TRAVEL BETTER:
HOW TO HOLIDAY IN THE UK

As we emerge from lockdown to a new dawn, everything has changed and yet nothing’s changed. The UK is equally as jaw-droppingly beautiful as it was before – our famed green and pleasant land is written into folklore for a reason – but we’ve changed, haven’t we, on the inside? For some of us, or those we’re close to, being starved of connection for so long, there’s an overwhelming urge to reconnect and also rediscover our local landscapes.

We’ve emerged from lockdown to a new reality. Everything has changed but yet much feels the same. One trend that’s strongly emerging is the demand for experiences here on home ground.

There’s something fresh and exciting about rediscovering our noble land; home to King Arthur, the sagas and legends of our royal family, the British dedication to animals and outdoor pursuits, the forests that have witnessed a thousand battles and more.

It’s time to rethink travel in our homeland but in a way that fits the modern and enlightened and selective traveller. There’s a veil of luxury that is no longer just the privilege of our Kings and Queens. These are world-class experiences that nod to the past but keep a firmer eye on what’s becoming important as we look towards the future; sustainability, attention to detail and going more than the extra mile to offer unbeatable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

We like to call it travelling better, here’s how to do it:

THINK GREEN

Whilst the ecological benefits and message for green travel are increasingly important to us (thanks to Greta Thunberg raising awareness of flygskam, or flight shame), the concept of green travel has additional meaning on a personal level in addition to supporting the global climate change effort.

We all know that getting out in nature has been a lockdown highlight for humans, the animals and the planet and we want more!

We’re searching online for unique wellness and fitness activities in the outdoors because we’ve realised that there’s plenty for us here in the UK.

According to the Luxury Society, we will see heightened interest in wellness holidays as well as multi-generational trips here in the UK.

When you think about it, the UK, with its endless coastline (longer than the coastline of Spain or Italy), the romantic landscapes of Wales or the mystery of the Scottish highlands, huge swathes of forest and wildlife opportunities, packs a massive punch when it comes to nature as well as activities.

As well as traditional premium sports like golf and tennis and sailing, there has never been more demand for the rise in popularity in “greener” sports such as cycling (road and mountain) and surfing.

In The Guardian, Miranda Bryant writes:

“For many, bicycles have also become a symbol of freedom in the pandemic – an opportunity for mental as well as physical release from the confines of lockdown life.”

It is certainly no coincidence that this desire to tap into the visceral feeling of cycling our countryside is aligned with a collective movement more towards sustainability.

YES TO CUSTOM HOLIDAYS IN PRIVATE HOMES AND COTTAGES

Tailor-made is going to be big. We want to travel better, we want to make our get-togethers meaningful. Stays in luxury private homes are trending on Google.

The idea of multiple generations coming together, enjoying a bespoke holiday that’s completely designed around the people in it. Details matter. We’re moving into a world increasingly curious about the provenance of food, we want stories to tell round future dinner tables, we want to feel unique and we want the best.

According to Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, travellers want trust and a human connection, a bespoke booking experience with less technology, where they can add in experiences and bespoke adventures with a partner they can trust to expertly guide them through the process.

And it’s what we do at Reglar, it’s why there’s no online booking. Each of our properties comes completely bespoke with a private consultation, hand-picked places to stay and thoughtful added extras as a thank you for booking, such as a private chef cooking for you one evening and luxury hampers.

THE BIG REUNION

The big reunions are starting to happen and they feel so rewarding. This next period of time is like a rich tapestry, being pieced together to share this story, your story, and paint the picture of the time that is now.

Whilst the destination is an important part of the buying process, we know that the holiday is much more than the place you stay. This year it’s all about the who.

The feelings of being together again, of sharing lockdown stories; the human touch prevails yet again.

Stays in luxury lodges, private homes and hotels will all feel more unique, more tailored, more human to match the mood. And the important parts of these reunions, taking place the length and breadth of the UK will be judged on the thoughtful extras; a private dining experience at your property, hampers of excellent, locally sourced produce so we can reinvent the tradition of the Great British picnic for times like these.

FIND AUTHENTIC AND CURATED EXPERIENCES

The importance of getting the right balance right of relaxation, activities and culture across multi-generations can be a bit of a headache. And who wants to over-plan? Right now, we want local experiences, to better understand the communities we visit. To leave less trace and pay respect to people.

When you think back to a time of fast culture, many of the older, more traditional crafts and methods got forgotten about. But not anymore. As our demand for the very best dining experiences rises, so does our interest in the provenance and origins of the food we eat and the crafts we buy.

MAKE IT COUNT

The next holidays we take we want to feel worth it. This experience-first, sustainable, local reunion in settings of complete beauty is your chance to travel better instead of further.

Our commitment to making it count is guaranteed. You can book your private consultation with one of our expert concierges, who will guide you through all the options available to you.