With new and tougher COVID restrictions, going away for a weekend or a short break seems less and less like a possibility. And despite the fact many hospitality venues may have to close, you could still have a great time in a less affected area of the English countryside. How you’d ask? By booking a single let - your only Covid-safe holiday option.

What is a Single Let

Single let is a holiday accommodation for single household renters. Of course, it doesn’t mean only one person can occupy the property, but there will be no mixing of strangers and separate households. With that in mind, you can still make a great trip out of town even under the current COVID rules.

Why Single Lets are Safer

Although hotels and larger holiday let settings undertake strict safety measures, you may still have contact with other people, who are staying in the property and that increases your chance of getting infected. Communal areas are extremely hard to keep disinfected all the time. By renting a single let you eliminate that problem. It’s only you and your family sharing all the space in the property.

Who Cleans Single Short Lets

Single short lets are advertised as self-catering accommodation, but that only means you need to cook your own food. In terms of cleaning and disinfection, it’s pretty much like in a hotel. You don’t have to do it yourself. Depending on the booking you made you may have professional housekeepers cleaning the property daily, every other day or just after you check out.

All short let accommodations are always thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guest’s bookings. You can rest assured that when you check in, you will be enjoying a fresh, welcoming environment.

How Big are Single Lets

Single lets could be of any size. You can book a studio or a one-bed flat if you are travelling alone or with your partner. Or you can have a 5-bed house all for yourself and your family. It could be an ordinary city type of an apartment or a luxury countryside cottage.

Where to Book a Single Let

Single lets can be booked on a variety of short-let accommodation platforms, like AirBnB. To save additional fees you can book with the property owner directly. SA Oxford for example, offers lovely short let properties in Oxfordshire, perfect for business trips and small family getaways. All our properties are in close proximity to local amenities, transport links and just minutes drive to Oxford city and Blenheim Palace.

It’s not too late to start planning your Christmas breaks away from home. Most importantly, you can enjoy a good, quiet holiday without worrying about the risks of contracting COVID-19 and breaking the rules.

Looks like international travel for the winter holidays is off the table this year. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend Christmas at home. Britain has such lovely places across all 4 nations. And although travel rules may change for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is likely that you could still book a holiday somewhere in the English countryside. So, why not start planning your Christmas away?

Where to Go

Oxfordshire is one of the most popular holiday destinations for many British and international tourists all year round. Beautiful nature, rich cultural heritage and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside are only part of the reasons why you should visit. Imagine spending Christmas with your family in a village style cottage with a real and fully-functioning fireplace! Not a fan of rustic interiors? There are thousands of modern short lets that are going to make you feel cosy, comfortable and relaxed.

Where to Stay

If you are going away for the holidays, especially with your family, we’d not recommend staying in a hotel. Social distancing rules will be in place, the entertainment may be limited and although you don’t have to cook for yourself, it will hardly feel like a celebration. A much better and safer option in the current conditions of a global pandemic is booking a single let accommodation. You can find amazing properties of various sizes and styles anywhere in the country.

A pro tip: Book your short let accommodation directly from the owner. You’ll pay less fees and you might get a better service!

What to Do

We are not going to lie, a lot of the festive entertainment and Christmas markets are cancelled for the 2020 season. Luckily, Oxford Christmas market is not! It will take place between the 3rd and 20th December this year and you can enjoy the enchanting aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon buns, handmade crafts, and beautiful Christmas carols.

If you are looking for less mixing with people and more nature, take a walk at Waddesdon Manor. If you get cold, you can always stop by the Stables for a hot drink and visit the Aviary.

The Bicester Village shopping centre will also be open at that time of year if you need to do some last minute luxury Christmas shopping.

What About the Food?

If you book a short let accommodation, you will need to take care of your festive dinner. But good news is many local pubs and restaurants will be offering take out traditional meals. If you make arrangements in advance you might be able to order a special Christmas menu for you and your family delivered to your door.

Sounds like a good plan? We thought so! It’s time to choose the place you want to visit and get your accommodation booked. Don’t forget December is always a busy period no matter the extraordinary circumstances, so hurry up and get your accommodation in the bag.

Excited for the Great British Summer? No matter the madness around coronavirus, Britons are set to make the most of the summer holiday by touring the country. There’s no better time than now to visit all those places that constantly drive international tourists or to just reconnect with your roots. Countryside holidays are the hot sauce this year. But if you’ve never been on one before, you’ll need a little guidance to get ready. So, in this blog post we are helping you make a list of what to pack for your countryside holiday.

Your Wellies

Rule number one when going away to the countryside - always bring wellies. Rain happens frequently and suddenly in the UK, especially in the midlands and northern parts of the country. You don’t want soggy feet and your favourite shoes destroyed in the mud. Plus, you will probably be doing a lot of walking in nature, so you should be dressed in comfortable footwear.

