The Motorhome Holiday Company expects 700% rise in rental demand this summer

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A Bristol-based motorhome firm is anticipating a 700 per cent increase in demand for its rentals this summer when compared to two years ago.

The Motorhome Holiday Company is already 90 per cent booked for July and August, as Brits look to staycation at home amid uncertainty around foreign travel.

Despite the demand, the firm actually believes not all of the bookings will be taken up, as families hedge their bets and book multiple holidays as Covid restrictions constantly evolve.

It expects ten per cent of its motorhome rental bookings to be cancelled and is reassuring customers who haven’t yet booked that there will still be some availability this summer.

Matt Sims, managing director of The Motorhome Holiday Company, told CaravanTimes: “We are already seeing customers cancel and others who have been actively spread-booking.”

In some cases, the company has seen cancellations occur and then customers asking to rebook after countries such as Germany failed to make it onto the government’s green list.

The Motorhome Holiday Company has been monitoring the availability rates at campsites across the UK for this summer on a weekly basis.

Its most recent estimates for the season suggest there’s still more than 50 per cent of space left at Ceredigion and Powys in Wales, as well as the Isle of Wight, Leyland in Lancashire and St Columb in Cornwall.

The latter may come as a particular surprise, as Cornwall is predicted to be one of the top destinations for a holiday in the UK this summer.

Anyone who is still yet to book a motorhome stay in England’s southwestern tip would therefore do well to try St Columb, which is just six miles from the ever-popular Newquay.

The Motorhome Holiday Company offers a service to help holidaymakers find pitches through its campsite availability alerts, which are sent out weekly.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Siggy Nowak 

Would you double book a caravan park and a foreign holiday?

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With the uncertainty over foreign holidays still rife, there’s concern some Brits may be booking both a staycation in the UK and a trip abroad with the intention of cancelling one at the last minute.

Despite the government having issued its green list of countries Brits can visit, many are booking up caravan pitches in case their plans are changed by new outbreaks of coronavirus.

This is being facilitated by flexible cancellation policies designed to give holidaymakers peace of mind when booking caravan parks.

It has the potential to cause problems for sites, however, as visitors cancelling at the last minute means they may not fill all their pitches.

Caravan sites are keen to recoup some of the money lost from a year of intermittent lockdowns and a late start to the season.

Families may also find they miss out on the chance of a staycation to a group that has also planned a trip abroad and cancels at the last minute.

Michael De Jongh, chief commercial officer at bookings software provider Avvio, said: “Many holidaymakers have booked both a foreign holiday and a UK stay and our data shows they’re often holding on to both.

“If they decide at the last minute to risk a holiday abroad, a late rush of cancellations in the UK would create chaos across the whole industry.”

Caravanners are requested to give as much notice as possible if they need to cancel, so the park can offer up the pitch to another group of guests.

Full parks not only help the accommodation providers, but also other businesses throughout the local economy, ensuring they survive for summers to come.

Demand for staycations remains high and many caravan parks are nearly fully booked for the school holiday months.

The advice remains not to travel without a booking, as touring caravans are unlikely to be accommodated on a whim this season.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Mew wy

“Don’t go for shiny; really consider the detail” when buying a new motorhome

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“Don’t go for shiny; really consider the detail.” This is the advice being offered by CaravanTimes’ own motorhome guru Dan Cartright for anyone looking to purchase a new leisure vehicle.

He spoke to us recently about the things he always looks out for when considering a motorhome, keeping the way his family lives at the front of his mind.

Layout

There are a number of different configurations for any given space, which will broadly fall into certain categories. Have a look at wildly different models to see how they vary and which layout has the best ability to deal with your needs.

Dan said: “Really consider the details, because these are the things that will make your holiday pleasurable or a little bit annoying.”

Separate seating area

If you’ve spent the whole day driving, ask yourself if you want to be sitting in the exact same seat all evening. Different vans of similar sizes can offer separate seating areas from the driving seat, so keep this in mind.

Central locking

Right the way through from van conversions to A-classes, not all leisure vehicles have central locking. That includes central locking on the habitation door, which Dan described as “super annoying” if it’s missing.

