Sometimes holidaying in the UK can seem unexciting, especially if you’re used to exotic weeks away in faraway places; however, you don’t need sun, sea and multicultural cities to have a holiday you’ll never forget. To prove it, here’s a list of ways to make your UK trips a little different.

 

Home Swapping

Home swapping does exactly what it says on the tin. Instead of booking a hotel for your two weeks away, you can agree with a family that lives in your desired destination to exchange houses for a set period. They live in your house whilst you live in theirs.

Over the past 20 years, home exchanges have sky-rocketed in popularity not only because of the unique experience they offer but because of the money you can save in the process. Let’s be honest with each other, travelling is expensive; and most of that money goes into comfortable, clean accommodation for your time away. Well with home swapping your accommodation is free so there’s no need to include that expense at all.

And the best part? The welcome gifts. This is far from the usual way of holidaying in the UK.

The Caravan Lifestyle

Many people think that caravan holidays are boring, too old school or a lot more hassle than they’re worth but that’s far from the truth. Whilst on traditional holidays you have a base of operations that you explore from and come back to, caravans give you unprecedented freedom to explore; moving your home as you go until you find a place you’d like to relax in for a few days. On the other hand, holiday park homes are stationary, but they’re also located in beautifully idyllic pockets of British countryside; places that you would never usually see.

On top of the great experience, there’s also a good chance you’ll save money with a caravan holiday because the cost of renting a holiday park home or paying for petrol, is usually less than the price of weeks in a four or five-star hotel. So whilst it might seem like an unusual choice if you’re looking for peace, quiet and the chance of discovering hidden gems, there isn’t much better than a caravan holiday – just make sure you pack properly for the trip.

Camping or Glamping?

Camping is an age-old holiday experience that many still take part in. The campsites where you can pitch your tent and inhale the crisp fresh air make for a wonderfully different way to experience the UK. Those who don’t like the idea of camping usually avoid it for fear of being too cold or uncomfortable and whilst there are many ways of ensuring you’re warm in your tent, there is also an option for those who want a little more luxury.

Glamping stands for ‘glamorous camping’ and has really started to pick up traction over the last ten years. Designed for those who want to enjoy the outdoors but without sacrificing home comforts, most glamping accommodation includes a bed, electricity, nice décor and kitchen equipment so there’s no need to lug lots of heavy equipment around. Furthermore, glamping venues can greatly vary on price and services offered, giving you the option to customize your glamping experience based on your budget and the exact luxuries you can’t live without. It’s the perfect balance and a great way to get a taste of the British countryside.

Home swapping, caravans, park homes and camping. All completely different ways to experience this sometimes rainy, sometimes windy, sometimes cloudy but always beautiful island we live on. The UK is full of incredible places to explore, sometimes for very cheap, all you need to do is make the time and get organising.

 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.