A Hat

It’s summer, so you should expect the sun to be up and shining, but a hat is essential even in cloudy weather. A second later, it might be raining. It won’t keep you dry for long, but it would protect you from a gentle drizzle.

Denim Jeans

We are not a fashion magazine and don’t usually give styling advice, but if you are going to the countryside you need to bring at least one pair of denim jeans or shorts. They are comfortable and look great.

Waterproof Jacket

Similar to the wellies, a waterproof light jacket is essential on your trip to the countryside. If you are climbing hills or opting for some of the British islands you will need it for sure. Although days are usually warm and sunny, at night time the temperatures can drop dramatically, so maybe add your favourite sweater to the list as well.

Swimming Suit

A swimming suit is optional, but you will need it in almost any scenario. Even if you are not going on a beach holiday, you may be tempted to take a swim in a crystal clear lake or calm river waters.

Cosy Slippers

We are all about making you feel comfortable and relaxed. And what better item to bring that feeling than your favourite pair of cosy slippers. Not only your feet will feel loved, but you will be able to feel like you are at home.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Well, this should really go without saying, because they are essential items for any trip, even if you are just going for a sleepover at your best friend’s house. But a little reminder never hurt nobody. Pack your toothbrush and toothpaste along with any personal skincare and haircare products you use.

Things you don’t need to pack if you are staying in a Serviced Accommodation

One of the greatest conveniences of booking a short let accommodation is that it already has most of the things you would need and use at home. You don’t need to worry about bringing food, hair dryer, or simple toiletries. It’s all there for you. In many holiday lets, the owners even provide DVD players with movies or video games sets. Towels and bed linen are freshly made and changed as frequently as you require. You have access to all kitchen utensils and appliances, there’s storage space and unlimited privacy.

If that’s not a dream summer holiday, we are not sure what else it would be.

On 3rd July, the UK government published the full list of countries where travel for holidays will not be followed by a 14-day quarantine upon the return of the travellers. Most of these countries have also agreed to lift quarantine for UK arrivals. Many British holiday makers were excited they would be able to enjoy the sunny Spanish beaches, drink wine in France and savour authentic Italian food. But quite a few of the popular summer holiday destinations didn’t make the list. Aside from the inconvenience for some immigrant workers, these travel restrictions could be just what the British economy needed.

More people are thinking about British Tourism

Yes, summer in the UK is not as hot and sunny as in Portugal or Greece, but we do have a number of beautiful beaches, picturesque natural landscapes, historic monuments and attractions worth visiting. On 4th July, the restrictions on the hospitality sector were lifted and people are now able to book hotel rooms or entire serviced accommodations.

A lot of museums, action parks and farms open their doors for visitors from mid July or early August.

In our previous blog post, we shared with you the top 10 tourists destinations in the UK for 2020. From the mighty Scottish islands, full of historic spirit, through culture-rich Oxford, down to beautiful and lively Plymouth.

Hotels have already started bookings for non-essential stay through July and August in various parts of the UK. Similar is the case with AirBnB, independent holiday lets and serviced apartments. This means more people who work in the hospitality industry will be able to keep their jobs rather than relying on government help.

Hotels and holiday lets being back in business creates more jobs for other local and smaller businesses like cleaning companies, for example. Housekeeping and maintenance services are often outsourced to such organisations or independent cleaners. Statistically, a large percentage of the workforce in that industry is formed by Eastern European immigrants, who under current travel restrictions are discouraged from travelling back to their countries for the summer. This would mean, there are enough workers to meet the demand if it surges in the coming weeks.

Staying Home this Summer is Safer

Not travelling abroad this summer might be the more sensible option from a health perspective. The coronavirus seems to be still much active in many European and other countries around the world. Even the travel destinations with which the UK has established air bridges still have over 100 new registered cases per day. Tourist spots would be the fastest places to flare up not long after the flights start bringing holiday makers.

Furthermore, due to Brexit, some European countries started denying the validity of European Health Insurance Cards. Therefore, you will need to have a separate holiday health insurance to receive medical help during your time away.

Where to Stay on Your Staycation

Although you may be used to hotels and room service, if you are up for exploring the British countryside and beautiful sights, we recommend staying in a self-contained short let accommodation. This way you will enjoy in full a peaceful environment, your privacy and will be able to immerse into the local culture.

You can find enchanting cottages across the country with rustic interiors but fully functional and convenient. What’s more, staying in a serviced accommodation is safer than in a hotel. There are minimal chances of cross contamination and infection control is easier.

If you are planning a family trip, short lets should be the first thing you consider. Your holiday should be all about relaxation and making memories.

Would you be visiting a British town or area for your summer holiday this year?

This summer is all about British tourism. Although the government has negotiated several air bridges with several holiday destinations, many people prefer to stay in the UK and explore the picturesque countryside. We are definitely all for it and to make your choice for British holiday easier we put together the top 10 tourist destinations in the UK for 2020. Enjoy!

