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Planning an overnight stay from 12 April? Trust us and make sure you’re armed with these essentials
The countdown to 29 March was certainly an exciting one, as it signalled the first real stage of easing lockdown, when socialising outdoors in groups of six or two households was finally permitted. And now the arrival of 12 April fills us with even more hope.
According to the government's lockdown roadmap, on Monday 12 April, non-essential shops, gyms and hairdressers, as well as outdoor hospitality, will reopen. But that’s not all, because from this date we will once again be allowed to go on a staycation.
The rules stipulate that overnight stays in self-contained accommodation (for example, holiday cottages, apartments, caravan parks and campsites without shared indoor facilities) with those from the same household or support bubble, will be permitted. Hotels, hostels and holiday parks are expected to reopen on 17 May under the same rules.
After such an extensive period of time spent at home, if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait to break up the monotony and spread your wings. Holiday bookings have surged in the UK though, so if you’re yet to book, we’d recommend doing so ASAP to avoid disappointment.
If you have beat the crowds and secured your Airbnb, but are now unsure of what exactly to take with you (after all, it has been a while), we’d recommend consulting our staycation packing guide – detailing everything from the best weekend bags to great outdoor gear.
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And now, as a team, we’ve gone one step further. Having been lucky enough to go on a number of UK-wide holidays, we’ve discovered the true art of packing – and the dos (and inevitable don’ts) associated with it. As such, we feel equipped to recommend the essentials we simply cannot travel without.
From anti-sickness tablets and earplugs to handy travel pouches and rain jackets, these are the items the IndyBest team think you should be armed with, and which are sure to make your holiday a truly enjoyable experience.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
For more top picks from our editors, read our guide to the high street fashion items the IndyBest team are buying this spring, or take inspiration from the books we’ve been reading (and loving) in lockdown