Forget WFH, these people are WFC – working from campervan

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By Emma Dodd

When the first lockdown struck nearly a year ago, a large proportion of the country found themselves working from home (WFH) overnight.

Now that we’re in lockdown three, there’s a different trend that’s sweeping the nation and doesn’t break any of the rules.

Working from campervan (WFC) has become a reality for some people, as they look for office space on their doorstep, but without the distractions posed by being inside the house.

And it’s not just those who already owned a campervan that have seen the potential, as there’s a growing number of individuals who have rented one solely for the purpose of getting work done undisturbed.

Sara Tasker, a business coach with a seven-year-old child, told the Metro that she hired a campervan to work in when the January lockdown was announced.

She had explored the idea of renting office space, but it didn’t suit her needs during the pandemic and she was feeling desperate for a way to be able to concentrate fully on her work.

Ms Tasker told the news provider: “There’s nothing else to do in there. I can’t do any housework, all I can do is focus.”

She has justified the expense of hiring a campervan to work from by totting up the amount of money she’s saved on not going on holiday or out for meals since the pandemic began.

Ms Tasker is not the only person taking advantage of the WFC trend, with rental company Quirky Campers having noticed people hiring their vans as offices recently.

Among such customers, there have been plenty of creatives – and especially writers – who require time away from homeschooling and other responsibilities to think clearly and produce results.

Since campervans tend to have a kitchen and a toilet, there’s no need to head back into the house and get embroiled in what’s going on in there during your working time.

Leisure vehicle bookings are currently not permitted for holidays as everyone is being asked to stay at home, but hiring them for work is allowed.

Saving energy and cash with your caravan

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By William Coleman

Last week was Big Energy Saving Week 2021 (18th-22nd of January), and experts from different sectors have been sharing their top tips on how caravanners can save cash on their energy bills.

If there’s one thing to be said about the touring community, it’s that we are a mindful bunch who care about the environment and the areas we choose to travel to.

Saving energy is about more than just keeping the bank balance healthy, it’s also about conservation and keeping our planet healthy for future generations.

As conscious caravanners, you may want to invest in some new additions to the van that can help save you money and the planet at the same time.

These small changes, suggested by UKCaravans4Hire.com, could see you saving a few hundred pounds a year in energy costs.

Solar Power

Solar power is one of the best, and most popular, sources of renewable energy for homes across the globe. Why not add this method to your caravan?

In today’s world, there are downscaled solar panels that can be added to the van without adding too much extra weight – something we should all be mindful of when adding aftermarket fittings.

There are even certain leisure vehicle manufacturers that add solar panels to vans during production, so this is an accessible option – and one that the leisure industry is already very much onboard with.

Portable solar panels specifically designed for caravans usually generate around 60 W, 80 W or 120 W, depending on their size. If you are interested in adding solar power or buying a new van with it already equipped, speak to your local dealership – they should also have access to aftermarket panels.

Water saving gadgets

Wasted water is one thing that can happen easily – most of the time it goes unnoticed when touring. By installing water-saving devices, you can go about your business without having to pay too much attention to your water consumption.

Adding water-saving measures means you can reduce wastewater and disposal fees. Low-flow water devices can be attached to taps and showerheads to reduce the amount used. Shower timers can also be installed directly into shower pipes, if compatible with your current setup.

Making these changes to your leisure vehicles or homes can also allow park-home owners (static parks in particular) become eligible for the government’s £5,000 Green Homes Grant voucher to pay for the installation of energy-saving home improvements.

Gareth Irving, director of UKCaravans4Hire.com commented: “Making small changes throughout your property can create big savings on your energy bills. As many caravan owners use their caravans as second homes or purely as holiday properties, they mustn’t forget about the ongoing bills, such as those for energy, and consider how these can be brought down.”

It is not just the UK embracing vanlife in a Covid-ravaged world

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By Emma Dodd

With the uncertainty of foreign travel that has come with the coronavirus pandemic, Brits have embraced the staycation and sales of motorhomes, caravans and campervans have been booming.

But it’s not just the population of the UK that has opted for holidays at home recently, as folks in Europe, the US and Australia have all been embracing the vanlife trend as borders close and travel corridors disappear.

Take Germany as an example, where motorhome registrations hit a record high in 2020 and show no sign of abating in the next 12 months.

