The Blue Lagoon is a large, geothermal pool filled with mineral-rich, milky blue waters. The unique color of the water is a result of the silica, algae, and other minerals present in the lagoon. The temperature of the water is consistently warm, ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius (98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the perfect oasis to soak and unwind.

It’s important to note that due to the popularity of the Blue Lagoon, reservations are highly recommended, you can book your holiday at Blue Lagoon directly on the website. This ensures that visitors can secure their desired time slot and enjoy the experience without feeling overcrowded. Additionally, the Blue Lagoon provides various ticket options, including standard admission, premium packages, and even exclusive access to private lagoons for a more intimate experience.

What Makes the Blue Lagoon Special?

Visitors from all around the world flock to the Blue Lagoon to indulge in its therapeutic properties. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing effects on the skin, particularly for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The silica in the water is known for its cleansing and exfoliating properties, leaving the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Many visitors also find the warm waters to be incredibly relaxing, relieving stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

Beyond the soothing waters, the Blue Lagoon offers a range of amenities and activities to enhance the experience. The luxurious on-site spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, utilizing the lagoon’s natural resources to create a truly indulgent spa experience. Additionally, there are saunas, steam rooms, and even a waterfall to further enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits and natural beauty, the Blue Lagoon also offers a range of dining options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, the on-site restaurants at the Blue Lagoon have you covered. From Icelandic delicacies to international cuisine, you can indulge in a delicious meal while enjoying panoramic views of the lagoon. After a relaxing soak, treating yourself to a delightful meal is the perfect way to complete your visit to this extraordinary destination.

The Blue Lagoon’s Symbiotic Bond with Nature

The Blue Lagoon is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The contrast between the vibrant blue waters and the stark black lava rocks creates a visually striking landscape that is truly mesmerizing. Visitors can explore the surrounding lava fields on walking paths or enjoy a drink at the lagoon’s bar while taking in the panoramic views.

When visiting the Blue Lagoon, it’s essential to follow the guidelines and instructions provided to maintain the lagoon’s pristine condition. This includes showering before entering the water to keep it clean and avoiding the use of any creams or lotions that could disrupt the natural balance of the water.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a unique spa experience, the Blue Lagoon is a destination like no other. Its magical blue waters, therapeutic properties, and stunning surroundings combine to create an unforgettable experience. So, take the plunge, immerse yourself in the warm waters, and let the enchanting Blue Lagoon rejuvenate your body and soul.

However, the pandemic has also forced a perspective that we may have been okay to dismiss in normal circumstances. Our environmental impact became evident during the pandemic, with reduced travel and tourism, though this would be only a temporary reduction. Meanwhile, we’ve learnt about the importance of supporting our local economy.

For these reasons, many people are now opting for a staycation this summer. Here, we explore the rise of the staycation, but also how it may affect the environment and what we can do to be more sustainable.

Jetting off the table

The aviation industry is one of the largest global contributors to greenhouse emissions, creating 2 per cent of all human-induced carbon dioxide emissions, and 12 per cent of all transport sources.

However, figures reveal that the flight frequency of global airlines has reduced dramatically during the pandemic. The latest figures show that at the start of 2021, flight frequency had fallen by 73.5 per cent when compared to the start of 2020. These numbers are recovering, but airlines still expect a difficult summer, with public health guidance limiting our international travel options.

According to the Global Carbon Project, during the peak of the pandemic, aviation emissions were reduced by up to 60 per cent. However, the motivation to maintain longer-term reductions remains. The question stands, will the pandemic and our own sustainable ambitions motivate us to stay at home in the UK?

Caravan parks and eco-perks

While international travel remains restricted into tiers, escaping to campsite and caravan parks has become increasingly favourable for a public eager to escape their homes. In fact, UK Google searches for ‘caravan parks’ are currently up 329 per cent since the start of the year. For this time of year, searches are 100 per cent higher than they were in 2019.

For caravan parks, the pandemic has been a difficult period. In 2020, it is estimated that caravan parks lost £832,500,500 in the UK. That’s based on the UK having 55,000 touring caravans with each spending approximately £1,500 per year.

However, caravan parks and campsites have been permitted to open since 12^th April in England; meanwhile, sites are currently open at some capacity across the UK. They are becoming one of the most viable options for holidaymakers to venture away from their immediate surroundings.

Lenny Gilpin, owner of Curran Caravan Park, Larne, Northern Ireland, tells us how the reopening of campsites means more than a reignition for his business. The personal impact on customers is clear: “It was a very difficult year for everyone, and we’re just incredibly pleased that this year, we’ve been able to resume some form of normality. We can see the real impact that being able to attend campsites like ours has on people’s wellbeing.”

Don’t let the UK climate fool you. Pitching a tent, fetching the barbecue, and lighting up the outdoor heaters is everything you need for an enjoyable staycation. As long as we’re with our friends and family, you’ll realise that the cost of international travel isn’t always worthwhile. Even better, you can say that your camping trip is more sustainable than any other international vacation.

Is your cottage escape really eco-friendly?

As staycations become a more popular option for getaways with your family and friends, staying in a residential retreat in the countryside is also becoming a popular option for many that are looking for all their home comforts. But how sustainable are these properties?

You may want to consider how these properties are powered, especially if they are off-grid. Country homes that use oil as opposed to LPG are not as environmentally friendly. LPG is a lower-carbon alternative to oil, with approximately 20 per cent lower carbon density. Because LPG does not contain sulphur, it also burns cleaner.

If you’re looking for a sustainable getaway at an off-grid residence or campsite, you should try to ensure the venue uses LPG to power the utilities. This includes propane and butane, the same gas you would use to power your gas BBQs. While we are already selective over our flights to avoid a heavy environmental impact, also consider how your staycation residence affecting the planet.

