Last year my mum was due to have a milestone birthday (80 but don't tell her I told you!).
As she is a lover of all things theatre related, I decided to find accommodation through hotels.com for a room in Manchester together with tickets to see Sister Act at the Palace Theatre. Sadly, due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled and as such, our plans.
In current climes, it is important that when you make any plans, you bear in mind current Government guidelines so that you can prepare and organise accordingly. This was especially important when starting to arrange her birthday this year.
Looking at the Government road map going forward, restaurants are due to open with the ability to eat indoors from the 12th May, with hotels opening from the 3rd July 2021. We are due to be out of lockdown by the 21st June and with any luck, everyone able will be vaccinated by the 31st July 2020.
Bearing in mind the above, I decided to book a staycation for my mum and I for September; with as much luxury as I can think of, whilst being mindful of the rules and what is safe to do for ourselves, and all.
Rather than taking public transport to Manchester for our staycation, I have organised a car to transport us to and from our location. This both adds a little luxury touch, whilst reducing our contact with others where possible.
With restaurants eager for diners to return to their establishments, we already know that proper distancing between tables will be in place and enhanced hygiene practices will be well established. I plan to choose a few different restaurants for both lunch and dinner options for our two day trip.
With the theatre option not being available, I am looking at visiting the Manchester Museum to see the fantastic T-Rex, as well as a not to be missed visit to Chinatown. We may decide to also utilise one of the free walking tours around Manchester which allows you to see many of the old and new architecture around the city. Although at 81 by then, I suspect that the walk will be more of a stroll! Again, don't tell her I said that!
For our accommodation, I have chosen to book an aparthotel which offers us both privacy and an added safety aspect rather than mingling with other guests; whilst maintaining a high quality of accommodation and a high level of cleanliness.
All of our bookings and planned trips will of course be subject to Government guidelines as well as any travel restrictions in place. By then, both my mum and I should have had the vaccine so will also be in line with any Covid checks that are in place for any of activities and bookings.
Now is time the time to start planning your next staycation; where will you be going to for yours?
Images from Unsplash
In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own