According to the German Caravaning Industry Association, there were in the region of 80,000 newly registered motorhomes last year alone.

The situation is similar across the continent and manufacturers are taking note of the trend and looking carefully at the types of leisure vehicles that are proving popular.

Compact campervans that can be put to use for impromptu getaways, as well as driven on a day-to-day basis, are seen as the ultimate purchase in an unpredictable world.

Klaus Rehkugler, the new head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans, said: “We are very satisfied with the current order situation for our Marco Polo camper van family – in 2021 we want to sell around 25 per cent more of these vehicles.”

He went on to say that the brand intends to take advantage of a real potential for growth that it predicts is coming in subsequent years.

In Australia, there’s also an appetite for smaller leisure vehicles, as staycationers set out to explore their own backyard.

This is being driven by a desire to be more environmentally responsible and cost-conscious. It’s easier to heat and cool smaller motorhomes than vast RVs.

CNBC’s Jim Cramer summed up why the appetite for living the vanlife has been ignited all over the world in recent months.

He said: “Camping … is the perfect Covid vacation” and “you can still practice social distancing, especially if you’ve got an RV. One of these things lets you shelter in place and travel at the same time.”

Virtual review: The Bailey Unicorn Black Cadiz

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By William Coleman

As the world becomes more virtual, we thought it was time to have a browse around Bailey’s online showroom to take a peek at the Unicorn Black range. After an online tour, we had our eyes firmly set on the all-new Cadiz.

The Cadiz was a standout model for us at CaravanTimes due to the spacious rear washroom and central kitchenette. This layout has a special place in our heart, as we used an almost identical model to travel all over Europe on a three-week press tour with Bailey.

This style of layout tends to be a popular option due to how well-spaced each area of the van is, especially when it comes to night-time living. Like most single-axle models there are some compromises on space; walking through bed areas to get to the washroom isn’t always ideal, but this van deals with these niggling issues well.

Exterior

Like all Bailey models, the Cadiz features the high-performance GRP skinned ‘Polar White’ Alu-Tech bodyshell. Whether your chosen destination is in the UK or further afield, this outer shell makes the Cadiz a van that’ll keep you cool when touring in the hot summer months.

In addition, because of its thermal properties, and Truma’s cold chamber testing, the Cadiz is also perfect for winter holidays, too. The van can withstand temperatures as low as minus 15 Celsius, and we should know – we tested it in the Arctic!

A new exterior feature for this year is the 14-inch alloy wheels that come with a graphite finish. The alloys are eye-catching, but they will require frequent cleaning to keep them looking showroom-sharp.

The new ‘Back Edition’ graphic scheme makes the Bailey branding stand out, this is unmistakably a Bailey van, but it is the interior that makes this caravan, all in all, a favourite of ours.

Interior

When it comes to Bailey’s van interior decor, they always play by the numbers and stick firmly to what they know sells, which is based heavily on market research and customer feedback.

Inside the Cadiz, you’ll find a mixture of light and dark colours that contrast well and create a modern feel while maintaining the core features of the classic caravan. This ‘modern-classic’ theme can be seen throughout all of Bailey’s leisure vehicles and they don’t have much competition when it comes to blending classic caravanning with modern interior styling.

Inside the living room, you’ll find the Brompton colour scheme soft furnishing on the sofa seating – this feels more classic than modern, while a shade or two darker grey may sit better – but this colour comes as standard, so you can customise this to your taste. This year there is the optional ‘Alperton’ soft furnishing to choose from, but this does come at an extra cost.

The overhead lockers have had a total makeover and may just be the standout change for 2021. The design team opted to introduce a new dual-colour cream gloss finish to the new Italian design lockers.

There is also a textured canvas strip on each overhead locker door that looks classy. However, this could become smudged and would need fairly regular polishing/cleaning due to the nature of the lockers and the usage they see. Wipe clean is always the best option inside a caravan, especially on surfaces that only ever get touched by hand.

Washroom and kitchenette

It’s in the kitchen area where you will find a new branded feature that is both practical for use and a great way to show Bailey’s branding power. The new black Perspex splashback highlights the model’s logo and chrome detailing.

As subtle as this new feature is, it makes a lot of difference to the styling of the kitchen. The light reflects from the Perspex and makes it look as though it’s independently lit by LEDs. These small additions are what we like to look out for; the smallest detail can influence the final buying decision.

