By Chris Littley
After the weekend’s announcement that small concessions to the lockdown can start to be made, caravan enthusiasts will no doubt be beginning to dream. We’re not yet out of the woods and able to travel freely, but perhaps by the time the summer arrives, some sort of holiday could be possible.
Caravan owners could be at a huge advantage when it comes to planning a trip away, as it’s relatively easy to stay self-contained in a motorhome. Most live-in vehicles are equipped with their own kitchens, toilets and even showers, which could mean cutting down on interaction with others in a cautious post-lockdown climate.
Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, told The Telegraph: “The fundamental desire to get out in Britain’s great outdoors is as strong as it’s ever been. Our bookings for July onwards are almost identical to last year. We’ve also opened bookings all the way into 2021 and they’re very buoyant too.”
Caravan sites represent a good place to observe social distancing, as they are often located in the countryside and surrounded by lots of open space. There’s none of the issues associated with a city break when adults and children alike can enjoy outdoor activities at a safe distance from other people.
Mr Lomas added: “We have two particular advantages: the way modern campervan sites are designed already adheres to safe distancing for fire safety reasons, as well as privacy and wellbeing.”
Socially distanced gatherings were already the norm for many caravan lovers before lockdown began anyway. Sitting under their own awning with a meal and their own drinks, a caravanner often chats to their neighbours under theirs. This has been a feature of caravan life for decades, lending itself to the new normal everyone will have to get used to.
Since it looks increasingly likely that travelling back into the UK will come with a 14-day quarantine, foreign travel could be off the agenda for some time. Staycations will therefore be high up the list for many who are keen to get a break from the local area where they have been in lockdown.
