THE BEST UK 'STAYCATIONS' TO HAVE IN 2021.

[This is a collaborative post but all words and opinions are my own.] 

As I'm sure most of you feel, I can't wait to finally be able to buy an overpriced coffee at the airport, get on a plane, look out the window listening to my music pretending I'm in a music video and arriving in a new country. That day is getting closer, but for now the safest thing to do is explore your own backyard. I always find we tend to want to tick off all these exotic locations and then end up neglecting the closest places around us because we can 'go any time'. So here are a couple of trips to consider once restrictions ease and we're allowed to travel again, that are a big closer to home!

1. Edinburgh

I took a trip here back in 2012 when I was checking out a few universities, and although I loved the city for a holiday, I don't think I could have survived the harsh Scottish weather on a daily basis! Here are some of my recommendations for a visit:

• Stay close to Princes Street, the heart of Edinburgh.
• Put your trainers on and take a hike up Arthur's Seat.
• Scroll through the Old Town.
• Eat an 'infamous' deep fried Mars Bar.
• Find out some horrors about Edinburgh with the 'Edinburgh Ghost Tour'.
• Explore Edinburgh Castle.
• Have a picnic from Calton Hill.

2. London

I think no matter how many times you take a trip to London, there's always new things to discover and quirky restaurants to visit (or take pictures for Instagram in). I even wrote a London bucket list back in 2016, and it definitely needs updating! When in London:

• Get a central London hotel, or you'll spend most of your day commuting between places!
• For some vintage finds, head to Camden Market or Notting Hill. 
• Get your museum fix, my favourites are the Tate, Science and Natural History Museum. 
• Visit Neal's Yard for some quirky photos for your Instagram feed. 
• Take a Ghost Bus Tour around London and hear stories about the infamous British characters like Jack the Ripper. 

3. Belfast

This is on my bucket list and I'm really hoping I can make a trip there this year. I'm sure anyone who is a Game of Thrones fan wants to come here for the filming locations, but the scenery and landscapes also look breathtaking. I've also never been to Northern Ireland or Ireland, so this one is high on my list! When in Belfast:

• Take a visit to the Titanic Museum
• Have drinks in Cathedral Square for the best atmosphere
• Walk around Belfast Castle
• Take a Game of Thrones guided tour around the city
• Go on an official 'Irish Pub Crawl'
• Climb your way up Cave Hill

4. Gibraltar 

So geographically you won't be in the UK for this one, so you'll have to catch a flight to get to this overseas British territory (also my home!). Gibraltar is a popular tourist destination located on the southern tip of Europe, bordering Spain. The great thing is you don't need to practice your spanish before your trip because english is the first language here! When in Gibraltar:

• Get the best views of Morocco and Spain by taking a walk up the Rock of Gibraltar. If you're feeling up for the challenge walk up the Mediterranean steps to the top of the rock.
• Go and see the dolphins on a dolphin safari.
• Have a picnic in Alameda Gardens.
• Try some local favourites - calentita, torta de acerga, croquetas and torta de patata! Sun-Cola drinks are also a favourite with locals!
• Spend an afternoon at Sandy Bay beach
• Celebrate National Day by wearing your best red and white attire, and joining in the all-day festivities on 10th September. 

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