Having to go around and physically put a key in the lock of every door doesn’t sound like a lot, but it will quickly start to grate on you. If you use your new leisure vehicle regularly, you’ll notice the difference.

Keys

Ask whether there are different keys for your outside storage lockers, as it’s these types of things that can prove frustrating in adverse weather conditions. Dan gave the example of coming back after a day of surfing and having to try multiple keys when it’s cold and you just want to get into the warmth.

Motorhome holidays should be as simple and stress-free as possible, so having confusing, multiple sets of keys is something to avoid.

Water and waste capacity

Think about how much water and waste your potential purchase can hold. This is particularly important if you’re thinking about going off-grid, as a caravan with a small water and waste capacity could become an issue.

Consider this in relation to the number of passengers you’ll be travelling with. Solo campers and couples will have different needs to a family of four and can be the difference between staying on campsites or wild camping.

Plugs, sockets and USB ports

Look at the number of sockets available and where they’ve been positioned. Many people like to charge their devices at night, for example, so sockets close to the beds are important for them. Making do or trying to adapt provision later on can mean losing valuable space.

Dan said: “Space is at a premium in these vehicles and by the time you’ve got a four-gang adaptor plugged in on your kitchen work surface, there’s no space on the work surface to do anything else.”

Think carefully before making such a big purchase

Buying a motorhome is likely to be one of the largest purchases you ever make and represents a commitment to a certain type of holiday for the foreseeable future. While some of the advice given here seems almost pernickety, it’s amazing how the small things can become important.

Dan summarised: “Start thinking about the real practicalities. So, when you’re in it and you’re sitting there relaxing in the evening, you have the amenities you need. When you’re cooking, are there the plug sockets and the space for what you need to do?

“When you’re in bed, is it big enough? If you’re tall, do your feet stick out the end of the bed? Even silly things that get misconsidered include whether there’s somewhere to put a glass of water or a cup of tea next to the bed.”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

Live it up in Cornwall like Jesy Nelson or staycation in North Wales like Andrew Lincoln

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Searches for staycations have increased by 384 per cent, according to Park Leisure, but which UK destinations are the most popular with celebrities?

Cornwall is well known as being at the top of the list for a caravan or motorhome getaway, but it’s also a good spot for a bit of celeb spotting.

Former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has enjoyed holidays in England’s most southwesterly county, as has fellow popstar Rochelle Humes with her family.

Peter Andre indulged in two quintessentially Cornish activities when he holidayed there with his brood, surfing and catching crabs on the county’s famed coast.

Cornwall isn’t the only staycation destination that has proved a hit with the rich and famous, however, with North Wales boasting a number of famous guests.

The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln holidayed in Snowdonia with his wife, where they enjoyed watersports at Conway Valley Lagoon.

Prior to her husband Derek’s battle with coronavirus, Kate Garraway spent a weekend having seaside adventures near Abersoch, with the couple making family memories with their two children.

The Beckhams may own a holiday home in The Cotswolds, but you don’t have to be a successful footballer or fashion designer to enjoy a break in this part of the world.

This quintessentially English area spanning 800 square miles lends itself to a touring holiday, letting you explore each of its distinctive areas from rolling hills to chocolate box villages.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “We’re so lucky that the UK has so many incredible holiday destinations, and you can tell how popular they are due to the frequent visits by celebrities, as well as the stars choosing to invest in holiday homes here.

“With uncertainty around holidays abroad, there really has never been a better time to explore the beauty of the UK.”

 

 

 

Photo credit: Daily Post courtesy of Park Leisure

Nick’s News – Staycation bookings, leisure vehicle demand and roof tents

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Week

It’s all about the bookings this week. But I’m lucky, as while I have managed to reserve pitches at a series of sites throughout Wales, Scotland and even Northern Ireland, they’re all for the month of August.

Like you, it’s a question of waiting now to see what develops on the Covid front. Still, at least I have some plans, no matter how vague, and can only hope that things do work out for the best for the whole country.

As the saying goes, better the optimism of the action than the pessimism of the thought.

