Britain could be set for motorhome holiday boom

Motorhome and caravan holidays are expected to surge in popularity this summer as restrictions on travel in Britain are eased.

With overseas travel severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and widespread uncertainty over when global travel will be possible again, Brits are expected to explore the land at their doorstep.

Figures from the National Caravan Council show that the country’s national parks, scenic countryside and striking coastlines could present the ideal surroundings for a motorhome holiday or a short weekend break.

Of holidaymakers whose summer plans were curtailed by the virus, two thirds have said they are planning a getaway to another part of the UK between August and December.

That compares favourably with those considering travel to Europe or further afield – just 42% of affected holidaymakers are planning to rebook travel to Europe in the latter part of the year, a figure that drops to 21% for non-European travel.

Could leisure vehicles be the answer?

Around one million households across Britain own a motorhome, campervan or caravan and a surge in those types of holidays could provide a major boost for the nation’s tourism industry.

And even those who don’t own a caravan or motorhome themselves could opt to consider motorhome hire if they want to go in search of a different type of holiday experience – hundreds of companies offer pick-up options all over the country.

When it comes to caravans, seven in ten adults believe it to be a socially acceptable approach to holidays in the current climate.

That figure increases to 77% for motorhoming, suggesting that holidaymakers may turn to their leisure vehicles in search of a post-lockdown escape.

Since it offers plenty of flexibility and a chance for couples and families to explore the best of the nation’s outdoor spaces, the sector would appear well placed to recover.

Given that most campsites and camper parks have plenty of space too, following social distancing rules should be relatively straight-forward, and a number of holiday parks are already looking into how they can maintain levels of safety when they do reopen.

Looking further ahead to 2021

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a high number of people are already looking ahead to plan travel for next year and beyond.

According to the latest survey data, 64% of people are considering a holiday on British shores in 2021 – considerably more than the 38% of travellers who were planning a domestic holiday before the pandemic hit.

This could signal a major shift in holiday intentions among Brits, although the intention will need to convert into bookings at some stage.

If you do opt to hire a campervan or motorhome to explore some of Britain’s spectacular countryside in the latter part of 2020 or beyond, ensure you have adequate motorhome excess insurance in advance.

Watch out for fraud

Unfortunately, the surge in motorhome bookings has brought with it an array of scams and fraudulent activity, according to banking industry trade group UK Finance.

Holidaymakers have been urged to look out for fake online listings for motorhomes and caravans and should seek to view any vehicles via a live video call before parting with any money.

Those hunting for holidays have also been advised to be vigilant when deals appear too good to be true and to double-check website URLs and web pages for anything suspicious.

Date Created: 05/06/2020