Lonely Planet and Coolstays are launching a summer contest for UK family day trips. Readers submit their favorite family outings across Britain, and the weekly winner receives a £200 voucher toward a Coolstays accommodation.
Tom Hall, editor at Lonely Planet, judges submissions each week. The competition targets school holidays when families seek activities to fill their calendars. Suggested activities include outdoor sculpture parks, riverside picnic spots, coastal hikes, and small theme parks.
Coolstays operates over 3,000 properties across the UK, ranging from farm stays to converted barns and holiday homes. The £200 prize covers midweek or weekend stays at participating locations. Past Coolstays guests book accommodations directly through the platform, which focuses on rural and alternative lodging outside traditional hotel chains.
This contest taps into post-pandemic travel trends favoring domestic UK holidays and outdoor activities. Family budgets for summer 2024 show increased spending on day trips and short breaks within the country. Coastal destinations and countryside experiences rank highest among UK families planning summer itineraries.
For travelers planning summer breaks, Coolstays represents an affordable alternative to standard hotels. Properties typically cost £80-150 per night for family-sized accommodations. The platform appeals to budget-conscious families seeking unique stays rather than chain hotels.
Winners share their tips publicly, creating a crowdsourced guide to UK family attractions. Previous winners have highlighted lesser-known spots alongside established destinations, helping families discover underrated days out beyond theme parks and major attractions.
The contest runs weekly throughout the summer school holidays. Interested families can submit tips through the Guardian Travel website. Beyond the prize, contributors gain exposure for their favorite local discoveries, benefiting tourism operators in rural and coastal areas nationwide.