You’ve booked your beautiful holiday cottage, you’ve filled the car with petrol and you’ve packed enough snacks to keep everyone happy for the journey. Everything is impeccably ready for a relaxing break. Here are our top tips to ensuring that your staycation is memorable for the right reasons.

Create an itinerary

Have a look for activities in the area before you leave and create a list of ‘must see’ destinations. Once you’ve done this, sit down and discuss what everyone in the group would like to do. This works particularly well if your group is mixed age as it means that everyone has some input into the holiday.

Check the weather

We all know that British weather can be unpredictable. A week by the seaside could end up as a wash out even in the height of August. As a result, it’s handy to have back up activities available just in case, whether that means packing board games or scouting out indoor activities.

Plan your budget

Trips away can get expensive, especially if unexpected costs crop up. Set aside a contingency fund for warming hot chocolates, just in case the heavens do open.

Find your food

Find out where the local supermarkets and food shops are. If you aren’t taking supplies with you a good idea is to arrange for a delivery to your holiday let for the evening of your arrival. This ensures that you aren’t caught short and that you don’t have to travel with chilled and frozen goods in the car.

Use social media

It’s amazing how many events and offers are advertised on Facebook and Twitter. A quick search and scan on either of these sites will bring up a wealth of cheap and free activities for the area.

Find bus and train timetables

If you are using public transport quickly download and print off bus and train timetables. It’ll save you a long wait at the bus stop and will allow you to plan your days more effectively. It’s also an idea to collect phone numbers for local taxi firms.

Create a list of pubs, restaurants and takeaways

While it is lovely to wander into an unfound gem, it’s also great to be prepared. Check out the local pubs and restaurants on Tripadvisor and social media sites. It’s also worthwhile collecting phone numbers and menus for local takeaways (just in case you want to spend the evening in).