1. Plymouth

Plymouth has one of the finest British coastlines. Situated in Devon, the place attracts many tourists each year. It is a lively city with activities for everyone. Plymouth is the home of the National Marine Aquarium where you can see sharks and rays swimming around you. Almost like you would if you were scuba diving. Near the city there are many nature landscapes worth visiting and spending a few still moments there.

2. Lake District

Lake District is not only one of the popular tourist destinations for Britons but also for international travellers. It’s located in northwest England, in the Cumbria region. The place is a perfect choice for nature lovers and people who are looking for relaxation above all.

3. Yorkshire

If you are a keen fan of British history and medieval architecture, you would have a blast in Yorkshire. This whole region of north England is known for its rich Roman and Viking heritage. The houses of the famous Tudor rulers are also located there. In the area there are also 2 outstanding national parks and many museums.

4. Oxford

Up for a cultural trip? There is no better place than Oxford. Starting with the emblematic Oxford university, the entire Oxfordshire region has countless offers for an unforgettable summer holiday. In the area you will find many local farms, national parks, museums and shopping venues. Some of the brightest attractions in Oxfordshire are the Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Churchill and the Bicester Shopping Village. When you go to Oxfordshire make sure you book a serviced apartment or a holiday let instead of a hotel. This way you will be able to fully enjoy your privacy and truly savour the time spent in the countryside.

5. Tewkesbury

Tewekesbury is a market town in the West Midlands. It’s part of the Gloucestershire region, known for its incredible natural beauty. Not too far from the town is Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Imagine what a peaceful time you would spend in one of the cosy cottages local villagers offer to tourists.

6. Bodmin

Another great place in southwest England to visit this summer is Bodmin. It’s an urban town with rich cultural and historic heritage. One of the most popular attractions there is the Bodmin jail. It was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is opening its gates for visitors again on 1st August.

7. South Downs

One more fantastic spot for nature-loving holiday makers is South Downs. It is known for its chalk hills extending to the south eastern coastline. You can enjoy clean and serene beaches without many visitors and if you feel like having fun and more human interaction, Brighton is just an hour away.

8. Alderney

If you feel like having an island holiday, we have the perfect suggestion - Alderney on the Channel Islands. It is a tiny piece of land where it will be just you, historic sights and the ocean. And if you feel a little bit more adventurous, France is only an hour sailing away.

9. Outer Hebrides

Scotland is a truly magical country and one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the UK for 2020 is Outer Hebrides. It’s a chain of islands off the west side of mainland Scotland and absolutely stunning during summer. Here you can immerse in Gaelic culture and explore unique wildlife.

10. Wye Valley

Wye Valley is another area of outstanding natural beauty, sitting at the border between England and Wales. It is a rural area with incredible landscapes. It is where the Netflix original Sex Education was filmed and is now one of the hottest tourist destinations in the UK for 2020.

No matter where you decide to spend your summer holiday, don’t forget to make yourself comfortable and fully enjoy your time away from home. Hotels can be stressful and perhaps not so safe in the current global health conditions. Serviced apartments and holiday lets are by far the better choice.

Business executives often travel for work. They attend business meetings or training sessions outside of their residential town. In recent years we have noticed a growing trend - corporate men and women prefer to book short let accommodation to staying in a hotel. Why is that? Here are a few reasons.

1. Peace and relaxation

Business executives live under a lot of stress. When travelling for business they prefer to stay in a place that’s peaceful, quiet and provides total relaxation. Hotels are good for partying, socialising and perhaps going for some spa procedures. But when you have an important meeting in the morning, all you really want to do is sleep. Serviced apartments, also known as short lets, provide that peaceful and relaxing atmosphere those busy professionals are after.

2. Privacy

Short lets are privately rented and self-catered. This means complete privacy, where you can enjoy your own company if you are travelling alone or share it with just the people you want to. Business executives often need to discuss important information that should not be displayed publicly. Having a phone call of that matter at the hotel may be more risky than in a short let.

3. Convenience

Many hotels have limited parking spaces or none at all. If you are travelling for business out of town and diving, you would need an accommodation with available free parking. Booking a serviced apartment in a good and easily accessible location could be a convenient solution.

4. Space

Isn’t it better to stay in an entire flat or a house than just a room? Of course it is! Business executives are after the quality of their experience out of town, so the available space will always make a difference for them. There’s a private kitchen, a living room and essential amenities to use whenever the visitor needs them. It makes the place feel a lot more like home. And when you feel at home, you are more relaxed.

There is hardly any difference in the price of booking a short let and a high quality hotel room. However, the benefits of going with the serviced apartment seem to be a lot more than the traditional hotel stay.

Our short lets at Oxfordshire provide immaculate, peaceful atmosphere, comfort and easy access to all transport means. If you are going on a business trip anywhere in the area, we strongly recommend checking our available properties. You will feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. But don’t take our word for it, have a look at the reviews previous guests have left.

We are proud to be providing an excellent short stay experience at SA Oxford. Let’s book you in, so you can enjoy it too!