Making the most of the Bank Holiday weekend
With the Spring Bank Holiday on its way workers around the country will be looking forward to a deserved break. You may be hoping for some sun but there are no guarantees when it comes to the weather. To make the most of your break you need to give yourself options and with some careful planning you can make the most of your time off work.
Whatever you choose to do make sure you book early. Bank holiday weekends are very busy so try to avoid the rush. You will save disappointment and money by being organised and making an early start to your arrangements. If you are off to the coast think about what time you should set off. Friday evenings and Monday mornings are peak times so avoid them at all costs and pick a less popular time to travel.
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Why not stay close to home? If the weather forecast isn't great you might be best served by checking out some local attractions. Bank holiday weather is invariable poor so why face stress of traffic jams to spend a wet afternoon on the prom?
There will be around 18 million vehicles hitting the road for the next bank holiday weekend and that means more breakdowns. The AA attended 57,000 in 2009 and expects the same this year. You may be surprised to find there are lots of events taking place near home over the bank holiday and you want have to spend all day on the road to get there.
Try saving some money by looking out for last minute offers. There will be plenty of cheap travel deals, two for the price of ones and eat out for less offers. Check the press and Internet for the latest promotions. The National Trust have plenty of places of interest scattered across the country and they proudly boast that you are never more than 40 minutes away from one of their properties.
There are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying yourself on a budget. How about getting some exercise on the National Cycle Network. It's traffic free, signposted and has some great scenery. There is around 10,000 miles of track so there will be places for you to join in nearby. Alternatively, try one of London's free attractions like National Gallery, the British Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery. Look out for the Royal Park's, London has plenty of them and they are free. The will also have events running on the day.
Above all remember that bank holiday weekends are a time to get away from it all and relax. Whether you are off to the zoo, theme park, country home or a music festival. Try and avoid the rush and don't do too much. Just choose one or two things and don't run yourself ragged trying to fit too much in.