This year seems to be the “Year of the Sink” as almost every major manufacturer has added different style basins in the kitchenette. Bailey opted for a stainless-steel, round kitchen sink with concealed fixings, swan-neck mixer tap, washing up bowl and drainer.

The Cadiz features a domestic-style rear washroom with a basalt stone finish. There has not been a huge change to the washroom, but it’s still one of the nicer bathrooms in a caravan in this price bracket. The shower cubicle is large and the wash basin’s size rivals one you find at home.

Night-time

The evening formation of this caravan is quite a common one; by day you have clear access to the entirety of the van, and come bedtime this can be sectioned off.

One thing we would like to see is a partition blind that would close off the two rear single beds from the living room, but that may interfere with the ease of access to the rear washroom. This is a tricky one, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you travel with light sleepers.

At the rear of the caravan, you have two static single beds and the lounge features two benches that can be made up into a large double.

Each bed features beech slat bases with sprung-hinged tops for extra comfort and ease of access to the under-bed storage compartments.

Verdict

Bailey’s new Cadiz is a well-made caravan that follows a long line of desirable Unicorn models and sits well in the current line up. Some caravan lovers think that four-berth single-axle models will not have enough space for a family of four, but having travelled around Europe in one of this layout’s predecessors, we can safely say this van can accommodate four adults with ease.

With an on-the-road price of £25,599, you are getting a high-quality van. There is stiff competition out there at this price range, but with Bailey, you know you are getting a van that has been extremely well tested. The vans are handmade right here in the UK at Bailey’s factory in Bristol, so you know you’re getting that Great British quality.

Tow car review: Land Rover Discovery SD6 Landmark

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By William Coleman

Not all tow cars are equal and the new Land Rover Discovery Sport stands tall alongside a small number of luxury alternatives. After a few hundred miles of driving – pre-lockdown – we have some very strong opinions on this near-£60,000 tow car.

Caravans come in all shapes, sizes and weights and each van is uniquely loaded by its owner. You’ll need the right tow car to meet these specific towing needs and requirements. With the Land Rover Discovery Sport, you can tow the largest van and payload with absolute ease.

Make no mistake, this is one of the higher-end tow cars on the market and does come with a hefty price tag. The Discovery, or Disco as we like to call it, can set you back around £600 a month. We suggest doing your homework before committing. Take into consideration the vehicle’s kerb weight and any potential driving licence restrictions.

Driving and handling

CaravanTimes had the pleasure of testing the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbocharged Diesel 306HP model and it is an absolute beast, yes that is a good thing.

With a vehicle this heavy (2,311 kg), we were surprised at how well the vehicle adapted to every road surface. We went down all the roads you’d expect to find on your travels when testing, such as dirt tracks, roads with puddles and potholes, and the Disco didn’t even flinch.

This sports SUV can be a powerhouse on the motorway, as nimble as a hatchback in town, or down those smaller trickier roads. It is a fantastic example of the kind of vehicles that are being produced by Jaguar/Land Rover.

Under the bonnet, you have 306 horsepower to play with that provides a maximum torque of 700 Nm, so you will have very few worries towing a large six-berth twin-axle caravan.

One observation we made was the braking distance, and it has to be said, it was not the best. The Disco is weighty on its own, now add the caravan and you will need to preemptively brake to ensure you have a safe braking distance ahead of you.

The automatic eight-speed gearbox is a delight and could turn a lot of those avid manual drivers to the world or automatic driving. The word “effortless” comes to mind when breezing along in the Disco; at times it felt like this SUV drove itself.

Interior and exterior

As standard, the Disco comes with a gargantuan number of specifications that leave a lot of its competitors’ premium models in the wind. This is very much a luxury SUV that has everything you need to make this both the perfect town and tow car.

The exterior of this SUV is instantly recognisable and is sharp looking. It is a basic design, but there is beauty in its simplicity.

Inside is just like the Tardis; there is so much space that you will not know what to do with it. The rear passenger seats are well spaced and can be divided by a pull down armrest. Cupholders and a large surface can be used for leaning, resting tablets, or just simply as an extra bit of surface, to keep the footwells clear.

