Staycations have never been more popular. As we all grow increasingly conscious of our carbon footprints, and as we settle into a new post-pandemic world, more of us are choosing to stay closer to home for our holidays.
There is little need to cross oceans when there’s so much to see and discover within our shores. Cornwall’s turquoise bays rival those of the Caribbean, while the stark landscapes of the Scottish islands give Iceland a good run for its money. We are ringed by diverse coastline, with breathtaking walks running the entire circuit. And with rewilding projects afoot and a shift to more sustainable tourism, our beloved, long-lost wildlife is returning.
But where do you begin planning your trip? For those of us new to staycations there are a lot of things to consider and a lot of questions that need answers. Here at holidaycottages.co.uk, we have an extensive team of experts well-versed in holidaying at home, so let us assist you in arranging your perfect UK staycation.
Finding the perfect property
We have strived to make searching as simple as possible via our website. Here you can search for your perfect holiday property by specifying the dates you would like to travel and the area you would like to visit.
You can also narrow your search by using several features, for example, the number of dogs the property accepts, whether it has a hot tub or a swimming pool, or how close the property is to a beach. For inspiration on where to go and what to do, we have created guides to each region in the UK, which you can find on the homepage of our website.
If travelling during peak months, you will need to book from the property’s changeover day, but at other times of the year, the owner may be flexible. You can enquire about alternative days using the ‘enquire now’ button on the property listing page, and we will get back to you as soon as we have checked with the owner.
Our properties will have everything you would expect on holiday; bed linen and towels will be provided (unless stated otherwise), and there will be enough equipment for each guest. For example, if the property sleeps six there will be enough cutlery and crockery for your party of six. Smaller items like hairdryers are generally provided, but you can always contact the owner nearer the time of your stay to check.
Dogs
Another benefit of a staycation is that you can take your dog! Many of our properties accept dogs, and you can see this information on the property listing page. Some properties will have enclosed gardens - but we cannot guarantee these will stop your dog from getting out! Please bear in mind that dogs should not climb on furniture.
Booking and payment
Once you have found your holiday, you can book online via your online account, which is quick and easy to set up. Once booked, you can access your holiday details and pay the balance. There are no hidden costs, although dogs are charged at £20 per week, per dog.
You can, of course, call our contact centre if you would prefer to book over the phone on 01237 426781.
If your holiday is more than nine weeks away, you can secure your booking and spread the cost by paying a deposit of one-third of the total price upfront. The full balance must then be paid no later than nine weeks before your holiday. We will send you a reminder nearer the time with details of how to pay.
For each payment you make you will receive a receipt.
Before you travel
Be sure to research the area you are going to and book any activities or meals out in advance; the UK can get very busy.
Two weeks before you go, you will receive the contact details of the owner or caretaker, as well as any arrival information or instructions you will need. You will also receive the full address of the property, so you can arrange an online shop to be delivered if desired. Most properties will have a secure key box for self-collection, though some places will require you to collect the key from the owner – you can arrange this in advance with the owner.
Check-in times vary so be sure to check before travelling.
If your party makeup changes between the time you book and the time you travel, be sure to keep us updated. Providing these changes are within the property’s maximum occupancy, we can action these arrangements for you.
What to take
Many properties will provide the basics (toilet roll, soap, etc.) but be sure to get your shopping delivered soon after you arrive, or bring it with you. Some properties will have a welcome pack with some basic refreshments but do not rely on this. Check with the owner about things like logs for the wood burner or coal for the BBQ, and ensure you bring those items if needed.
During your stay
Our properties are kept to a high standard, so we are confident you will have a great time. But there is a small chance that something could go wrong, so should you have any issues during your stay you will have the contact details of the owner or caretaker. We are also available seven days a week to help you deal with any issues that may arise during your stay.
On arriving home
It’s great to get feedback on our holidays, so when you return, we will drop you an email asking for your feedback and for you to rate your stay. There will be a section for publishing your feedback on our website, but also a section where you can feed back to the owner without it being published online.
If you think you left something at the property or you have taken something you should not have, please contact the owner and arrange for these to be sent to you/returned.
We hope you have a wonderful staycation at one of our holiday cottages! If you still haven’t booked, head over to our cottage search page to secure your staycation. And if you still have any unanswered questions, consult our FAQ page or contact us via our website.
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