When it comes to planning a family vacation, there are plenty of amazing destinations to choose from. However, the northern United Kingdom offers a unique blend of beauty and history that is sure to appeal to everyone in the family. From the stunning rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales to the dramatic coastline of Wales, the north of the UK has something for everyone. Here are a few tips on planning a family vacation in this incredible part of the world.
Plan Your Itinerary
The first step is to have a general idea of the activities you and your family would like to do while on vacation. This will help narrow down your search for hotels and attractions. For example, if you are interested in visiting ancient castles, you will want to look for accommodations near popular tourist destinations such as Windsor Castle or Warwick Castle.
The northern UK also offers spectacular national parks, beaches, theme parks, museums, and more. Family Traveller notes that “public museums and art galleries are free and often have inventive kids’ programs, giveaway goodie bags and excellent guides.” Don’t forget to see if there are any family-friendly festivals happening during your visit.
The best way to do this is to create a list of potential activities and attractions. Browse guidebooks for the UK or search online with your kids. Once you have your list, you can start looking for hotels and other accommodations that are located near these destinations.
Add a few English novels to your reading list as you get ready for your trip. Here’s some ideas:
- Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd
- My Queen, My Love: a Novel of Henrietta Maria
- Shadow in the Dark (a historical Catholic YA novel)
- Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
- The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
Pack Well
The weather in the North of the UK can be unpredictable. Even during the summer months, it is not uncommon for there to be a few days of rain. Pack items such as raincoats, umbrellas, and warm clothing to ensure that you and your family are prepared for all types of weather.
In addition to packing for the weather, also be sure to pack any other items you may need while on vacation. This includes things such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. You may want sturdy hiking boots and poles for walking around your destination or hiking to popular viewpoints.
Consider also ways of keeping your possessions safe during your tour. There are companies in Edinburgh and elsewhere that offer storage solutions. However, some valuables such as travel documents need to be kept in a safe place. As you look for firms offering luggage storage in Edinburgh, check their customer feedback to be sure you can trust them. See also the plans on how much they charge for the services. Don’t forget the durations they can keep your items.
Choose the Right Time to Travel
Northern UK is a popular tourist destination during summer. This means that hotel prices will be at their highest during this time. If you want to save money on accommodations, consider traveling during the shoulder season instead, in either the spring or the fall. Traveling during this time can help you save money on hotels and airfare.
When choosing a time to travel, keep in mind the activities you and your family want. For example, if you are interested in visiting ancient castles, you will want to travel during the summer when they are open to the public. Check dates that destinations are open to make sure that you’re able to visit during your trip, and adjust trip dates if necessary.
Check for Deals and Discounts
When planning a family vacation, looking for ways to save money is crucial. One way to do this is to search for deals and discounts on airfare, hotels, and attractions. Many websites offer these types of deals.
Some credit card companies also offer rewards programs to save money on travel expenses. If you have a credit card that offers this program, use it when booking your airfare and hotel accommodations.
Create a Budget
This will help you avoid overspending on items such as airfare, hotels, and attractions. When creating your budget, include all the necessary travel expenses, such as food, souvenirs, and ground transportation.
If you want to save money, consider staying in a less expensive hotel or renting an apartment instead of a hotel room. You can also cook your meals rather than eat out at restaurants.
Think of Transportation Services
After you have planned your itinerary and booked your accommodation, the next step is to think about transportation. If you are flying into the region, you must arrange ground transportation to and from the airport. You may be able to catch public transit in larger cities or use ride-sharing services or taxis.
Plan your route if you are driving to the north of the UK. This will help you avoid getting lost and also allow you to make pit stops along the way. When considering transportation, you must consider the vehicle you will use. If you are traveling with a large group, you may want to consider renting a van or an SUV.
Find a GPS System
If you are unfamiliar with the area, finding a tool to help you navigate your way around is crucial. There’s nothing more stressful when traveling than being unable to find your way from Point A to Point B, especially if you’ve booked a tour or event at a specific time. Generally, there are many different types of GPS systems available. You can purchase one specific to the north of the UK or choose a general system that can be used in any region.
When choosing a GPS, be sure to read the reviews to find one that is user-friendly and accurate. It is also vital to ensure your chosen system has updated maps.
When planning a family vacation to the North of the UK, there are many things to consider. Be sure to pack for all types of weather and bring along any other items you may need while on vacation. Choosing the right travel time and looking for deals and discounts on airfare, hotels, and attractions is also essential.
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