Many visitors chose to head to the capital when visiting England from the states. After all, there are plenty of things to do in London, whether you are looking to try out delicious food in the UK or stop by one of the many historical sites in the city. However, there are more places to visit in England aside from London – especially if you want to kick back and relax in the UK. For example, a trip to a countryside area, such as Cornwall, can prove to be the perfect getaway.
To begin with, there are many benefits to a countryside trip:
- Spending more time outdoors can make you happier and healthier.
- Countryside escapes are often cheaper than city breaks in all areas, from accommodation fees to food, drink and other travel amenities.
- You get to experience new sites and cultures you might otherwise miss out on by only hitting the top tourist destinations.
- You can get up close and personal with nature.
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to plan the perfect countryside getaway.
- Find the right location. The UK is home to a range of national parks, woodlands, coastal villages and open spaces. As a result, there are plenty of locations to choose from for your trip. If you fancied a road trip, you could even hire a car so that you can visit multiple destinations during your time in the UK.
- Choose your accommodation. The next step toward planning a successful trip is finding the right accommodation option. For example, you could rent out a cottage or bed and breakfast if you want to utilize a few home comforts during your trip. Alternatively, you could embrace all the outdoors has to offer by camping (or glamping if you’d like to stay in a caravan). If this is the case, cornwall breaks have a lot of caravan and camping sites available for you to choose from.
- Put together a bucket list for your trip. Trip itineraries can be helpful, but they are also a little too regimented for those looking to explore the world with a sense of freedom and adventure. As a result, instead of constructing a tight schedule that you must stick to, put together a bucket list of things you’d like to do during your stay. In addition to the attractions and historical landmarks you’d like to visit, you should also write down some foods you must try on a trip to England.
- Pack wisely. Packing your suitcase for your trip can sometimes be the most stressful part of the planning process, especially if you don’t have the first idea of what you do (and do not) need to bring along with you. In any case, packing light is always preferable, if only to save you some energy as you’re hauling your case from place to place. Additionally, keeping your baggage light can also save you money, as you will not have to pay for a higher baggage allowance upon arriving at the airport. However, as with any trip, it’s crucial that you pack wisely for the kind of environment you will be spending time in. For example, if you’re heading on a spa getaway, you should make sure you bring along comfortable clothing, whereas if you want to spend your time hiking, you should make sure you have suitable shoes and plenty of warm layers. Remember, the weather in the UK can be a little turbulent, and while sunny days are frequent in the summer, they are not always guaranteed. In fact, it probably wouldn’t be a trip to the UK without a bit of rain in the mix.
- Get your documents in check. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need to obtain a travel visa ahead of time. Dealing with the legalities of traveling and ensuring you have all of your necessary documents in check, such as your passport and travel insurance, as soon as possible saves you a lot of stress further down the line. After all, the last thing you want to do is arrive at the airport only to be turned away at the last minute.
- Try to avoid tourist traps. One of the major benefits of a countryside trip is the sense of peace and serenity they offer. As a result, if you’re looking for a truly idyllic experience, you might want to stay away from popular tourist destinations during your trip, as they are often overcrowded. While you could travel in the off-season to avoid this, you might also want to contact any attraction sites directly to figure out which time it is best to pop by. Alternatively, you could check out local sites or forums ahead of time to ask for recommendations of things to do that are a little off the beaten path.
- Book sooner rather than later. Whether you are organizing flights, accommodation or activities, the sooner you book the better. This is because many companies offer discounted prices for advanced booking and tend to increase prices the closer your trip gets. Booking in advance also gives you time to scope out the best deals on price comparison sites, such as SkyScanner. The more money you can save on these areas, the more spending money you will have on your trip.
- Prepare to unplug. While you may want to have a camera ready to ensure you can take plenty of stunning pictures during your travel, you should also use this as an opportunity to schedule a digital detox. After all, when you are surrounded by such beauty, why ignore it to spend time on your phone? Putting your phone away when traveling will also encourage you to live in the moment, as opposed to spending hours mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed.
In short, there are various steps you can take to plan the perfect countryside escape in the UK. Here, the destination is truly the star, so once you’ve arrived, you’ll find it near impossible not to relax and unwind!