In the news

Double bookings – an on-site collaboration

Two leading campsite booking platforms have announced plans to combine and I think it’s a good thing. ACSI and camping.info have joined together under the ACSI camping.info Booking banner, so you can investigate and book sites throughout the whole of Europe plus the UK, as well as find out more about late availability, facilities and localities.

ACSI should be no stranger to anyone seeking out information on some 10,000 campsites throughout Europe and the UK. Camping.info is the largest campsite platform on the German-speaking market. Between them they already boasted some 40 million visits to their websites and apps, so I guess it made sense to come together. Bigger sometimes is better.

Still soaring – leisure vehicle demand going up, up… and away

The demand for caravans and motorhomes continues to rise. The background is dealers wondering just how they are going to get stock to suit a seemingly ever-growing group of new customers. And, because they’re newcomers, they don’t have anything similar to trade in.

Vehicle retail site Auto Trader reports year-on-year demand is up a whopping 148 per cent and 117 per cent for motorhomes and caravans respectively – and that’s just for April.

It also reckons getting on for two-thirds of all adults in the UK are planning to holiday right here, rather than risk going abroad. Whilst a not particularly appealing vision of the near future is our roads and campsites packed with leisure vehicles, I can’t help feeling it’s an almighty blip at the moment and things will even out over the next two or three seasons.

Motorhome for me?

Staycation – campervans with an edge

I know what you’re thinking… oh no, not another name in the campervan sector. But wait, there are some key differences here. Staycation is an initial launch of two Volkswagen-based campers: Shoreline, and the more upmarket and more interesting, Coastline. They are being sold through a trio of well-respected specialist motorhome dealers – Southern Motorhome Centre in Bracknell, Berkshire; Webbs Motor Caravans near Reading; and the VW Kamper Centre in Hampshire.

I did see the early vehicles and they do look considerably better than many dealers’ attempts to get into this bit of the market. They feature some neat touches like fitted gas tanks, which also increase internal storage space considerably; a rather flirty multi-coloured, dimmable kitchen lighting strip; and 18-inch alloy wheels. 20 inches just don’t cut it for me, for many reasons!

They also boast a Skyline roof, which is UK-made and, again, better than most home-produced products I’ve seen to date. The furniture quality seems a cut above, too, with a generous range of colour finishes and soft furnishings.

Early models are using T6 Transporters in Highline trim with 150PS engines and DSG automatic transmission, which can be argued is the best blend. And that Staycation name is pretty spot on, too. Indeed, pretty good timing all round. Find out more here.

Three good: A cut above the norm, with a great blend of specification and quality, practical details
Two bad: It’s early days, but there’s already too much choice out there!
Perfect for… all the usual campervan pluses, and a bit more
Also consider: Autohaus, Dirty Weekender, Ecowagon or Redline

Gadget envy

Roof tents – get ahead with an extra bed?

I bet you’ve never considered a roof tent. Me neither, and yet… what an interesting concept. Essentially, a unit you can add to the roof of your car or motorhome, within reason, it’s an instant way of adding extra sleeping accommodation.

For campervan DIY-ers, too, it’s an interesting alternative to opting for an elevating roof section to your van. Simon Towell runs Roof Tent Utopia, based in Chichester, West Sussex, which is one of quite a few specialist roof tent retailers.

He talks of a sales explosion: “It’s a growing market. It’s cool. It’s going to really grow over the next two to five years. To be fair, I’m a latecomer (as a retailer). We’ve had them for 15 years, including when our three kids were sleeping in one. And now, my son has his own roof tent on his own car.”

He says he sells to a “real mix… including those who’ve tried caravanning and not liked it, and those who can’t afford a motorhome. We’ve even sold a couple to a guy running a quirky motorhome hire site.”

I’m rapidly getting in with the roof tent lingo. Soft shells are all-canvas and can be sourced from the likes of DTBD and Sheepie; while hard shells are produced by Femkes and NaïtUp Hussarde; hybrids, which are a mix of both, come from Femkes again. Prices start at £1,100 and go through to £4,000.

