UK travel: Expert shares how to cut costs on staycation and enjoy 'secret' hotspots

As part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "roadmap" out of lockdown, Britons could be set to enjoy self-catered camping, caravan and UK holidays from April 17. Wider hospitality is then set

to open further from May, with hotels and B&Bs welcoming guests back.

Following the announcement, many staycation providers reported a "surge" in bookings, which in turn has seen the cost of some holidays skyrocket.

However, according to travel expert Simon Calder, there is a simple way to save money.

He says the main way to get more bang for your buck is to be flexible.

"It is all about timing, of course, if you don’t have to go on holiday during the school holidays then please don’t," he said.

"One top provider is selling holidays from 12 April which coincides with the last week fo the easter holidays.

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"Trips are about £13,00, you go the following week exactly the same trip for about £500."

Mr Calder further advised Britons to double-check the Covid policy of their holiday provider.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, many firms have bolstered their cancellation and refund policies.

This tends to allow customers to get their money back if their trip is impacted by new restrictions, or rebook for a later date.

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"Please make sure you are booking through a trusted firm," warned the expert.

"Make sure you know what those cancellation conditions are and, of course, shop around."

For Britons looking to beat the crowds, Mr Calder also shared some insight into some "hidden gems" across the nation.

"There is going to be huge demand for places around England at the moment," he said.

"Please make sure you are booking through a trusted firm," warned the expert.

"Make sure you know what those cancellation conditions are and, of course, shop around."

For Britons looking to beat the crowds, Mr Calder also shared some insight into some "hidden gems" across the nation.

"There is going to be huge demand for places around England at the moment," he said.

"Further North is Morecambe Bay, one of our traditional seaside resorts, but all along the bay there are some lovely little beaches you can discover and on the other side on the north sea my

favourite beach there is Seaham in County Durham.

"Now, it used to be about the most industrialised place in Europe.

"There were coal mines running out under the sea but now it is just an absolutely lovely place to get a beautiful escape and not the crowds you would find in other resorts perhaps further

south in Yorkshire."

While many Britons are preparing for their summer staycation, the Prime Minister has warned restrictions will only be lifted if the data on Covid cases "satisfies" the Government's tests.

Mr Johnson said the nation's unlocking will be lead by "data not dates".

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