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When you book a trip abroad, sorting travel insurance will be on your pre-holiday checklist… but what if your trip is here in the UK?
- Staycations continue to soar in popularity
- You still need travel insurance for a staycation
- LV= cover trips 25 miles or more from your home address, even for one day!
From divine destinations to hidden hideaways and all the picture-perfect places in between, here’s everything you need to know about staycations…
What is a staycation?
The word 'staycation' is an amalgamation of 'stay' and 'vacation'. The phrase gained traction in 2009 when, in the midst of the global financial crisis, holidaymakers were taking more trips in their home countries. It seems to have stuck though, with millions of us taking short breaks and longer holidays in our own backyards every year.
Do you need travel insurance for a staycation?
Whether you call it a staycation, a UK break, or a local leave of absence, remember you still need travel insurance for financial protection on your trip. Cancellations and lost luggage can still affect a staycation, that’s why at LV=, we'll cover you for all trips 25 miles or more from your home address.
Cover for damages
Travel insurance often includes cover for accidental damage or injury to people or property, so if you accidentally smash a window in your holiday cottage, and it's not due to your own negligence, your insurance could help cover the cost.
Cover for lost or stolen baggage
With LV= Travel Insurance, you can also claim for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and valuables up to a certain limit - this includes hired sports equipment, so if you accidentally ding that surfboard you hired, you won’t necessarily be out of pocket. Alternatively, you may be able to claim for your baggage and valuables on your LV = Home Insurance.
Cover for a cancelled trip
Remember, the costs of cancelling a trip in the UK can be just as expensive as cancelling a trip abroad. So, for peace of mind that you'll be able to recover any costs if you can't go on your trip, make sure you've got travel insurance in place for financial protection.
Cover for your hotel or transport provider going bust
Imagine: you've booked and paid for the perfect boutique hotel in the Cotswolds and now they've gone bust. Not only have you potentially lost the money you spent on booking, but you need to spend more money if you want to book another holiday!
LV= Premier travel insurance covers you for this exact scenario. Plus, it covers you if a hotel or caravan holiday site goes bankrupt while you're staying there, and you need to find an alternative.
We’ll also cover you for the financial failure of an airline, train operator, car hire company, cottage rental, campsite and even booked excursions.
Can I get UK and overseas travel insurance on one policy?
You sure can! LV= Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance can often be a good way to make sure you have the right travel insurance if you enjoy both a staycation in the UK and travelling overseas.
If you're planning a day trip within the UK, you'll be covered under an annual multi trip travel insurance as long as you have either pre-booked the accommodation, it's more than 25 miles away from your home or it involves a sea crossing.
With LV= Annual Travel Insurance you can take as many trips as you like in the year and be insured for up to 90 days per trip with Premier cover.
Looking for some UK staycation inspiration? Let’s take a look…
UK Coastline
Cornwall
We all know Cornwall has the most stunning coastline, but it’s hard to know which ones to head to on your staycation. Well, we’ve pulled together our top ten!
• Sennen Beach
• Godrevy Beach
• Praa Sands Beach
• Perranporth Beach
• Marazion Beach
• Porthmeor Beach
• Kynance Cove
• Porthcurno Beach
• Harlyn Bay
• Mawgan Porth Beach
Dorset
With 25 Blue Flag beaches, fresh seafood restaurants and the impressive Jurassic coastline, Dorset is a great place to visit for a staycation. Whether you fancy a surf, a boat trip, a coastal walk or an activity-filled day with the kids, Dorset has it all.
Brighton
Brighton has been the “down from London” seaside favourite for years. This seaside town is known for its fun-filled pier, vast pebble beach, and the unique Lanes for local shopping and vibrant nightlife.
Blackpool
Road-tripping further north? Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach is a must-see for all the family! From lightshows to rides and some delicious fish and chips, Blackpool is a great option for a staycation. Oh, and for the Strictly fans out there, you ‘ll be able to see the iconic Blackpool Tower.
UK Cosy Cabins
Cotswolds
Straight out of a fairy tale, the quintessentially British Cotswolds is known for its natural beauty, rolling landscapes, historic buildings and a plethora of classic British activities like afternoon tea.
Suffolk
Perfect for families, Suffolk is filled to the brim with coastal and country walks, cycle paths and National Trust locations. It’s not short of nature either, so keep your eyes peeled for deer!
New Forest
Wild horses, tall trees, stately homes and not far from the sea – the New Forest really hast it all. Pack a picnic and head into the forest for a day of biking, walking and horse-spotting!
Lake District
The lakes of the Lake District are known for being some of the largest and most beautiful in the UK. Plus, you can get stuck into some water sports, sailing, kayaking and even paddle boarding. So, pack the wetsuits!
Scottish Highlands
If you and your family love adventure, the Highlands have it all. With rolling hills, white water rafting, canyoning and gorge walking…. Oh, and of course, looking for Nessie!
Yorkshire
You’ve probably heard of the Three Peaks Challenge, but if that’s a little too much for you and your family, you could take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge during your staycation instead! Pack some hiking gear and snacks, and you’re good to go!
UK city breaks
Bath
With yellow stone buildings, historic roman baths and the famous Thermae Bath Spa, Bath is a romantic choice for a city staycation. Bath also boasts some very unique bars, restaurant and shops to really take your staycation to another luxury level.
Cambridge
More than just the University! Cambridge boasts a beautiful waterway where you can watch punters punt, a stunning view point at the top of St. Mary’s church tower, and a whole host of tea rooms and meadows to wander and enjoy.
Liverpool
A fan of the Beatles? Then what are you waiting for! Liverpool is enriched with British music history - you can walk down Penny Lane and watch live music at the Cavern Club to really feel a part of history.
Edinburgh
From the Fringe Festival to Hogmanay, Edinburgh is famous for being an amazing place to visit. It’s crawling with historic beauty, quirky bars, and even an extinct volcano (yes, really)!
Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is one of the most impressive in the UK. You could spend all day walking around the castle and grounds and taking in all the history that engulfs it. Plus, Cardiff Bay is home to lots of bars, restaurants and nightlife!
London
Where do we begin?! London has it all. Parks, palaces, pubs and parliament! You could spend all day sight seeing and all evening trying out the hidden gems for food and drinks. You could even catch a West End show while you’re there!
Newcastle
Every Sunday, there are bustling market stalls along the Quayside, with everything from homemade sweets to homemade furnishings, as well as water view bars and restaurant! Oh, and you can even get adventurous by taking a kayak out into the quay!
Need some more inspiration, how about the best holiday locations by train?
So, before you head off on a staycation, don’t forget to check the details of your travel insurance, car insurance and breakdown insurance to make sure you’re covered for every eventuality. Happy travels!