Amid the tragedy and chaos of Covid’s 18 month interruption of normal life we’ve been reminded of a few things - the NHS is still wonderful, football needs fans in stadiums, there’s really no need to panic buy bog roll, and we live in one of the best tourist destinations on the planet.
Yes, for many of us this reminder was born of necessity because of the uncertainty of foreign travel.
But it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that staycations for 2022 are booming.
Why? The UK normally attracts more than 39 million overseas visitors annually, drawn to our glorious countryside and a wealth of historic and cultural sights.
We have it all on these treasured islands - but all too often us Brits living here do forget that. The change in holiday patterns forced on us by the pandemic has served as a reminder. Not one we wanted, but there it is.
OK, so it's not warm and sunny in Britain every day, but we do get the odd heatwave. And in any case, there's plenty of things to see and do if we do get a spot or two of rain.
It can be a bit pricy, but avoid some of the crowded mainstream staycation destinations and you’ll find there’s still value to be had - and you’ll get a warm welcome from Dorset to Dingwall and Antrim to Anglesey.
Just think what we have and you’ll realise why Brits who holidayed at home this year cannot wait to book it again in 2022 - magnificent stately homes and royal palaces, mighty Norman cathedrals and castles and charming towns brimming with history.
Add on the renaissance in British food, that scenery (if the first sight of the Cuillin mountains in Skye does not stir your soul, nothing will), some beautiful beaches and seaside resorts, the simple pleasure of boating on canals and rivers, fun-filled theme parks and TV and movie tourism covering everything from Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and Game of Thrones via Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders and The Crown, and we’re on to a staycay cert.
Oh yes, almost forgot. Pubs. We have the world’s best, bar none. Pint of Adnams and fish and chips by the sea in Southwold, anyone?
