By Emma Dodd
This year has made us reevaluate lots of things and one of them is travel. We all spent much more time at home in 2020 than we ever expected and that can lead to a desire to escape the same four walls. But while exotic trips abroad are out – and even long drives within the UK are off the cards – we could all benefit from some microtravels. These little adventures may be close to home, but they still help to ramp up the fun.
Backyard adventures
Even if your caravan or motorhome is parked on the driveway, you can still enjoy some time away from home. Make an event of it and decorate your van for Halloween or make it cosy with fairy lights and knitted blankets. Enjoy the simple pleasures of time away in your van, with one pot meals and card games with your loved ones and put everyone’s devices to one side for the evening.
Explore your doorstep
With so much of the world to see, we’ve often neglected attractions right on our doorsteps, but 2020 is the year of exploring closer to home. Perhaps you rarely spend an afternoon on the beach because it’s only a five-minute walk away or you’ve never been to the garden of the stately home just down the road. Pick up the van with a picnic lunch and discover some local gems.
Local caravan sites
You may never have dreamed of pitching your campervan up at a site within 20 miles of your home, but it could be just what you need. It will be far enough away to give you a break from the stresses of everyday life, but not so far that you’re worried about local COVID rates or quarantines. It’s a great way to help boost a business in your area too.
Cook up a feast
If you don’t feel confident dining out at a restaurant but still want to celebrate a special occasion in style, think about a dinner date in your motorhome. A wide selection of eateries have got their act together and started producing meal kits so you can enjoy fine dining in a space of your choosing. So, if it’s an anniversary or a birthday coming up, think about escaping to your motorhome for some peace and quiet away from the rest of the family.
Set yourself a challenge
Many people thrive on a challenge and there’s no reason why you can’t turn your microtravels into a little bit of competition, either with yourself or others. Perhaps you’d like to up your cycling game and do five classic bike routes on consecutive weekends away in your van. Maybe caravan cooking is your passion and you want to test your skills against family members. Setting up a challenge may just give you the focus you need.
