In the past couple of years, trading overseas holidays for something closer to home has been a necessity, rather than always a choice. But when the realisation kicked in that these UK based breaks were special, rewarding, free of hassle and bringing a perfect blend of nostalgia and the new into play, things have changed.

We are already seeing an increase in bookings for UK stays even when overseas travel is back on the cards. Less travel pain. Less sunburn. More value. Great family bonding. An appreciation of more simple pleasures, as being part of our rebalanced lives.

And with the great rebalance in play post COVID, the need to look after physical and mental wellbeing has never been more important.

Which in turn opens up a recut and rethink around ‘holidays’ and breaks and how to use them.

More weekends away or micro-breaks and excursions with a stay over become a valuable strategy to help stagger ‘refresh’ moments when you need them. Trips with the pets - more part of the family than ever - become a real factor when you can find pet friendly hotels. And working from anywhere models mean extending a day or two extra with some work and some play combined on those days is way less of a challenge. It’s more likely to provoke a little jealousy and inspiration in others, rather than be frowned upon .

It's all part of ‘me time’ as an important life strategy. Of course there is room for international travel too, but that is no longer the be all and end all goal we need to chase.

We are seeking out locations that open up new doors where we can explore and spend time without thinking about complex or tiring journeys home. Finding places that champion their values and approach to sustainability and planet to match what’s important to us. Or that introduce us to new activities, a well-stocked bar with time to explore a new taste experience, or the spa to wash away the everyday.

Staycation does sound a ‘little back’ up plan, now that it is way removed from that. Other phases being used include ‘holistays’ or the classic ‘mini-break’.

But the important thing we think to embrace is all about the attitude to ‘r and r’ time, rather than focus on a tag. Whether rest and relaxation, rock and roll , romance and recreation or just retreat and repeat.

We have new rules in life now, most of which we self-create for the better. So make sure you live your versions of those and work in the time off and time away that we all deserve.

And that’s about building a strategy that works hard to give you the biggest reward. It might be the big splash, the regular breaks or the keep going back again bolthole. The important thing is that there is no Plan B anymore, just a host of great Plan A’s.