Roof Tent Utopia stocks all of these, with the Hussarde brand the latest addition to a display of around 20 different models in total. They’re a superior quality item due to being handmade using premium Cabanon cotton fabric, with an ABS shell.

Caravan parks with shared facilities reopen

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After months of lockdown restrictions, caravan parks with shared facilities can reopen to the public as of today (May 17th).

Owners of self-contained motorhomes, typically including a toilet and a shower, have been able to get away since April 12th, but those with a simpler setup have had to wait.

Over the coming weeks, many sites will open for the first time this year, looking to recoup some of the income lost during 12 months of disruption due to Covid-19.

Caravan staycations are likely to be more popular than ever, as they represent an opportunity to get away without having to navigate the uncertainty of green list foreign holidays.

Haven is among the operators that has been counting down the days until it is permitted to welcome guests back to its parks across England and Scotland.

It said: “There’s no need to travel far to find a little peace and we’ve got fresh air by the bucket and spade load.

“We don’t want you to miss out on your slice of the action, so book early to bag your spot on the Great British coast.”

With many sites being booked up months in advance for this summer, the advice is not to travel without a pitch confirmed.

Holidaymakers are reminded to follow the wider rules in place when embarking on a trip, which include a limit of six people or two households indoors at present.

Anyone itching to get away with their friends can enjoy the company of 30 people, as long as they only meet up outdoors, which fits well with the caravanning lifestyle.

While the move to reopening caravan sites with shared facilities represents a step towards normality, visitors will notice a number of changes.

Holiday parks are required to collect NHS Track and Trace information and will have processes in place to help mitigate the risk of transmission.

These include widely-spaced pitches, one-way systems and more regular cleaning schedules.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Waldemar Brandt

Indie Campers launches graduate programme as it eyes growth

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The conditions are perfect for a surge in outdoor tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and this has already been seen in the leisure vehicle industry, where sales and rentals are reaching record highs.

One company that is anticipating an uptick in demand is Indie Campers, a campervan rental company based in Lisbon, which now operates out of 40 locations.

It has launched a graduate programme to attract fresh talent straight out of university for an opportunity to join the business at an exciting time.

Hugo Oliveira, CEO and founder of Indie Campers, said: “I started the company right after finishing university and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the talented people working with me on this journey.

“Most of our employees have joined fresh out of university, and grown with the company by balancing what they lack of experience with passion, commitment, hard-work, self-drive and creativity.”

Applications are open until June 4th, when Indie Campers will select the top 15 candidates to join the team as junior associates on a nine-month, full time, paid contract.

This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills within the industry and the top performers will then be invited to stay on working with the team at the company’s headquarters.

Indie Campers aims to become the number one road trip marketplace, which is particularly impressive when you realise it was operating with just three employees from a small office in 2015.

Now, more than 200 people from in excess of 30 countries work to match over 2,000 campervans, motorhomes and converted fans with prospective holidaymakers.

In the UK alone, Indie Campers offers leisure vehicles to hire out of locations in London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Further afield, Reykjavik, Lisbon and Porto, which lie within green list countries from May 17th, also operate as Indie Campers hubs.

Nick’s News – Cookie cutter campsites, the campervan revolution and the Bailey Adamo 69-4

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Nick HardingNick’s News – Nick Harding is an expert in all things motorhomes, caravans and camping. Each week, Nick explores products, locations, holiday ideas and essential community information on our behalf – It’s a Hard-ing Life for Nick, but here is what he found this week.

My Motorhome Week

Look, no motorhomes! It’s a bit different, but my latest trip away was to the tiny Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel for a short stay in a disused lighthouse. Bad weather saw two nights turn into three, then switch from a ferry to helicopter on the return leg, which put paid to a visit to Stowford Farm Meadows campsite near Ilfracombe in North Devon.

Hey ho. It was, er, interesting and, to be honest, yet another reminder of how cost-friendly and flexible a leisure vehicle trip can be. Lundy was lovely with its seclusion and ‘away from it all’ vibe, but it’s back to campsites for me now.

