Staycations have ballooned in popularity over the last few years. Higher numbers of people than ever before are choosing to stay in the UK to explore the beauty and variety of their own country – and it’s not hard to see why.

From cosy cabin retreats or glamping getaways to hot tub holidays, UK destinations offer a great holiday experience. Even if the climate can’t match the tropical summers you’d find elsewhere, there’s still more than enough to recommend the UK.

If it’s your first time planning a staycation or you’ve already spent years visiting areas all around the UK, have a look at these six tips for how to improve your next trip.

Leave the familiar behind

A holiday isn’t really a holiday if you stay somewhere you’ve already spent lots of time. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t go back to visit a place you loved before, but sometimes looking somewhere new is the best choice.

Venturing out beyond your comfort zone can give you an experience you won’t ever forget. Exploring places that you haven’t necessarily heard of or visited before gives you the exciting thrill of discovery.

Rather than just repeating something you’ve done before, take the opportunity to branch out on your next UK holiday and find out what hidden gems you’ve been missing.

Embrace the great outdoors

As lovely as the towns and cities of the UK are, they’ve got nothing on the amazing landscapes and views in the countryside. And there’s so much variety! A day out in the Cornish countryside looks nothing like a day out in the Scottish Highlands.

So, while you’re enjoying a different slice of the UK, take the chance to get out and about. Tackle a walk along the clifftops of Dorset, hike up mountains in the Lake District or paddle across a tranquil Scottish loch.

The UK weather may not always be the best but that shouldn’t put you off spending some quality holiday time outdoors.

Try out the local cuisine

This one’s a little easier to do when you’re out of the country. Since your holiday is in the UK you can still visit a lot of the same chains and restaurants that you would at home. Besides, every town has their own fish and chip shop!

But wherever you go in the UK, if you’re willing to look you’ll find that there are regional cuisine options to try. So, resist the urge to choose the familiar and see what local flavours you can find for your lunch or dinner. Enjoy a bowl of piping fresh cawl in Wales or tuck into an authentic Cornish pasty on the beach.

Other nationalities may mock British food but plenty of fresh regional cuisine says otherwise.

Take the chance to disconnect

Obviously, you’ll want to take plenty of pictures to help remember your awesome UK staycation -but if you’re spending too much time on your phone this is probably detracting from your overall experience.

Consider swapping out your phone for a proper camera. If not, then at least make sure that you set yourself a limit on how much you’ll look at the screen. Switch over to do not disturb and log out of your social media accounts.

You want to enjoy your time exploring your destination, so disconnect for a bit and let yourself properly enjoy the present moment.

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Whichever part of the UK takes your fancy, a staycation is an excellent way to see the country from a new perspective. So, make sure that you take full advantage of the opportunity to get away from your familiar everyday, and embrace the area you’re visiting.