Getaway time is precious and eagerly anticipated. With the global wave of Covid-19, Britain set for staycation boom. As airlines struggle to survive coronavirus, as lockdown is eased, the booking of UK summer staycations has gone through the roof. As we adapt to the ‘new normal’ following the coronavirus pandemic, short-term rentals look to be more popular than ever before, with travellers looking to book a private home, such as a cottage or cabin to reduce the need for having meals out or standing in check out queues. More of us are likely to be heading for beaches in Devon and Cornwall rather than the Costa Brava.
If the vaccine is going to take 12 to 18 months, some experts say that we may not actually go back to normal until August next year so that would wipe out two years for the tourism industry. With this in mind, websites such as Airbnb, Home Away and Canopy & Stars are likely to be very popular for post-lockdown stays. In fact, Aribnb have reported that 70% of this year’s most wish-listed listings for UK users are lodges, cabins and glamping accommodation showing that we’re looking for holidays away from others, out in the wilderness.
On that note, we know that mobile signal will be more important than ever, with those away wanting to stay in touch with loved ones; especially those who are vulnerable. The good news is that, if you are planning your summer staycation, O2 have announced a huge 4G boost in over 91,000 postcodes since start of 2020; including almost 400 tourist hotspots. From parks to beaches and hamlets in the Highlands; O2 have been working hard to enhance coverage in the country’s most remote areas.
Rural connectivity is crucial to the economic recovery of the country, which is why O2 now has 4G coverage in over 18,000 regional towns, villages and hamlets. This means less network congestion, faster download speeds and web browsing, an improved social media experience, and less video stalling. The announcement comes at a critical time as the nation emerges from the pandemic with a renewed reliance on technology. O2 experienced an initial 25% increase in phone calls at the start of the pandemic as Britons checked on their friends and family, with people spending 30% longer on the phone (on average) since lockdown.
Multiple National Trust and English Heritage sites have also welcomed a 4G boost, from the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury, to the scenic Shieldaig Island, tucked away in the Scottish Highlands on Loch Torridon. This means that local holidaymakers can visit these picturesque beauty spots with the reassurance that they can keep connected with their family, friends and Google Maps.
This year, O2 has also continued to roll out its next generation 5G network, allowing customers to access outdoor, ground level 5G coverage at over 300 popular UK destinations – including Covent Garden in London.
We know there has never been a more crucial time for keeping you connected and O2 in partnership with Active Digital, are leading the way in connecting even the smallest of communities. Proof that sometimes even the smallest improvements can make a big difference.