In the news

Cookie cutter campsites? Me neither

The latest news from France’s prestigious chain, operating under the Les Castels banner, stresses they’re not “cookie cutter campsites”. Not a phrase I’ve heard of, but I sought answers and was given the following explanation:

“Cookie cutter sites mean places that are all chips off the same block – formulaic and all the same – so it can apply to hotels, or anything really! Ibis and Novotel would be good examples in the hotel business.”

I get it now. And how apt in respect of Les Castels, whose 25 top-drawer, independently owned sites – often in the grounds of a chateau, or similar – really do offer something above the norm. Indeed, the introduction this year of the Castels Suite concept – pitches that are already reckoned to be some 15 per cent larger than rival offerings, but with their own amenities blocks adjacent (yes, your own shower and toilet) – takes social distancing to appropriate new levels.

It’s not a completely new idea, as I do remember staying on a site in the Netherlands providing the very same facility, over a decade ago now.

Campervans – the revolution continues

Do you need further proof that campervans continue to increase and increase in popularity? Revolution Campervans, which would readily admit is hardly up there amongst the real big players (yet) has announced it’s spent some £1m on new factory premises, capable of producing up to 500 campers a year. What’s different here is the company says it’s happy for folk to come along and see how its campervans are made. So, if you’re anywhere near the Oundle Marina at Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, you might just want to go there and find out more for yourselves.

Motorhome for me

Bailey Adamo 69-4 – first of three

Nick inside the Bailey AdamoI’m rather impressed by Bailey’s approach (pun intended) when it comes to its Ford-based coachbuilt trio under the Adamo name. The floorplans are just a bit different (more continental, says Bailey) and it’s a notable move away from the Peugeot/Al-Ko chassised vehicles Bailey has served up to us to date.

Of the initial Adamos, it’s the 69-4 that’s proving most popular in terms of sales. Effectively a four-berth, thanks to an electric drop-down bed over the lounge, which itself can also be converted to a double, the clever stuff also includes individual travel seats that fold out from each settee base when you want to take a full complement of four on tour.

I say effectively, but I’d have to argue it’s far more comfortable as a two-person motorhome – especially as the kitchen, full-width washroom and extensive shelved wardrobe at the very back, set over a decent garage space – really do help it add up to a formidable motorhome.

And that four-berth capability comes at a cost – the rear travel seats take up a lot of useful space that would otherwise be given over to storage. The easy-driving Ford Transit base – complete with smooth-shifting automatic transmission as standard – does help complete a good, all-round package, though.

Three good: Four-berth capability, well specced Ford base and drop-down bed
Two bad: Rear seat travel is not the best and the table could be sturdier
Perfect for… Couples!
Also consider: Benimar Tessoro 483 or Chausson 640

Gadget envyThe Leatherman Bond multi-tool

Multi-tools – they’re magic

Why carry a payload-grabbing, space-thieving toolkit when you can have a multi-tool? Leaving aside the argument that having both would be best of all, there’s so much to be said for a multi-tool – those handy items not much larger than a penknife but offering so much more in terms of fittings.

Few would argue against Leatherman as the top name in multi-tools (well, it was the originator of such products). It’s added to an already extensive portfolio with the all-stainless steel, 6.6cm-long Bond – possessing 14 features (a mix of the usual screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, strippers, openers and more), all backed by the usual 25-year warranty.

Better still, the main blade is short enough that the Bond can be with you at all times without fear of falling foul of the law governing the carrying of knives. There are plenty of other ‘names’ to look out for here – Gerber, Stanley, Skeletool, SOG, Victorinox… it’s a long list.

Just don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ve got a real bargain with some low-priced unknown. You really do get what you pay for here.

 

Boutique campsite to pop up on the Lowther Estate this summer

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A pop-up campsite with a focus on rewilding after months at home is set to feature within the Lake District’s Lowther Estate this summer.

Camp Eden will run from July 19th to August 16th, encouraging visitors to take part in a variety of outdoor activities while enjoying upmarket accommodation.

After a day of hiking, cycling or wild swimming, guests can relax in a luxury bell tent, Bedouin tent or Indian shikar tent.

Alternatively, Camp Eden is also offering pitch and park spots, where up to four people can enjoy the surroundings and amenities while sleeping in their own tent.

