And this has given some of us an opportunity to discover some fantastic locations both in the North East and across the UK – perhaps places we would not have visited in usual times.
With the summer holidays in full swing, we called on our readers to shout out the best place they have taken a trip to for a day out or extended staycation.
From our own region’s breathtaking coastline to a city break elsewhere, here are some of your shout-outs.
We hope they provide some inspiration for a future family trip.
13. South Shields
A trip to the seaside in South Shields has it all - golden sands, a fantastic fair and unbeatable ice creams and chips! Photo: Frank Reid
14. St Ives
Cornwall has been a hot ticket staycation destination since restrictions lifted in England. Have you been? Photo: AFP via Getty Images
15. Sunderland
A lot of love for Roker and Seaburn beaches - the perfect place to enjoy a summer's day. Photo: Stu Norton
16. Weymouth
A seagull on guard in Weymouth, Dorset. The southwest coast has seen an influx of visitors in recent months. Photo: Getty Images