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.

Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish to explore Scotland by campervan for new series

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Emma Dodd

Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are to take to the road in a campervan to discover their homeland for a new TV series.

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham will chart the adventures of the duo as they explore the food, culture and history of Scotland.

McTavish, who plays Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander, introduced the idea: “A land that is cut through with lochs and mountains that weave like some kind of tartan kilt: Scotland.”

Airing on the cable network channel Starz, Men in Kilts will consist of eight 30-minute episodes with the series launching on February 14th.

As suggested in the title, the two presenters will be wearing kilts as they travel across their home country meeting artisans and experts along the way.

Outlander fans will be able to spot a number of locations from the show that have been pivotal in the history of Scotland.

These include Inverness and the site of the Battle of Culloden, as well as Glencoe, where a major clan feud was played out.

Expect plenty of sweeping scenic shots as the stunning landscape of Scotland takes centre stage, reminding caravan owners of the incredible roadtrips they could enjoy after lockdown.

Christina Davis, president of original programming at Starz, said: “The genuine curiosity and passion that Sam and Graham have for the landscapes they visit and the stories they uncover while travelling through the heart of Scotland makes Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham a truly enjoyable journey of discovery for the audience.”

The friendship of the two actors is also evident throughout the series, as they enjoy banter in each other’s company in contrast to their relationship in Outlander.

First broadcast in 2014, the historical drama with a time travel element has proven popular and continued for five seasons to date, with series six now in pre-production.

Cumbria park looks to re-imagine the staycation

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By Emma Dodd

Looking ahead into 2021, the boss of one Cumbrian caravan site is determined to tackle the challenges of a post-Covid world in a positive manner.

Henry Wild, who is the director of Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in the Lake District, is using the winter months and renewed lockdown situation to make changes to the site.

He is throwing out the rule book and swapping traditional ways of doing things with innovative solutions to modern-day issues so visitors can have the best possible holiday experience when Skelwith Fold reopens to the public.

No area of the business has been neglected in Mr Wild’s grand plans, with everything from eco-friendly buildings to an exciting forest trail for youngsters being brought to fruition.

He said: “The old order has now changed forever, and holiday providers are no exception to the need for re-examining how we go about our business.”

The family-owned caravan park has learned from experience in 2020 and is ensuring that all development work takes the need for greater distance between guests into consideration.

Located in an area of incredible natural beauty, Skelwith Fold Caravan Park will be doing its bit to preserve the environment going forward.

Mr Wild explained how the new three-storey extension to its reception and office building will achieve this vision.

He said: “The building also recognises the importance of clean energy, which is why we are installing high-efficiency solar panels and an air source heat pump to reduce our carbon footprint.”

One of the main aims for the site going forward is to make it a go-to destination for families keen to enjoy the great outdoors.

A £150,000 play zone was installed at the caravan park last year and the new additions being built this winter will increase its pulling power for younger guests further.

Mr Wild said: “It will be great fun, but once again draws on lessons learned that being outdoors in the fresh air and staying active is one of the best tonics for physical and mental wellbeing.”

National Geographic includes caravanning in its 2021 travel trends

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By Emma Dodd

Prestigious magazine National Geographic has included caravanning in its roundup of family travel predictions for 2021.

The publication highlighted the increased desire to get back to nature and escape the incessant news cycle as a key factor in this trend.

Camping and caravanning is the perfect way to do this, whether you have your own touring van or opt for luxury options like an Airstream or a glamping pod.

National Geographic said: “Plan your trip ahead and go off-grid in the likes of Shropshire’s Wrekin Forest for a back-to-nature experience and woodland walks on your doorstep.

“Alternatively, pitch up in the grounds of Somerset’s award-winning Earth Spirit Centre, on the edge of Compton Dundon, for a tranquil rural retreat.

“For family-friendly excursions, mystical Glastonbury and the Wookey Hole caves are around a 20-minute drive away.”

An uptick in staycations, which began in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, is certainly something many travel experts are predicting to continue well into this year.

With even local travel being off the agenda at present, smaller trips closer to home will feel all the more precious and caravanning is a good way to make them happen.

National Geographic pointed towards this in another one of its predictions, which it called ‘Adventure on your doorstep’.

A number of travel companies well known for holidays to far-flung destinations are expanding their offerings to UK and Ireland trips, reflecting the new appetite for holidays at home.

Planning a self-driving tour of the Wild Atlantic Way, for example, is a great way to add a real sense of adventure to your holiday plans without going too far afield.

National Geographic also acknowledged the need to stay within bubbles or support groups, which is likely to continue well into 2021.

Caravanning is an easy way to achieve this sort of seclusion, as well-appointed vans are effectively self-contained holiday facilities.

The publication reminded readers of the importance of helping tourist destinations and the hospitality industry recover from the pandemic by returning to these much-loved places.

Now is the perfect time to embark on a caravan makeover

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By Emma Dodd

With the country being plunged back into lockdown, your caravan might be the last thing on your mind right now, but it’s a great place to look for hope and to focus on the future.

Lockdown projects have proven popular in the first and second wave of restrictions and there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be the case now we’ve been asked to stay at home once more.

In fact, now is the perfect time to give your caravan or motorhome a fresh new look, as the vaccine offers hope you’ll be able to get out and about in it in the not-too-distant future.

While many people who had not embraced the touring lifestyle before went out and purchased vans to do up, we think it’s a trend firmly confirmed caravan aficionados can embrace too.

