Have you booked a staycation for this year?

For many people, there’s a lot riding on this summer, whether that’s catching up with friends and family you’ve not seen for a year, getting out of the local area or going on a much-missed holiday.

But, as countries in Europe such as France and Spain continue to struggle with rising cases of Covid-19 and travel restrictions continue to be discussed, the UK government is being very cautious about permitting holidays abroad.

With outdoor attractions like zoo’s and the ability to have drinks outside in a pub garden or in a restaurant’s outdoor space, more people are likely to have a Staycation this summer.

Those changes will make it a lot more attractive for people planning a camping trip or a stay in self-catered accommodation, which is also able to open up again from today. But it will not be straightforward, with things like communal toilet blocks forbidden, making it less tempting for ordinary camp sites to re-open immediately.

Are all campsites opening?

Some campsites are opening, but it’s not straight forward.

As many campsites have shared facilities, those facilities won’t be allowed to open.

Some have decided to wait until May 17, as this is when shared facilities will be allowed to open.

So for anyone wanting to camp or stay in their caravan before then, they must have their own toilet, washing facilities and kitchen unit.

This should change, as long as England’s roadmap out of lockdown continues to be successful.

Gyms, indoor swimming pools and outdoor areas at cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs can reopen, including for takeaway alcohol.

These venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside.

Most types of outdoor attraction will also be able to reopen, meaning there should be things you’ll be able to do on your trip away.

Are all requirements the same?

Campsites are owned by all different trusts and people.

Official bodies such as the caravan club have listed what their own requirements will be.

To reopen, businesses must comply with ‘COVID-19 Secure’ guidelines, which have been released for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Guidelines have been developed by the Visitor Economy Working Group, chaired by the tourism minister Nigel Huddleston and including representatives from key sector bodies such as the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) and B&B Association.

The working group is part of DCMS’ Cultural Renewal Taskforce, in charge of defining the roadmap to recovery for recreation and leisure activities.