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.