If you are going on those long drives, be prepared for one of the most comfortable journeys you are likely to take. The seats are large and soft and are extremely well made. The leather is soft with cushioning that has a firmness to it that feels more like memory foam than your conventional seating sponge. When driving, be ready for the passengers to nod off thanks to its high levels of comfort.

This model is the Landmark edition that features some unique specs:

  • Fixed front and rear panoramic roof
  • Dynamic exterior design pack featuring narvik black accents
  • 20-inch five split-spoke style 5011 gloss black finish alloy wheels
  • Landmark edition badge
  • Privacy glass
  • Signature hi-line tail lights
  • Front fog lights
  • Satin brushed aluminium vertical finisher
  • MeridianT sound system 380 W

Optional premium extras:

  • Farallon black premium metallic paint – £1,695
  • Acorn and ebony interior
  • Heated front and rear seats – £325
  • Surround camera system – £635
  • Detachable tow bar – £765
  • Advanced tow assist – £375
  • Advanced Off-Road Capability pack: Active rear locking differential, terrain response two, all-terrain progress control (ATPC) – £1,125
  • 21-inch 10 split-spoke “Style 1012” gloss black finish – £1,590
  • 21-inch full sized spare – £100

Verdict

You can see that some people may be put off by the size of the Discovery, but the performance will soon dismiss any doubt. After racking up a few miles, you will realise that the size of this SUV is not an issue and is actually a positive. With this tow car’s size comes safety and comfort.

With an on-the-road price of £59,995 (£66,605 with all the bells and whistles), you are getting a lot of vehicle for your money. Depending on your specific needs, you may find a cheaper 4×4 or saloon/estate car that does the job without such a high cost.

As far as performance goes, the Disco is outstanding. Towing is a dream and you may never want to use another tow car again.

Northumberland anticipates surge in motorhome holidays this summer

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By Emma Dodd

Motorhome stays on the Northumberland coast are expected to soar this summer, as visitors embrace staycations after the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillors discussed the implications of a sudden surge of tourists in a meeting of the Beadnell Parish Council, reports the Northumberland Gazette.

The local county council brought together key stakeholders at a coastal summit last year, after a relaxation in Covid rules saw an influx of visitors to the area.

They are starting to make plans for more seasonal parking and campervan facilities to accommodate a similar influx of people this summer.

Among the most popular locations in Northumberland for motorhome enthusiasts are Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell, Craster, Boulmer, Alnmouth and Amble, all of which have struggled with tourism-related issues in the past.

Councillor Michael Dawson said: “The DVLA figures for 2020 show registrations of motorhomes up 71 per cent on the previous year and, in August, up 41 per cent and that’s with the uncertainty of lockdowns and the economy.

“I think it’s on the back of lots of people looking at staycations so whether we like it or not, it’s a fact these motorhomes are coming.”

Northumberland is a county of beautiful coastline and imposing castles, making it an attractive prospect for a caravan holiday.

Countryfile awarded National Park of the Year to Northumberland in 2020, demonstrating how its reputation is growing throughout the rest of the UK.

In order to ensure its natural beauty is not spoilt, it’s important that tourism is managed in a sustainable way and that includes provision for motorhomes.

Is Northumberland on your list of destinations to visit if travel restrictions are lifted this summer? Let us know in the comments.

Would you want an office pod in your caravan?

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By Emma Dodd

Most caravans aren’t being used for their intended purpose at present, as leisure travel is firmly off the cards during the UK’s third lockdown.

This has led to many caravan owners putting their vehicles to use in alternative ways, such as setting them up as homeschooling classrooms and offices.

But would you want to purchase a van that has a specific section dedicated as an office or will your caravan fall firmly back into the category of a space for fun and enjoyment post-pandemic?

Nissan has launched the NV350 Office Pod Concept, featuring a workspace at the rear of the van that is activated to unfold via the owner’s smartphone.

It is specifically designed to accommodate a work desk and full size office chair to make working from anywhere as simple as possible.

The idea of working from a caravan is not new, with numerous people deciding to embrace the vanlife concept every year.

Usually, they have a job that doesn’t require them to be in a fixed location or go into an office, giving them the flexibility to work on the road.

Most do not have the luxury of a designated workspace, as the nature of caravans and their limited capacity means adapting areas for different tasks.

The Nissan retrofit of the NV350 seems to suggest there’s an appetite for vehicles that focus more on the working side of vanlife than its potential for relaxation.

