Many of us have given up trying to understand the ever-changing rules over travel beyond the UK this year, not to mention the thought of masks on an aeroplane and queues in the airport.

The option of a staycation has never looked more attractive.

When the word first entered our vocabulary back in 2005, it generally meant staying at home and going out for day trips. This year it seems to have widened to mean going on holiday anywhere in the UK, so many of us might be exploring parts we’ve not been to before or revisiting family favourites.

Talking about a lovely staycation… what comes to your mind when we say that word? Enjoying the cosiness of having your loved ones in a surrounding where you can all relax? There’s something to be said for having all the conveniences of home but also about making into an extra-special experience with some upgrades to your everyday choices.

We happen to have many of those choices that can add a touch of indulgence to your staycation without all the fuss. Here’s some ideas for you to make any staycation special.

Discover hidden beauty spots

The popular spots around the UK are probably more popular, and populated, than ever this year. Now’s a good time to hunt out the places that the locals know, but possibly keep to themselves. Ask friends and family for their recommendations, and maybe don’t Google “hidden beauty spots”. If it’s been in one of the newspapers, it’s probably not hidden anymore. Try Airbnb; their map shows some good spots for visitors.

Then pack up a picnic, pick up your walking boots and get out and discover the unexpected, even on your own doorstep. Explore more to make the staycation a more unique and personal experience.

Vineyard visits are not just for France

Many of us might have visited a vineyard or distillery while on holiday in Europe. But with the explosion of wine and spirits production in the UK, there are many fantastic options here too.

You might choose to visit one of the well-established places like Chapel Down Wines or the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. You’ll also find some artisan producers, like Sky Wave Distillery in Oxfordshire, or Old Dairy Brewery in Kent are also open for tastings and visits.

If you pass a vineyard sign in the UK, make a detour and stop by to see what they offer. You might just discover a new favourite.

Head to the market or the farm shop

A trip to the local market is often a highlight while on a trip abroad. We all marvel at the fruit and veg, the incredible bread, the selection of cheese. Pretty much what you’d find at any good farmer’s market or farm shop around the UK these days.

Your staycation is ideal for visiting and trying new things, just as you would on your usual holiday. The benefit of doing it in the UK is it’s likely that a newfound favourite is going to be much easier to keep buying after your holiday is over.

Many of the Melted Inside makers have regular pitches at farmer’s markets around the UK, so you might come across one of them on your travels. (Email the Melted Inside team; we can also help you find out when the next farmers market might be in the area you are visiting.)

Break your routine

When we’re on holiday, we break all kinds of everyday routines. So even if you’re holidaying at home, don’t do the usual stuff. Go to a different coffee shop and don’t order your regular. Take a different route on your way somewhere, either on foot or in the car. Get off a stop early on the bus or Tube. It’s all about giving us, and our brains, a break from the normal. When everything is planned and predictable, there is no chance for surprises and miracles!

You just don’t know what you might discover.

Create some new eat-in experiences

One of the upshots of those trips to the markets, or even supermarkets, on holiday is that we often end up cooking something different to our regular menus at home. No reason not to do that here too.

Buy a new cookbook, borrow one from the library, or try a recipe from a different blogger. Try a meal kit or something simple like a cooking sauce. I mean, who’s cooked Ugly Curry before? The cooking sauce from Case for Cooking certainly has me intrigued. Or maybe the Barbados Sauce from Earl’s Kitchen would help me imagine that I truly had jetted off somewhere fabulous!

Toasting the holiday vibe

Whether alcoholic or not, there’s usually some time on a holiday to linger over a drink, whether it’s coffee in the piazza or cocktails at sundown.

There is no reason not to carry that on, whether you upgrade your coffee choice or choose something different from the wine or cocktail list. There have never been so many sophisticated choices for those not drinking alcohol, from sparkling tea to proper non-alcoholic cocktails that don’t just taste all sugary.

Make a brew or shake a cocktail; the important thing is to take the time to relax and enjoy it.

Whatever you’ve got planned for this summer, from your own backyard or further afield, I hope you fill it with delicious moments, happy memories and shots for your Instagram followers.

Shop for your staycation here.