Summary
If you’re a free spirit and an independent traveler, planning your touring itinerary in advance might seem dull. However, without the framework of a plan, you are likely to face confusion and stress rather than spontaneity. Without at least a loosely organized plan, you may end up wasting energy rushing from one location to another on motorways, with no time to enjoy anything. This could lead to spending precious moments at a less enjoyable attraction when a more intriguing one was just a short distance away.
Consequently, these ten steps will help you plan a touring vacation that aligns with your style while giving your free spirit ample room to soar.
01. Choose Your Base Camps
Many visitors mistakenly attempt to rush across Great Britain to maximize attractions and territory. While it’s tempting to see as much as possible, it’s wiser to select a few base points from where you can explore. Circular routes through one or two regions are ideal for short visits, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy a few areas that align with your interests.
Ensure your starting and ending points are close to your arrival and departure airports, stations, or ports. Failing to do so could lead to hours of travel just to begin your trip or worse, stress at the end rushing to avoid missing your transport back home.
02. Set Realistic Mileage Goals
Limit your daily driving distance to between 50 and 65 miles. Even on motorways, which aren’t particularly enjoyable for sightseeing, the time required to travel distances can be misleading. For instance, travelling from London to popular destinations like Oxford and Canterbury, both approximately 60 miles away, can take two hours under ideal traffic conditions. Opting for scenic routes will generally mean longer travel times.
By covering smaller distances each day, you can take time for serendipitous discoveries without pressure; whether that’s finding a charming tea shop or capturing a breathtaking view — in short, being spontaneous.
03. Don’t Over Schedule
Plan to explore only two main attractions each day. For instance, consider visiting a museum in the morning followed by a stately home in the afternoon. Additionally, be flexible enough to reduce the agenda to one attraction if you discover a place that captivates you longer than anticipated. Your itinerary should serve as a guide rather than a task list, allowing free time to enjoy unexpected encounters such as a delightful market or friendly conversations with locals.
04. Think About Themes
If you have a particular interest, consider using it as a theme for part of your itinerary. Are you passionate about antiquing? You can visit entire villages dedicated to such pursuits. Interested in musical history, literature, or art? Incorporating your interests into your travel plans can enrich the experience significantly.
05. Program in Variety
To avoid travel fatigue, ensure a diverse itinerary. Exploring too many of the same type of attraction can lead to exhaustion. The unique stately homes, cathedrals, and prehistoric sites across Britain are remarkable as long as they’re not overly concentrated in your schedule.
Even if you are following a thematic route, introduce variety. For example, if you’re tracing Jane Austen’s life, you could visit her House Museum, explore Bath where she lived, and enjoy a traditional feast reflective of her era.
06. Schedule Time Outs
Remember that you are on vacation, not an endurance test. Continuous travel can lead to exhaustion. Therefore, plan some downtime to simply relax, explore local areas, or enjoy a café while observing the surroundings. This time can be particularly beneficial when traveling with children or older family members, providing everyone a moment to recharge.
07. Pace Your Spending
Entrance fees and food expenses can quickly accumulate, particularly when traveling as a family. To ensure your budget lasts throughout your vacation, opt for numerous free attractions available in the UK. Alternate visits to major attractions with free experiences such as national museums, parks, and outdoor wonders.
Dining doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider packing a picnic on occasion or exploring various tips for saving on meals and drinks.
08. Keep Track of the Daylight
This may seem intuitive, but daylight hours can greatly vary in Northern latitudes. In the summer, you may experience sunrise before 4 am and daylight lasting until after 9 pm. Take advantage of these extended hours for outdoor activities. Conversely, in winter, sunset can occur as early as 3 pm, affecting attraction operating hours.
Check the BBC Weather website for accurate sunrise and sunset times in your area, ensuring you plan appropriately for daylight hours.
09. Enjoy Your Accommodations
When you select a special hotel or vacation rental, ensure you spend enough time to enjoy the amenities that attracted you. Align your stay with planned downtime to unwind, whether in a spa, by the pool, or simply enjoying the view.
10. Plan for Dinner
Ensure you have a dinner plan established by early afternoon. If you’re aiming for a well-reviewed restaurant, reservations may be necessary. Even if you’re considering simpler dining options, knowing your choices ahead of time helps avoid stress after a long day of touring.
Resources like The Good Food Guide and The Good Pub Guide provide comprehensive information on dining options, including handy apps for easy access to menus, locations, and booking facilities.