It’s clear that the world is going to emerge from the pandemic with a different attitude towards many things.

What it has demonstrated to a lot of people is that their jobs can be conducted from outside of an office, opening up all sorts of possibilities.

The question for some caravan lovers who don’t return to traditional workspaces will be whether they want to embrace the vanlife full time or continue to enjoy caravan trips as a way to escape everyday life.

Industry interview: We talk insurance with Caravan Guard

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By William Coleman

Leisure vehicle insurance is something that should never be overlooked and can end up saving you an absolute fortune. While leisure vehicles are taking a winter break, we spoke to CaravanGuard about the importance of all-year-round cover.

At this time of year, we are usually gearing up for our week-long stay at the Birmingham NEC show, where we get some face time with a lot of industry folk to find out what they have in store for 2021. Due to the pandemic, the February show had to be cancelled, but we are not letting that stop us from getting the key info from industry leaders like Neil Menzies, Caravan Guard’s director of relations.

CaravanTimes: For those who don’t know, who are Caravan Guard?

Neil: We’re a family-run business specialising in caravan, motorhome and trailer tent insurance. We have a close-knit team of 120 staff who would usually be working together in our Halifax HQ. Caravan Guard was born as part of a well-established insurance broker in 1995. Twenty-six years later, we have more than 100,000 customers, strong relationships with several hundred dealerships, manufacturers and converters across the UK, as well as an established presence at the NEC industry shows.

We believe we offer a great package of first-class service, value for money and extensive cover. Our policies are underwritten by well-known insurer RSA (formerly Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc).

The proof of the pudding, of course, is in the eating, so we’re proud the average satisfaction rating given by claimants is 9.1/10.

CaravanTimes: Last year the motorhome and caravan world saw a lot of first-time buyers. What advice would you give these newcomers when it comes to insuring their vehicle?

Neil: When insuring a leisure vehicle for the first time your dealership might work with an insurance specialist so it’s worth speaking to them. Look for a specialist in leisure vehicle insurance, like Caravan Guard, as they’ll be able to guide you through the quote process and how you can make some insurance savings.

We realise a lot of people will look for the cheapest caravan or motorhome insurance, but it’s important to make sure you check and compare the levels of cover so it meets your needs and that common risks, such as awning storm damage, are covered. Also, check the credentials of the insurance policy’s underwriter.

Finally, we’d suggest checking out customer review sites like Trustpilot to see what other owners think about an insurance company’s customer service and claims handling.

CaravanTimes: This may seem like an obvious one, but what are the advantages of having your vehicle insured?

Neil: It’s all about peace of mind, so if your caravan or motorhome is stolen or damaged in any way, owners will be put back in the same position they were in before something bad happened to their pride and joy. After all, many owners have invested many thousands of pounds in their leisure vehicle and if something bad were to happen, they don’t want to be left out of pocket.

Insuring your ‘van with ‘new-for-old’ cover also means that if it was written off or stolen and not recovered, you would be insured to buy a brand-new replacement or the nearest equivalent. Accidents can and do happen, even when your van is out of use.

From minor bumps and scrapes to significant storm damage to panels, road accidents and even fire or theft, make sure your leisure vehicle is adequately insured, should the worst happen.

CaravanTimes: How does leisure vehicle insurance differ from regular car insurance?

Neil: Unlike car and motorhome insurance, caravanners are not legally required to have caravan insurance. Specialist leisure vehicle insurance not only includes cover for the obvious things like theft, fire and damage caused on the road, but it provides cover for the equipment used by a caravan owner, such as awnings, motor movers, barbecues, solar panels and furniture, as well as accidental damage to fixtures and fittings inside the caravan, such as shower trays, worktops and seating.

Over the years, we’ve dealt with claims caused by a cow falling off a cliff, birds flying into caravans and a hungry horse!

Motorhome insurance is very similar to car or van insurance, but again, the main difference is that specialist cover is provided for the motorhome’s equipment inside the vehicle, as well as £5,000 of equipment cover for portable things that are taken on holidays.

Both policies give the option to take cover for emergency accommodations or ‘van hire, so you can continue on your holiday should disaster strike, as well as cover for travel in Europe. Our motorhome policy also includes UK roadside assistance cover as standard.

