This is a sponsored post.
With international travel off the cards for most of us throughout much of 2020-21, more of us than ever before are going back to our roots and rediscovering the appeal of the British Isles. And, with UK booking enquiries for next year up by around 74%, that trend looks set to continue well into 2022.
However, while holidaying at home means we don’t need to worry so much about constantly changing travel rules and, sometimes (although not always) it can be cheaper than travelling abroad, staying at home in the UK does mean taking a chance on the UK weather and exposing ourselves to the elements in the event of an unexpected gale or downpour.
Holidaying in the UK, you’ll never be short of things to do and see, including a varied range of cultural and historical landmarks and attractions to take your pick from. That said, opportunities to lounge around on sunny beaches sipping on cocktails, or enjoy a luxury massage next to the pool, are far and few between. So, how can we relax, unwind and pamper ourselves while on a UK staycation?
Follow these tips to treat yourself to a little luxury while travelling at home in the UK on staycation.
Contents
How to pamper yourself on a UK staycation
Treat yourself to a new hair-do or makeover
Heading out for a fancy evening dinner after a blustery day on the wind-swept beach? Treat yourself to a professional blow-dry or holiday hair cut to ensure you’re looking your best. You could even book yourself a nail or make-up appointment, while you’re at it.
Even if your hotel doesn’t offer an on-site spa or hair and beauty therapist, or you’re not familiar with the local area, it’s still easy to locate a local hair and beauty salon anywhere in the UK, thanks to Booksy.
Currently serving over 13 million customers and thousands of hair and beauty salons, Booksy connects prospective customers with beauty service providers, from hairdressers, beauty and nail salons to massage therapists, day spas, and more. Think of it as the Book-a-table or Opentable of the hospitality industry.
While I’ve come across services like Booksy in the past, the salons featured are usually based in the centre of London, with little or no salons located elsewhere in the UK. However, Booksy works with salons all over the country, including in my home city of Cardiff, making it a great go-to tool for finding local hair and beauty therapists, wherever you are in the UK. Find Booksy here.
Invest in some scented candles or oils, and enjoy a night-in
If you fancy a spot of TLC but can’t quite stretch to a full-blown hair cut, spa treatment, or beauty makeover, spend some time browsing in the local shops for some scented candles and/or an oil burner and aromatherapy oils, and enjoy a night in listening to relaxing music as you inhale the beautiful aromas.
This can work especially well if your chosen hotel or accommodation has a luxury bathroom with a nice, big tub. Get comfy, close your eyes, clear your mind, allow yourself to drift away and, who knows, you may even be fooled into thinking you’ve had a trip to the spa!
Pick up some massage oils, bars or rollers
Holidaying with your partner? There aren’t many more romantic ways for couples to unwind while travelling, than by treating each other to an at-home massage using your favourite aromatherapy oils, massage bars, and/or rollers.
You could try visiting a local massage therapist or aromatherapist to stock up on supplies or, if there is a Lush shop in your chosen destination, you can’t go wrong with their range of massage bars; I have a few myself.
Sure, you can’t beat the indulgence of a professional massage, but treating each other is a much more affordable option – and you may even find it more enjoyable, too!
Head to a local yoga class
Another great way to destress while travelling, besides splurging on expensive hair and beauty treatments or stocking up on smelly candles and oils, is to head to a local yoga class. In fact, yoga is such a calming pastime, many people like to stay at designated yoga resorts and retreat centres – like the Spanish yoga retreat I stayed at in Andalucia, Spain – when they head off on holiday.
Yoga is widely praised as a way to destress and calm your mind, while also acting as an excellent form of exercise that can help you to improve your posture.
If you’ve been cooped up in the car for hours driving to your destination, a yoga class could be just the thing to help you to stretch out your muscles and feel revived for your trip ahead.
Share your favourite ways to unwind on a UK staycation in the comment box below. Let’s inspire each other!
This is a sponsored post.