to navigate.
And don’t underestimate the power of a solo trip. Hopping on a train to the countryside and walking through picturesque villages, stopping wherever and whenever you want without having to consult anyone else is quite the luxury.
Know where to go
It is highly likely that the place you live has lots to offer that you don’t have a chance to tap into the rest of the year. If you want to stay local, think about the cafe that you haven’t had time to visit yet, the woodland you drive by that you’ve always wanted to walk through, or the nearby museum that has a new exhibition on display.
To ensure it feels like quality time well spent, make each day count, getting out of the house and doing at least one thing new, different or fulfilling every day. This is also a great opportunity to meet and connect with new people – get to know friends of friends or join a club or group activity.
If you want to spread the proverbial wings a little further, spend some time planning the kind of trip you want to have. Do you want to rest at a wellness retreat, enjoy gentle countryside walks and pubs, smash personal bests climbing the three peaks, or try your luck with an ice cream on a British beach? If you want a more bustling or cultural vibe, think about which UK cities you haven’t been to and where has the best eateries or art galleries.
The plus of holidaying at home means you can visit more than one place easily, especially as the UK is a relatively small country. So feel free to plan a trip into the countryside one day and venture into the city the next, mixing and matching for the perfect trip away.
Go with the flow…
The beauty of a staycation means you are on home ground, so there is much less room for error. You don’t have to worry about high roaming costs, getting lost in an unfamiliar city, or running out of foreign currency, so take advantage and schedule a ‘no plans’ adventure day and see where you end up.
Jump in the car, book a train or coach and head off in any direction, seeing what catches your eye along the way. A spontaneous day filled with surprise sight-seeing, hidden gems, good food and even new friends could turn into the most rewarding day out, so revel in the freedom and go where the wind takes you.
Be prepared
The Scandi mantra is that there is no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing, so remember this when packing for a UK staycation.
Make sure you have suncream, sunnies and sandals for when it’s warm out, but also wellies, layers and a lightweight waterproof coat in the likely case of a summer downpour so you can dance in the summer rain rather than retreating from outdoor activities.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead for mealtimes as nothing ruins a holiday more quickly than rumbling stomachs. A quick Google search for the best pub lunches or cafes near you and their opening times will ensure no temper tantrums – from the kids or the adults – spoil a lovely day out.
Home and away
When it comes to staycation accommodation there are many possibilities. A charming village BnB or a city centre town house rental are both great options that allow you to immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy that away from home feeling whilst being close to the action.
However, a staycation with home as your base can also feel special and means even less packing stress, potential dietary disasters, or check-in issues. To make it feel like a special occasion, buy holiday breakfast foods like pancakes and croissants and line these up hotel buffet style each morning.
Be sure to get out and about as much as possible each day to pack in all the fun, and when you return try not to fall into regular routines. Instead, string fairy lights up outside and eat dinner al fresco, camp out in the garden or make themed snacks and get cosy for a dedicated movie night in the living room.
So long as you are in the present and appreciating the little things, the staycation will be a success.
For more information, please visit www.contura.eu.
-Ends-
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Starting at £1,295, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
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For more information, please visit www.contura.eu