Why now is the time

Since none of us are supposed to be going very far from home, you can start a fairly large DIY project in your caravan safe in the knowledge you won’t be caught out with an impromptu trip away.

Spending some time thinking about your beloved leisure vehicle and planning the changes you want to make can offer focus at a time when so much seems out of our control.

It will represent an investment in all the future trips you’ll be able to enjoy once the coronavirus pandemic is over and touring can return to normal.

Tasks to give your caravan a new look

  • A lick of paint – use a specialist product that is designed to cover materials like wood veneer and MDF to give your caravan a totally new vibe.
  • Replace the soft furnishings – it’s amazing how new curtains and reupholstering your van’s cushions can make it feel like a whole new caravan.
  • Brighten it up with new lighting – depending on the age of your caravan, switching bulbs for LEDs may be a task you’ve put off for a while, but it will make your vehicle a lot brighter.
  • Add extra fittings – over the years you might have thought about adding extra shelves, mirrors or other fittings to your van and now would be a great opportunity to get it done.
  • Invest in accessories – from microwaves to awnings and new sound systems to trendy cookware, there’s plenty of ways to add a little luxury to your leisure vehicle.

2021 Touring Resolutions

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By William Coleman

Well, last year certainly was one for the books. Now we have a fresh new year ahead of us we look forward to bettering ourselves and plan for a brighter touring future.

It’s safe to say that 12 months ago we looked at the new year with a tad more optimism than we may do this one. With that in mind, the CaravanTimes team are smiling and very much looking forward to making 2021 the best it can be.

Our main focus of 2021 is to get outside as much as possible, all while sticking to the guidelines set out by the government. We all may have to stay in or stay close to home but we can still better ourselves. Why not cook that one dish you’ve avoided or dust off the guitar and finally learn to play?

With all that in mind here are some of our New Year’s resolutions to keep this year bright and wonderful.

Getting active and fit

It seemed that during the various 2020 lockdown periods people went one of two ways: slimmed down with exercise or raided the biscuit tin a bit too often – we shan’t name names. Now that we have a new year ahead of us we can use the fresh start to reduce the waistline and look and feel your best.

There may be changes to the rules on going outside and where you can visit, but Boris and co urge you to exercise and stretch those legs.

Emma Dodd of CaravanTimes said: “My resolution for 2021 is to get outside every day. I live on the coast and enjoy stunning views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. Whether it’s going for a brisk half an hour walk on my lunch break or a coldwater swim, usually at the weekend, I always feel better after going outside.

“Looking out of the window at the Scottish weather can sometimes be off-putting, but as Alfred Wainwright said, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’. So, this year I will endeavour to step outside my front door at least once a day no matter what the elements throw at me and irrespective of how many layers I have to put on!”

There are so many advantages to getting outside and staying active. Its been proven that your mental wellbeing is positively affected by both exercise and being in the wilderness. If you ever have anxiety, a brisk walk in the woods is the best medicine. Now you can see why caravan holidays are becoming so popular.

On top of that, the healthier you are the better your body can fight off colds, the flu and other types of illness. This is a win-win resolution that we all should take up.

Try a new activity

As of right now, travel has a slight question mark over it due to the spread of Covid, but we have our fingers crossed that at some point this year we can travel freely to destinations right here in the UK and try something new.

One CaravanTimes videographer, James Lee-Warner, has taken up long-distance cycling and had planned several road trips last year that he was unable to complete. He has vowed to take at least one of these adventures this year once travel is safer.

“Last year I had to cancel a lot of cycling trips due to not being able to mix with other households. This year I will be reducing the numbers of people I’d planned on travelling with and stick to those I live with.

“Once the rules ease I will be hopping on the mountain bike and cycling from the Isle of Dogs down to the Jurassic Coast. After the 127-mile ride, I am hoping to find a fossil, but I would settle for a cold pint and a big bag of fish and chips by the sea”, said James.

Whatever you want to do this year, look back at 2020 and live every day to the fullest. Take nothing for granted and set yourself some life goals that are going to make you happy and healthy.

Why your caravan is your biggest home schooling asset

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By Emma Dodd

With parents in England and Scotland having been told their children won’t be going back to school until at least February, you’ll be glad you have a caravan.

That leisure vehicle sitting on your drive represents the biggest asset you could possibly wish for when it comes to home schooling.

An extra room, separate from your house

The beauty of your caravan is not just that it offers you more space, but also the ability for your child to ‘go’ to school.

Keep it as a distraction-free area where they can get into the right headspace to work, away from toys, games and the comforts that define home.

Stock it with all the resources they’ll need and use it to display the best examples of the work they complete while being schooled from home.

Divide and conquer

Depending on your family dynamic, you’ll want to organise your home schooling arrangements in varying ways, but giving members of your family their own space will be imperative.

It could be that you have two parents at home both trying to work and therefore taking your child off to the caravan will allow them to get some tasks done without interruptions.

Alternatively, your main issue could be siblings being disruptive while their brothers and sisters are practising their handwriting or learning algebra, so take them off to the caravan.

Everything you need to hand

Decisions to close schools happen quickly and parents don’t tend to have a lot of time to plan and organise their kids’ learning resources or keep things tidy.

Before you know it, school books are hidden under piles of toys and the precious time you’ve assigned for working with them has been used up on hunting for resources all across the house.

Using your caravan as a classroom means you can keep all the learning paraphernalia in one place and don’t need to pack tasks up that can be completed the following day, making everything run more smoothly.