CaravanTimes: A lot of people think they do not need to keep their van insured during the offseason. This is a major mistake, right?

Neil: It might be tempting to cancel caravan insurance cover in the winter months, or even lockdown, if your ‘van is going to be laid up, to try to save a few pounds. Many common claims still do happen during the offseason, particularly weather or theft-related incidents. Leisure vehicles are often left unchecked in storage over the winter months with owners not finding damage until they return in the spring.

When we looked back at our caravan insurance claims from November 2019 to the end of February 2020, 43 per cent of claims payouts in the run-up to the first UK lockdown were when leisure vehicles were not in use, highlighting the importance of caravan insurance all-year-round.

The main risks facing a tourer over winter are accidental damage, stormy weather or theft-related incidents, whether that be caravan theft, attempted theft or thieves breaking into caravans to steal their contents. Also, not forgetting claims for damage caused by freezing weather conditions.

CaravanTimes: What type of different insurances do you provide?

Neil: We provide touring caravan, campervan, motorhome, trailer tent and fifth wheeler cover. We do offer, static caravan, chalet, holiday lodge, holiday home and park home insurance under our other brand Leisuredays.

CaravanTimes: Lastly, what is the most common type of claim Caravan Guard faces, we’d hazard a guess its theft?

Neil: Although motorhome and caravan theft are unfortunately on the increase, our most common claim in the last 12 months was damage related. Each year we deal with all kinds of claims for damage caused by manoeuvring mishaps, cracks and chips to windscreens and windows, falling tree branches and even cracked shower trays or spilt wine.

Claims trends differ from year to year and are often influenced by major weather events. For 2020, the most common claims were accidental damage, storm damage and theft.

Covid vaccines spark confidence in staycations

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By Emma Dodd

The travel industry in the UK is seeing a surge in bookings for staycations, as the rollout of coronavirus vaccines offers hope to potential holidaymakers.

Among those who have been making plans to get away later in the year, there is a big trend for so-called ‘silver tourists’ booking holidays at home.

As the over-50s are high up on the list of those to be vaccinated, they will be some of the first to enjoy the new freedoms getting the jab will be able to offer once restrictions are lifted.

Coach operator National Express has seen a 185 per cent uptick in reservations for the spring and summer compared to 2020 before the virus took hold.

Jit Desai, head of holidays and travel at National Express, said: “We’ve seen an increased appetite for travel in the last week or two, with an uplift in enquiries and bookings every time there’s been an announcement about new vaccine approvals and the rollout programme.”

He added that some of the bookings were trips that had been postponed from 2020, but others seem inspired by a new-found confidence in being protected that the vaccines are bringing.

Despite being hopeful, it’s likely that many Brits will enjoy holidays in the UK this year as a safer alternative to travelling abroad.

Staycations in caravans are expected to continue to be popular, as they offer the opportunity to remain relatively self-contained within your own household or support bubble while escaping the same four walls.

Caravan parks have made all the necessary adjustments to accommodate guests in a safe way, from increased cleaning schedules to staggered check-ins, ready to welcome visitors back when it’s appropriate.

The UK is currently under a national lockdown and travel is only permitted for reasons such as work or education.

Otherwise, Brits are asked to stay within their own village, town or the area of a city in which they live, putting staycations firmly off the table for the moment.

Motorhome facilities to benefit from Scottish government funding for rural infrastructure

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By Emma Dodd

The Scottish government has pledged £3 million to rural infrastructure projects in a bid to mitigate the impact tourism has on small communities and their facilities.

More than a dozen sites across the country that are managed by VisitScotland will benefit from the third round of the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).

These will include improvements to campervan facilities, parking, toilets and viewpoints in a bid to prevent a negative impact on places that ordinarily receive large amounts of footfall.

When it’s safe to welcome visitors back to these locations, it’s hoped they will be managed in a collaborative and sustainable manner along with local communities.