In the evenings there will be camp fires, craft beer and woodfired pizzas available.

The site is being launched by the creative team behind Kendal Calling, the music festival that has been held in the Lake District since 2010.

They said: “Camp Eden will be an incredible experience for anyone desperate to escape to nature and unlock their wild side.

“After what’s been a long 12 months, we’re excited to look forward to a summer of rekindling our passion for the great outdoors.”

The pop-up site will be a unique opportunity to stay within the grounds of Lowther Castle, which is located just outside Penrith.

When it was constructed in the 19th century it featured 365 rooms, but was gutted in 1957, leaving behind impressive ruins that provide an especially dramatic backdrop to any camping trip.

Visitors will be able to explore the ruins, discover the extensive gardens and set off on an adventure through the estate’s woodland.

The on-site adventure playground features one of the largest tree houses anywhere in the world, highlighting Camp Eden’s appeal for both families and groups.

Bikes can also be hired from the estate, putting the nearby attractions of the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, Aira Force waterfall and Ullswater Lake within easy reach.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios

VisitScotland recommends its hidden gems for a motorhome or caravan staycation

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VisitScotland has highlighted the benefits of a motorhome or caravan staycation when exploring some of its lesser-known locations. While the North Coast 500 remains popular, there are plenty of other places to explore that are just as appealing but likely to see fewer visitors as the country opens up post-pandemic.

Lyndsey Richardson from VisitScotland told CaravanTimes: “When planning a staycation, it can be difficult to narrow down where exactly to visit. However, if travelling by caravan or motorhome, you have the luxury of visiting multiple destinations in comfort and working to your own agenda.

“With the freedom of being able to pull over, where appropriate, and explore rugged landscapes and scenic coastal environments, Scotland has many caravan and motorhome sites and holiday parks – perfect for setting up base for a night or two, before continuing to explore all that Scotland has to offer.”

Scottish routes featuring hidden gems

Glasgow to Machrihanish

The first of the routes recommended by VisitScotland is Glasgow to Machrihanish, which takes in the Kintyre peninsula – one of Scotland’s most secluded destinations. Not only that but the route leading to it is positively spellbinding, according to the experts.

To get there, drive your motorhome or caravan from central Glasgow, following the A82 as it winds past Loch Lomond, before embarking upon a breathtaking three-hour journey down the A83. This section of the route is sometimes referred to as ‘the long and winding road’ and is one of the UK’s most scenic drives in the UK.

Along the way, you’ll take in the Rest and Be Thankful Pass, skim the shores of the picturesque Loch Fyne, and pass the stately Inveraray Castle. Continue along the beautiful Kintyre coast to Campbeltown, before making the short cross-country drive to Machrihanish.

Here you can pitch up at the well-equipped Machrihanish Holiday Park, which offers a complete range of home comforts including free Wi-Fi and a view overlooking the acclaimed Machrihanish Dunes golf course. Don’t forget to bring your clubs!

The Coig

Alternatively, why not celebrate Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters with an adventure that takes in swathes of Scotland’s coastline?! The Coig is a combination of five driving routes, where visitors can enjoy exceptional scenery, outdoor adventure, nature and history.
Each one is circular and they’re of varying sizes, so you could choose the route that matches the amount of time you have available for your staycation or combine multiple itineraries for a longer trip. Select from The Shire, The Shiel, The Arran, The Bute and The Cumbrae to explore various sections of Scotland’s west coast.

  • The Shire is 138 miles long and takes in the landscapes that inspired Robert Burns, who was born in the area.
  • The Shiel has connections to the Vikings and its 55-mile length offers a magical mix of heritage trails, wild dunes and rock pools.
  • The Arran is perfect for outdoor activities, so throw your bikes into the motorhome before you set off on this 70-mile route.
  • The Bute is the 22-mile drive for architecture lovers, with highlights including Mount Stuart House and Gardens, and the recently refurbished Rothesay Pavilion.
  • The Cumbrae is only ten miles long, but offers the chance of spotting a selection of the island’s 125 bird species, seals, porpoises and basking sharks.

