Why you should choose a Staycation this summer

This summer will (hopefully) be the start of returning to some form of normality. We’ve all been cooped up inside, missing out on adventure, missing friends and family and overall lacking things to do. There’s only so many meal kits and lockdown activities you can do (anyone else’s house covered in clay and paint residue?) 

But things are looking up. We’re all looking forward to potentially getting away while it’s warm to get some much-needed R&R. There’s a possibility that ‘Vaccine Passports’ will be a real-life thing soon, allowing for international travel, something that a lot of the population is super keen on.

We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to go abroad to enjoy a holiday. That’s right, we said it.

Think about it – waking up at 4am for your flight, airport queues, only being able to bring a tiny amount of moisturiser? Plus, not sure about you, but we always feel like we’re hiding something when we go through security even though we’re not. The unexplained guilt is very surreal.

Now, if you choose to go abroad this year, we won’t judge at all. Chances are some of our staff members will be heading somewhere on their holibobs. We’re just here to tell you that there are alternatives and why staying put can be a great thing, not just for you, but for the planet too.

We’re championing the UK Staycation this year, and here’s why.

Keep your carbon footprint low

During lockdown, the UK’s carbon footprint went down by an incredible 17%. The main reason for this is that we’re travelling less (not by choice, mind). Less travel means less carbon production. Simple.   

This is good news for the planet in the fight against Climate Change, but we can’t just rely on pandemics to reduce carbon footprints. By reducing our international travel, we’re reducing the impact on the planet. We’re not saying you shouldn’t go and explore the world (China is particularly lovely, AND there are pandas), but taking the year off and seeing what the UK has to offer can be just as good.

CarbonFootprint.com have handily calculated the carbon cost of travelling abroad and offer alternatives to flying. Either take the train instead or if you have to fly, offset your carbon by travelling light, using ‘non-stop’ routes and electronic tickets, to reduce paper waste.

 If you’re making a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint, this might be a good alternative for you.

The UK is BEAUTIFUL

Devon! Norfolk! Edinburgh! Manchester! Cornwall! London!

All of these incredible places on your doorstep, and you want to get on a plane?! Okay, British weather is the peak of unpredictable and we can’t argue that a cold drink on a hot beach in a foreign country is bliss.

HOWEVER. The UK is full to the brim with magical places. You might find yourself discovering a hidden British beach, or (responsibly) sipping whisky in the Highlands, or exploring ancient forests and lakes. 

You could have a barbecue with friends or a plastic-free picnic – don’t forget to bring our brand new bamboo Sip and Shake Straws along to make it super sustainable, too!

Saveonenergy.com have listed the most Instagrammable, eco-friendly places to visit in the UK. So, check ‘em out and book yourself a sustainable Staycation.

Visit some friends of ours…

The UK is also home to a couple of our favourite black and white bears, who you can now go and see in real life, not just on Panda cam…

Yang Guang and Tian Tian reside at the world-famous Edinburgh Zoo, which is now open to visitors from across the United Kingdom under government guidelines. They’re making it as safe as possible to provide you with an incredible day out, seeing some amazing animals.

The zoo is easy to get to from Edinburgh City Centre as well as from most places in the UK by train. While you’re there, you can check out what else the Scottish capital has to offer. 

These are just a few reasons why we think you should take part in a Staycation for your holidays this year. There are some more, but we don’t want to nag.

Whatever you choose to do and wherever you choose to go, we hope you have the planet in mind when you do it. It needs us now more than ever, and small changes can make a huge difference.

But at the same time, we all need a bit of a break, right? 

Love,

Team Cheeky Panda x