How To Prepare For Your 2020 Winter Staycation

If you were planning a winter holiday this year, whether it was to catch some winter sun or to get out on the ski slopes, you will likely have had to cancel due to the coronavirus pandemic. While going abroad may be out of the question, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a holiday this year. It is important to get away as well, with many of us spending more time at home than ever before, even if you can get away to stare at a different four walls than yours it will do you some good to have a rest and a break from the norm. However, this year is not “normal” by a long shot, so planning a winter staycation isn’t going to be either, so here’s everything you need to consider when planning a winter break. 

Give Your Car A Once Over

You’ll likely be driving to your destination, so it’s essential to get your car checked out before you go. While you would probably check your car before a long journey in the summers, it’s far more important in the winter as your car will be more prone to issues due to the cold weather; it’s also going to be worse for you if you break down in the winter and have to sit outside in the cold waiting for the transmission repair specialists to arrive and finally, due to COVID it’s safer to limit your risks of needing to come into contact with other people to better to take extra precautions. Make sure you pack a toolkit and spare tires too. 

Bring your own food.

If you’re concerned about catching COVID-19, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions like asthma, then it’s a good idea to take your own food for the holiday. This will ensure you have all you need to sustain you while away from home and help avoid direct contact with others in shops and restaurants. 

Book accommodation through trusted sources.

When it comes to staying outside your home during this pandemic, make sure you book through reputable sources who will enforce cleaning rules. This could be AirBnB who has strict rules or a hotel that will have cleaning and social distancing rules in place.  

Find out where the nearest medical center is

Make sure you find out where the nearest hospital, COVID-19 testing centre, and doctor’s surgery are just to be on the safe side; at least you’ll know.

Have a plan.

Before you go, think about what you will do if you do develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 while you are away. You will need to isolate where you are for fourteen days, so you may need to prepare for this and know what you will do. Do you have enough money to hire your accommodation for longer? Make sure you discuss this with whoever you have booked with. Also, what will happen with your work if this happens and the rest of your family? Think about all of this before you go and make sure you have a plan just in case. 

Remember, COVID is still there.

While you’re getting away from your surroundings, COVID will still be there, so mentally prepare yourself for this. You will still have to wear a mask and distance yourself. You’ll likely need to book in advance if you’re going to do activities or go for meals. Make sure that you are prepared to stay in and play board games, have plenty to read, and take cleaning products with you to be extra safe.