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How to get the most out of domestic travel

How to get the most out of domestic travel

Millions of people have rediscovered the beauty of domestic travel as a result of Covid restrictions. The rise of domestic travel appears to have inspired a renewed appreciation for all the wonderful things just within arms reach.

By: Mary Deasy

The rise in domestic travel may not come as a shock as borders have been closed, with governments urging people to  stay local. What is surprising,  however, is that prior to the pandemic, domestic travel was also growing - in the UK, 70% of residents were planning a staycation for 2020 before the pandemic broke out. 

There are many advantages to domestic travel - you can either explore your local area without having to plan a flight or create an excel document with a tightly packed itinerary! The ease and flexibility of a staycation lends itself to  slow living and encourages you to see everyday scenes in a new light. As new Covid variants begin to enter Europe and new government restrictions are placed, look towards the staycation as a silver lining- not only can you unwind, destress, and rejuvenate, but you can escape city centres, remove yourself from crowds and give yourself a better chance of staying healthy. 

Make the most of your next staycation by discovering your local area and all it has to offer. We’ve taken note of some incredible hiking areas, accommodations and activities close to large European cities. If you’re living in or near Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague or Madrid, consider these domestic travel destinations and activities for your 2022 staycations! 

Exhibition A10 

Photo: Patrick Post

 

Did you know that natural environments flourish next to highways? Surprising? The highway is of course a deadly barrier for many animals, but other species make great use out of them - snakes soak up the sun while buzzards look for road kill and foxes and mice stay safely in the green. Although many highways host these animals, none is more fascinating than the A10, as it is the most extensive nature reserve in Amsterdam. "The biodiversity around the embankment is sometimes tens of times greater than in the meadows around it.”  says nature guide and historian Joost Janmaat. Because of this, Exhibition A10 was created. This ten-hour walk along the ring road of Amsterdam takes you through tunnels, ditches, and ecoducts - past all kinds of animal and plant life. Join nature guide Joost Janmaat and animal tracker Kristian de la Riva as they guide you on this all day exploration of ‘hybrid nature’. 

Where to stay? 

Broek in Waterland

Landsmeer

Camino de Santiago


This medieval route leads to the tomb of the Apostle Santiago in the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. To many, this journey is a pilgrimage to one of the capitals of Catholicism but it can be enjoyed by all. It’s an impressive milestone for anyone – the journey is associated with personal strength and effort, adventure, and a deep connection with nature and the cultural heritage of Europe. There are many starting points: you can begin in France and take the Camino Frances,which is a 760km journey; or begin in Spain, Italy, Portugal, or the UK.  This route crosses mountains, tests faiths, and strengthens our connection to nature and the cultural heritage of Europe. Begin where you want, and don’t forget to track your progress.

Where to stay?

Melide

Robledo

Green Belt


The Green Belt in is a 1,400 kilometre route that originally marked the location where the Iron Curtain divided the world into two separate halves. With the fall of the Berlin wall, the “death strip” was preserved in the form of a green belt. During the war, the land was nearly untouched - to continue to let the wildlife flourish, much of the land is a part of nature reserves. The belt measures between 50 to 200 metres in width and is considered the largest habitat netwerk in Germany. The route winds its way through Norway, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, Austria, Romania, turkey and many more along the way. It is spotted with museums and historical sites while providing refuge for animals and plants. Enjoy the treasures of nature and come to terms with the history: the history of the land and those involved.

Where to stay?

Harz Mountains

Canyon of Berounka River

The Covid pandemic has changed the way we travel, some could say for the better. While we are more concerned about health both mental and physical sttaycations, domestic travel and all the benefits that come with them are becoming more popular. People are choosing outdoor adventures for health reasons - Richard Bangs, the chief adventure officer for Steller says, "The next incarnation of tourism is on the way, as we go out and redefine how we experience the world – with our senses re-attuned, our situational awareness reengaged – let it bring awakenings and inventions, the way we travellers have always risen to the greatest challenges."

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