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The coronavirus pandemic and the government drive to control the virus means that although lots of people still want to enjoy a holiday this summer, staying safe is at the forefront of many people’s minds. With virus worries and concerns over quarantine periods if people choose to holiday abroad, demand for cottage breaks in the UK and Ireland is very high this summer.
If you want to take a break this summer it’s advisable to book asap to avoid disappointment as many holiday homes are now booked up until September.
Once you do have a break booked up, we’ve put together some hints and tips to help you stay safe on your break away.
Hints and Tips on Staying Safe on a Cottage Break
Quiet and Rural Locations
With social distancing still very important, some holidaymakers may prefer more rural and remote holiday destinations this summer where it’s easier to social distance, rather than traditional holiday destinations which tend to attract lots of people.
• Whether they sign up for Visit Britain’s the Good to Go standard or not, the large majority of holiday home owners and agencies will be striving to ensure that they are following the very best cleaning practices to ensure that guests are healthy and happy on holiday.
There are also things you can do yourself to ensure you are confident about staying healthy and happy whilst staying at a holiday rental.
• As always if you are making a booking for the coming months, it is important that you take out appropriate insurance and fully check the booking terms and conditions with the independent owner or agency.
• If you would like extra reassurance, do ask for details of the cleaning regime in place during the coronavirus outbreak from the cottage owner or agency.
Additional Steps you can personally take to reduce your risk
• You may want to do some cleaning of a holiday home yourself on arrival if you so choose; to give you even greater confidence and assurances that you can relax in a safe and healthy environment, but you must speak to the owner or agency and notify them in advance that you plan to do this so that you have their agreement and can ensure that you’re using appropriate cleaning materials that won’t cause any damage. If you take some sanitisation steps yourself, this may make you feel even more safe and assured.
• It is perfectly reasonable to bring your own bedding and towels with you to use during this coronavirus outbreak, and as shaking of any infected linen could disperse the virus, it may be safest just to use your own bedding over existing bedding.
• In particular, you might want to sanitise light switches, remotes, handles, doorknobs, taps and tables.
• Surfaces can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth with soapy water. It may also be advisable for killing the virus to use a cleaning product with atleast 70% alcohol (but you must check suitability of products with the owner or agency prior to use). These are all additional steps you can take to help make yourself feel happier and safer on holiday; the large majority of holiday homes will be going the extra mile in any event with their cleaning protocols and sanitisation procedures.
Above all, it’s advisable to follow all reasonable steps to ensure your own good health and hygiene on holiday, but it’s important to relax too and enjoy good times (we all need a chance to switch off).
Disclaimer: We are not health experts at Country Cottages Online but the above has been put together and quotes official advice from reputable sources with your health and safety in mind.