Are you planning a staycation this summer? Have you considered how your visit will impact the environment? By remaining in the UK, you’re already helping to repair the economy and damage of the aviation industry. But now, we must take steps to ensure that our holidaying plans are more sustainable than ever, whether that’s using cleaner gas to power our BBQs or staying local.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104036/novel-coronavirus-weekly-flights-change-airlines-region/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/science-environment-54018542

http://www.currancaravanpark.com/

https://www.flogas.co.uk/news/oilvgas

With this said, where better to admire the views the UK has to offer than in the north of England? Home to rural hotspots including national parks, lakes, reservoirs, castles, and even gardens, the North is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From long hikes to cosy cafes out in the wilderness, we discuss the best Northern locations to visit. We also look at the activities you and the family can engage in.

The beauty of the lake district

It’s a well-known fact the Lake District is a hotspot for those that love long treks up challenging mountain faces and bike rides through the forests. So much so, recent data finds that searches for ‘Lake District holidays’ draws in an average of 8100 searches per month.

For those that are eager to explore the beauty that this district holds, it’s important to know the most popular places to visit. According to recent search data, ‘Helvellyn’ is the most searched for attraction, accounting for an average of 27,100 monthly searches. Situated between the natural waters of Ullswater, Thirlmere, and Grasmere, Helvellyn is a 950-metre tall mountain that is ideal for expeditious walking enthusiasts. Absorb the stunning views of the Lake District and get your heart pumping on the trek of a lifetime.

For those that prefer a less physically demanding trek in the countryside, Lake Windemere is the second most favoured activity to try in the Lakes District. It accounts for an average of 22,200 monthly searches. Renowned for being the longest body of water in England stretching a staggering 10.5 miles, it is surrounded by mountains, forest regions, and parklands. If you are looking for a way to give the walking boots a rest for a day, jump in a boat trip journey across the lake. Or, take part in a water sports experience. You could also indulge in the history behind Wray Castle that is located on the western shore of this stunning lake.

If you want to test the waters of your hiking ability before attempting one of the larger mountains in the Lakes, take a trek up Catbells first. This short, yet steep climb appears to be the third most popular activity to indulge in, accounting for an average of 12,100 searches per month.

The wonders of Northumberland

Situated in the North East of England, this historic county is rich with picturesque landscapes and forests. With ‘Northumberland holidays’ accounting for 1,000 average searches per month, this is the ideal rural getaway.

As for activities, Alnwick Castle appears to be the main attraction that draws visitors to this stunning county. Rich with history and medievalism, Alnwick Castle accounts for an average of 49,500 searches per month. It is more recently famous for being the partial filming place for the iconic movie series Harry Potter.  If you too are a wizarding world devotee, take a trip to Alnwick Castle and discover where the magic began.

Stop overnight in an Alnwick accommodation and make a pitstop at Alnwick Garden whilst you’re in the area. Accounting for an average monthly search of 18,100, this garden complex is bursting with wildlife. It has picturesque views and relaxing walks through the wilderness.

With 8,100 searches per month, the Farne Islands are ideal for keen adventurers that enjoy boat trips to the rugged Northumberland Coastline. Setting sale in Seahouses, enjoy a variety of boat trips. From sunset cruises, to diving experiences, the Farne Islands have an activity suited for everyone’s interests.

The history of Yorkshire

Located in the southern regions of Northern England, Yorkshire is bursting with history. The area welcomes thousands of tourists every year. ‘Yorkshire holidays’ is, unsurprisingly, searched an average of 1,000 times per month.

If you’re wondering what others have done during their visit here, ‘Yorkshire Wildlife Park’ has the highest number of average searches at 90,500.  Since its opening in 2009, this park is home to over 70 different species of animals. The park is considered to be a dynamic centre of conservation and welfare.

Located eight miles outside the charming town of Harrogate, the mystery that is ‘Brimham rocks’ appears to be of high interest to visitors. The term is searched an average of 22,200 times per month. With a history spanning over 340 million years, these rocks are a geological gold mine for those interested in all things historic. This site is a result of the collision of two continental plates many centuries ago.

Alive with history and striving in antiquity, the ‘National Railway Museum’ is a highly sought-after tourist destination too. The museum clocks an average monthly search of 12,100. Dedicated to educating its visitors about the engineering fascination of railways, this museum hosts an admirable collection of engineering brilliance and innovation.

Country Durham’s days out

Home to the mighty High Force waterfall and picturesque city centre, County Durham is full of activities for people of all ages. Other than the abundance of woodland treks and adventures to enthral on, take a break from walking and visit Beamish Museum. Accounting for an average of 22,200 monthly searches, Beamish Museum reflects what it was like to live in North East England during the 1820s and 1950s.

For more history-fuelled adventure, Durham Cathedral boasts almost a millennium of pilgrimage, worship, and history since 1093. Accounting for an average of 14,800 searches per month, this cathedral consists of more than just a tranquil place to sit and absorb the beauty of its remarkable structure.

As for other structures that lure a medieval aura, Raby Castle appears to be another popularly searched destination, averaging at 9,900 searches per month. Dating as far back as the 14^th century, the Raby estate features not only the manor house that the Viking King himself, Canute II the great, built himself, but also the Neville family who built a castle that still stands today.

When it comes to staycation holidays away, the North of England is the perfect place to switch the phone off and get the walking boots on, as you discover the natural beauties this splendid, rural region has to offer.

Sources

https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/walking-routes-helvellyn/

https://englishlakes.co.uk/lake-district-attractions/lake-windermere/

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks/features/geology-and-history-of-brimham-rocks

https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/about-us