Among the projects expected to benefit are:

  • The Fife Outdoor Tourism Infrastructure Programme, which is set to receive £375,000 to set up a network of parking places, toilets and electric vehicle charging points. It’s a partnership between Fife Council and Fife Countryside Trust that looks after the Fife coastal path, the Pilgrims Way and Fife 191 driving route.
  • The Trossachs Visitor Management Project, where £375,000 of funding will enable Trossachs Pier, Ben A’an and Stronachlachar to offer better facilities for those driving cars or motorhomes and cyclists.
  • The management of visitors to Glencoe and Glen Etive, which is in need of an overarching plan. Everything from parking and paths will be covered by the £375,000 from the government.
  • St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, which will receive £201,925 for an additional 40 parking spaces for cars and motorhomes, refurbishment of the toilets and a chemical disposal point. The joint project between Aberdeenshire Council and NatureScot will also provide cycling racks and electric vehicle charging points.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive at VisitScotland, said: “It is so important that we support work that aims to improve visitor facilities and the visitor experience, particularly when the tourism, hospitality and events industries remain closed under the current restrictions.

“Tourism is a force for good and if managed responsibly, sustains communities in every corner of Scotland, creates jobs, tackles depopulation and improves the wellbeing of everyone who experiences it.”

Should you book your 2021 caravan holiday now?

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By Emma Dodd

We’re currently experiencing a global pandemic and all forms of travel are restricted, but should you book a caravan holiday for later in the year right now? This is a complex question and one that must take a wide range of factors into account, including your rights, your need to look forward and expected demand for staycations.

Something to look forward to

This may seem like a trivial consideration, but having something to look forward to is very important. Even if you end up having to push your holiday back due to ongoing restrictions, having a break scheduled into the diary will help keep the spirits up for many of us and encourage us to get through tough times.

Increased demand

Demand for staycations boomed in 2020 as international travel moved outside of the realms of possibility for most people. When restrictions were lifted, caravan parks found they were filled to capacity quickly and urged potential guests not to travel without a reservation. Experts in the industry are anticipating a similar situation in 2021 and are therefore advising holidaymakers to make their reservations sooner rather than later.

Amended cancellation policies

Caravan holiday providers are well aware of the concerns of their customers as well as potential restrictions that can disrupt a trip at short notice. The majority of park owners have therefore reviewed their cancellation policies to reflect the current situation, offering peace of mind for anyone looking to book at the present time. Carefully check these policies before committing to anything, so that you’re not left out of pocket if your holiday can’t go ahead.

Coronavirus’ impact on the industry

Do not underestimate what your show of support can do for an industry that is struggling in such uncertain times. Paying a small deposit towards a future holiday can help to keep businesses going at a time when they can’t welcome guests. If you’re in a position to demonstrate such support, it could help to keep more parks going in the long run.

Have you booked any caravan getaways for 2021 yet? Let us know in the comments.

123 motorhomes still missing a year after company collapses

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By Emma Dodd

More than 100 motorhomes are still unaccounted for a year after a rental company went into administration.

UnbeatableHire Limited collapsed in 2019, leaving investors out of pocket and 123 of the leisure vehicles in its inventory have now been reported missing.

Each of the motorhomes was associated with a particular investor, with some individuals having lent the company as much as £36,000, an investigation by the BBC has discovered.

Lenders were reassured that in the event of the company collapsing, they could claim the motorhomes as their own under chattel mortgages filed with Companies House.

But when UnbeatableHire Limited went into administration in December 2019, only 350 motorhomes could be found and a year on the others have not been located.

Further inspection of the company’s records showed that some of the vehicles had been marked as stolen, but Antony & Batty, which is acting as administrator, has not found any evidence that they were reported to the police.

Two of the company’s depots had suffered fires, which accounted for a number of losses, while other motorhomes were listed as having been written off.

More revealing, however, is the discovery that multiple chattel mortgages have been associated with the same vehicle, complicating investors’ claims on them.

Alistair from Glasgow is one of the lenders and told Radio 4’s You & Yours: “The administrator sent me a letter saying that my chattel mortgage was in fact a second mortgage on the same vehicle and the first chattel mortgage takes precedence.

‘This could be either maladministration or deliberate malpractice, but the end result is the same. Basically, I get nothing.”

UnbeatableHire Limited rented leisure vehicles to holidaymakers in England and Scotland under a number of names, with the most widely used being Motorholme.

It also sold some of its motorhomes, but as they have outstanding chattel mortgages against them, investors are making claims against the people who bought them from UnbeatableHire.

Andrew Hughes, managing director at UnbeatableHire, has said he’s “very sorry” for the inconvenience caused by the company’s collapse, but the situation is far from resolved with a number of investors looking to take the matter to court.