Plan ahead

Getting back into caravan and motorhome trips in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic requires a little bit of adjustment. While they represent a great way to enjoy a self-contained staycation, there are a number of things to take into consideration.

Ms Richardson said: “When planning a road trip across the UK, it’s important that visitors get the most out of where they are going by doing their research and booking ahead where possible. Particularly important, given the events of the past year, is that visitors make sure they know [the current rules] before they go.

“This includes checking the Scottish Government website, the VisitScotland website and any local destination websites to ensure they are aware of all rules, restrictions and safety procedures relating to Covid-19. Visitors are asked to do their research before travelling, pre-book where possible and be aware that restrictions will vary in different parts of the country.”

VisitScotland also recommends looking for the Good to Go Logo, which is an industry-wide standard and consumer mark developed to demonstrate businesses have completed a Covid-19 risk assessment to ensure they have everything in place to open safely.

VisitScotland is an exhibitor at the second online edition of Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show: Destinations presents Travel 2021, which is online now and until Sunday 16th May.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Daniel Manastireanu

Celebrating 60 years of caravans and motorhomes at CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf

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There’s a major milestone on the horizon later this year, as CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf celebrates an auspicious achievement in 2021.

We’ve all missed the buzz of live events in the last year, given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption this caused. So you’ll be pleased to hear there’s good news on the horizon for lovers of all things caravan and motorhome.

CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf is ready to celebrate its 60th birthday this year, with the event one of the standout shows on the international calendar for anyone with an eye on the newest innovations in touring. This year it’s scheduled to run from 27th August to 5th September.

The show first began in 1962 and every year since has drawn crowds of thousands of visitors eager to see the latest vehicles across the leisure market space. 

Despite the impact of COVID-19, the event did go ahead last year – drawing crowds of more than 107,000 from around the world. It was managed in a socially-distanced, responsible manner though, with attendance down by more than half from 2019.

Needless to say, many measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place this year. Even so, we’re extremely pleased to celebrate such an important milestone for a show that has brought us huge enjoyment over the years.

“Right from the start, CARAVAN SALON was conceived as a new products and innovations event. It now plays this role not only for the premieres of the new generation of vehicles, but also for all important innovations in the supplier and accessories industry,” commented Stefan Koschke, project director of the CARAVAN SALON.

“The CARAVAN SALON was and is the most important indicator for trends in the caravanning industry.”

CaravanTimes will keep you up to date around all the important news and releases in the run-up to CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf 2021, so watch this space for more to to follow as the excitement grows in the months ahead.

Consider the environmental impact of your next touring getaway

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With summer fast approaching and plenty of opportunities emerging to head out in our caravans and motorhomes as lockdown eases in the months ahead, have you thought about the environmental impact of your next touring getaway?

It’s an issue you may not have considered given the excitement about an impending return to our beloved touring lifestyle, but new research from campervan and motorhome rental company Camptoo shows it’s something that many of us are increasingly taking to heart.

According to Camptoo’s findings, there’s been a 436 per cent increase in search volumes in the UK for the term ‘eco camping’ since 2017, while searches for eco-friendly products have grown by an impressive 2,833 per cent.

Everything from bamboo cutlery to wood-burning stoves are now available online, so to see this surge in demand for eco-friendly, reusable items is something we’re extremely pleased to witness. 

Indeed, you might not consider the carbon that goes into producing things like disposable plates or one-time-use camping equipment, but doing so can help to reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment when planning your next caravan or motorhome break.

Camptoo’s head of wanderlust Ed Bassett commented: “With a vast array of products from composting toilets, recycled and refurbished campervans and growth in the use of portable solar chargers all now readily available at reasonable prices, making a few switches here and there can have a great effect on reducing your carbon footprint.”

He added: “It’s wonderful to see so many people take an interest in the environment and looking for ways in which they can improve how they live and travel and the equipment they take with them.”

Ultimately, environmental awareness is something we all need to consider when enjoying the great outdoors. It’s therefore great to see so many of us embracing a more sustainable way of touring and, by the looks of it, it’s a trend that’s set to go from strength to strength in the years ahead.