You wake up to your alarm set for 3 am, stumble out of bed and cross your room to find your perfectly placed ‘airport outfit’ waiting to be worn. Your suitcase is packed, waiting for the final few toiletries left to squeeze in. You’ve got your aeroplane bag at the ready, filled with your kindle, headphones, eye mask, 75ml products, a pack of chewy sweets and of course your passport!

That’s one of the things I really miss about travelling. The buzz of waking up at ridiculous o’clock to catch your flight. Walking through the airport excited to getaway. Buying that first drink after you’ve gone through security because everyone knows whatever time of the day it is, an alcoholic beverage is a must before boarding your flight; especially if you’re a bit of a nervous flier like me. Even if that means substituting your morning orange juice for a cider!

Also, that feeling as you step off the plane. Getting hit with a blast of that hot, summer air. You’ve arrived! You’ve made it to a place where the sun is shining, the cocktails and local beer always on tap, all with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore whilst you sunbathe on a beach or walk around the local town exploring.

Whether it’s a holiday or more of a travelling trip, those times will come again; and I for one cannot wait.

Although I can’t complain, because as I write this I’m sunbathing in my garden in a nice 22-degree heat, with my deflated and leaf-filled paddling pool. Not exactly a 50-meter length pool with numerous inflatables to jump on, but my ice cream lilo will do just fine.

We all love a holiday, but a lot of us may be pretty gutted that this year, our holidays have or could be cancelled. But don’t worry, I’ve come up with some alternatives for an amazing summer in England. 

Have picnics

I’m not talking your bog-standard sausage rolls, scotch eggs and sandwiches, although they are a British staple that I enjoy, but why not try something different? 

We all know how unpredictable British weather can be and as we can’t go to restaurants just yet, adapt, treat yourself and make the most of the good weather when we have it!

Try ordering from your local Thai or Italian restaurant for collection, head to a nearby park, or simply sit in the garden. Or if you fancy cooking and you’re missing your favourite restaurant, why not try and make your own version of your favourite meals? Now I’m not saying you have to become a Michelin star chef overnight but why not cook your favourite foods from those restaurants where you always used to meet friends for dinner. 

Alternatively, just grab yourself a bottle of bubbly, a punnet of strawberries and give yourself a fancy mini picnic with some nibbles too. 

Buy the paddling pool, get a lounger 

When it’s hot, It’s hot. I can’t tell you how long it’ll stay hot for, but when it’s hot in England, we have to make the most of it. So while it’s hot enough to sit out and sunbathe, treat yourself to that paddling pool. You don’t even need the excuse that ‘it’s for the kids’ or for the younger members of the family. Get it for you!! Fill it up, grab yourself a drink and just enjoy yourself. Enjoy the time where you can just relax in the sun, in your garden without many distractions or time management you’ve got to stick too.

I even blew my ice cream lilo up and rubber ring so I could just float in the paddling pool. It’s not luxury, but it did feel like a little bit of heaven. And if you shut your eyes you can just imagine floating in Spain… kind of!

Alternatively, grab yourself a sun lounger. They are the perfect chair to snooze, sunbathe and relax in. Sit in the sun or shade, grab your book and enjoy. Otherwise, just grab your ‘beach towel’ and use that!

Make your own cocktails 

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am really missing going out for cocktails with the girls. Skimming the cocktail menu on what 2 for 1 deal you’ll get tonight, discussing with your friend which ones you’re both getting and agree to trade. 

But cocktails can be expensive, usually at a price of £9-£15 per cocktail if they’re not in a deal, which can become a pretty expensive night.

So why not make your own! Now we’re allowed to gather in groups of 6, gather your mates, bring some booze and mixers, google some cocktail recipes and get started. Not only is it an excuse to see your friends for some drinks (at a social distance of course) but it’s also an excuse to experiment with different cocktails. 

From Mojitos, Martinis, Daiquiri’s, Margaritas, Aperol Spritz and Pina Colada’s it's safe to say there’s a long list of cocktails you can certainly make in your back garden. 

Go out and explore 

I think sometimes we forget how much there is to do around us and throughout England. When we think of adventures or holidays, we think of going away, getting on a plane and going to a completely different country. But there is so much to do in England, especially if the weather is on our side; there are so many beautiful spots to be explored. 

Now, of course, main attractions and locations haven’t reopened just yet, but there’s still so much to do. 

Visit local towns that you may not have visited before. Walk around, explore, take in your surroundings. You might get lucky and pass an open ice cream shop, or restaurant that is offering take out that you can grab and eat in a park nearby.

Head out for the walks around you that you don’t usually do. Grab your bike that’s been sitting in the garage for the last few years. Make the most of the quiet roads, beautiful weather and make more of the freedom we’ve gained with unlimited exercise outdoors!

Head to an EnglIsh beach

The coasts we have throughout England are beautiful. From Cornwall, Devon, Bournemouth and Weymouth. We’ve got a wonderful selection of beaches that aren’t too far away. Jump in the car, pack your swimsuit and take a dip in the sea. 

Now a lot of us have probably seen the news where some beaches have become overpopulated so I wouldn’t recommend going to the hot spots, but find the quieter beaches or a spot on the beach that is far away from others, or maybe visit on a weekday. This way you can also fully relax without having to worry about people coming too close. 

Take your book, enjoy that sea air and don’t forget that picnic!

See family

I think everyone is finally relieved that we can now see more people at one time, so what a great reason to see your family for a bbq!

Grab some beers, make the cocktails practised, cook some good food and catch up on anything and everything that’s been happening since lockdown. If you’re lacking for conversations, because let’s face it, not a whole lot has happened while we’re in lockdown. Grab your speakers and put on some music and reminisce or plan what you want to do as soon as you’re able.

Summer in England doesn’t have to be bad. Then when we get to go on our holidays again it’ll feel ten times better. Just think of that feeling when you first step of the plane!

So, for now, stay safe, enjoy the sunshine (when it reappears again) and make that Mojito!

Amy x