How To Travel Safely Around The UK In 2020
*Collaborative post.
Covid-19 has drastically changed the way we operate in our day to day lives. For so many people, nationwide government-enforced lockdown measures have prevented us from being able to travel safely around the UK to see our loved ones. It’s stopped us planning family holidays, celebrating cherished milestones and even just popping in on Nan to see how she’s doing.
It’s been a trying time and if there’s one thing we can take away from this tragic pandemic, it’s the importance of spending quality time with our loved ones.
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The ‘New Normal’
Unfortunately, despite the national lockdown having been lifted, it still isn’t business as usual. I doubt it will be any time soon either. The ‘new normal’ is something that many can agree is necessary, although, of course, there will always be those who argue against the scientist’s advice to wear masks in public areas.
For many, we’re more than happy to wear masks and take all the precautions necessary if it means that we can travel safely around the UK again to see our friends and family. Sadly, there are some areas of the UK which have had to enforce local lockdowns once more, and it’s so upsetting for those who live there. It has made me think about the future of the government’s tier system and what it’ll mean for the area I live in over the coming weeks and months.
It’s for that reason that I think we need to prioritise seeing friends and family if we can, travelling safely around the UK and enjoying amazing scenery and attractions and, of course, in these unprecedented times, taking care of our mental health.
Travelling safely around the UK in 2020
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of keeping yourself and others around you safe – but part of me thinks I need to practice these measures and do what I can while it’s still safe to do so. We need to all ensure that we’re correcting wearing masks – that means that they need to cover your nose, as well as your mouth! Wearing other protective gear, such as protective gloves from Unigloves helps keep you, and everyone around you safe.
A friend of mine told me recently that her friends who live in London wanted to get out of the city, see friends and family, and actually enjoy some of their year. Jumping on a train from London and using the public transport system to take them all the way to the South Coast was, understandably, not something they were overly keen on. So they decided to eliminate the risk of being around hundreds of potential COVID carriers by getting insured on a car for a weekend.
I think that’s a brilliant idea – not only do you avoid being crammed in a train with other people, you’re also free to travel and explore the local attractions near your destination. It’s a win/win situation and it seems like a much safer and more reliable option.
Tips for travelling safely around the UK in 2020
If travelling around the UK is something you’re keen to do while you’re still able to, I’ve put together a few simple tips to help ensure you stay as safe as possible. Of course, much of it comes down to common sense, socially distancing and wearing your mask properly.
Here are my tips for travelling safely around the UK in 2020:
- Ensure you have clean, well-fitting face masks and that you’re covering both your mouth and nose. Purchase spare reusable masks*, just in case!
- Practice good hand hygiene and ensure that you’re mindful about the touchpoints you come into contact with.
- If you can avoid public transport, do so. Not only will you avoid being in a crowded area, it’s also much nicer to have your own space and freedom to go where you want, when you want.
- Plan to have the minimal number of rest stops as you can when driving. Pack your own snacks and drinks for the drive rather than purchasing goods on the road. This will, of course, also save you money!
- Plan ahead – if you’re planning to visit specific attractions, make sure you’ve read up on their COVID rules. You’ll probably need to book tickets online in advance.
- Pack essential cleaning and hygiene supplies: antibacterial wipes, disposable gloves and hand sanitiser*.
Other Posts You Might Like:
5 Dreamy Campervan and Motorhome Holidays in the UK
Family Packing Essentials For A Holiday In Cornwall
How I Saved Up For A Family Holiday On A Low Budget
Lukeosaurus And Me
Rachael is a 31 year old mum to 10 year old Luke and 5 year old Oscar. She lives in England and writes about family life, crafts, recipes, parenting wins(and fails), as well as travel, days out, fashion and living the frugal lifestyle.
17 Comments
Claire
This post is actually perfect timing for me.
We are driving from the midlands to Cornwall on Monday, I am worried about going away but reading this has actually made it seem less scary if I’m honest.
Not thought about snacks etc, although not sure how I feel about the kids eating in our brand new car! Lol
Lukeosaurus And Me
I’m so glad that this post has put your mind at ease! My kids would be impossible if they didn’t have easy access to snacks on a long car journey.
Samantha Donnelly
Keeping safe is something we all have to do, and having posts like this just to give us all a little reminder is great. I have masks all over the place in my purse, handbag and a huge supply in the car, as well as hand sanitiser x
Lukeosaurus And Me
I’ve got masks everywhere too. I don’t ever want to be caught out and have to buy a disposable one.
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
Great tips and with more staycations on the cards and travelling around the UK, good hand hygiene, social distancing and mask wearing is very important.
Nayna Kanabar
During these awful and testing times travelling safely has become even more difficult. Your post is very informative and useful . We need to take all the safety precautions we can take to keep safe such as social distancing, wearing masks, keeping good hygiene and not taking unnecessary risks.
Lukeosaurus And Me
Thank you, I am glad you’ve found it helpful!
Lukeosaurus And Me
I hope that people are able to get out and about – I do worry that there will perhaps be another lockdown in the future.
Lucy
These are such practical and easy to implement tips, it’s easy to get sucked into the grand scheme of things and forget that we can all do our little bit.
Lukeosaurus And Me
Definitely, if you wear your mask properly and keep your distance then you’re helping yourself and everyone else.
Valerie
I agree, I will definitely not be taking public transportation anytime soon. We have areas surging again/still, s ome states here are requiring people coming from specific states quarantine when traveling to that state.
Lukeosaurus And Me
I definitely don’t want o be taking public transport for such a long journey unless I absolutely have to!
Kara Guppy
I carry masks with me everywhere now as I was always forgetting them at the start. We are going away for half term but are worried it may be cancelled
Georgina @ Culinary Travels
Some great tips here, both for travelling and for everyday life during CV19. It’s a completely new way of travel planning now, isn’t it? At least we’ve plenty of good places in the UK for a staycation.
Rhian westbury
I’ve not found public transport that bad (although I’ve literally only taken a few trains), but if I had the choice to drive that would always be my preference x
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
We aren’t using public transport at the moment. Everything is strictly local only with loads of handwash and clean masks.
Playdays and Runways
We have a back pack for the car filled with lots of essentials that we may need including masks, hand gel and other bits and bobs.