Staycations prompt a surge in demand for motorhomes

With all the current uncertainty surrounding international travel, it is no wonder Brits are looking at staying closer to home this summer. Hire companies have reported a surge in uptake for motorhomes this year, as people are looking to take control of their own holiday itineraries.

The Motorhome staycation

Demand for staycations in Britain is booming in 2021, driven by uncertainty around international travel and a desire to experience the great outdoors.

Around 84% of Brits are planning a staycation this year, according to Holidaycottages, with Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands and Devon among the popular wish-list destinations.

Four National Parks also top the popularity polls, with the striking landscapes of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Snowdonia all crying out to be explored as part of a motorhome or caravan holiday.

A different type of holiday escape

Numerous accommodation and booking firms have confirmed a surge in staycation bookings since the government's roadmap steps announcement, with Airbnb reporting that searches for UK properties have soared.

This suggests that a large number of people have renewed confidence in an ability to travel later this year, and while there are plenty of accommodation options out there, why could a motorhome be the answer for those looking for an escape?

Flexibility is one reason, as you can visit as many, or as few, places as you like, while constantly being on the move – in other words, you don’t have to worry about travelling too far from a holiday cottage!

Another reason is the sheer diversity of what can be found along Britain’s roads, from picturesque coastal harbours and ancient ruins to stately homes and blue flag beaches – a journey of discovery awaits!

Paying for grass pitches at campsites needn’t put a dent in the wallet either, so hiring a motorhome to explore Britain could be a low-cost and highly flexible alternative to traditional holiday settings.

Let Britain inspire you

The majority of those looking to explore British staycations are keen to experience its rural beauty, with only one city – the Scottish capital, Edinburgh – featuring among the ten most popular destinations.

Opting for motorhome hire gives you the freedom to shape your staycation around the things you love, as you can take in the towns, castles and beaches that most appeal to you.

Take Snowdonia, for example – alongside high peaks and numerous hiking trails, you can sit out under the stars in the National Park’s International Dark Sky Reserve, experience a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities or climb the towers of medieval fortresses.

Or drive from campsite to campsite in Cornwall, while discovering tales of smugglers or unravelling the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel.

Alternatively, you could experience the wildlife and serenity of the Norfolk Broads, immerse yourself in the heritage of the Northumberland Coast or embark on an epic road trip around Scotland’s renowned North Coast 500 touring route.

Covering just over 500 miles and passing through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, start and end in Inverness, taking in the Cairngorms on route (although there are ample other opportunities for stop-offs too!)

The practical bits!

Should hiring a motorhome appeal for your summer staycation in 2021, don’t forget to ensure that you have adequate insurance in place, once you’ve made a booking.

As well as providing peace of mind for the duration of your trip, opting for motorhome hire excess insurance can reduce the excess you’d need to pay should something go wrong.

Standard motorhome excesses can range anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000 depending on the make and model of the motorhome. If an incident were to occur with your motorhome and you were charged your excess, a motorhome hire excess policy would reduce your excess to a more affordable amount.

Additionally, a motorhome hire excess policy provides a number of other benefits that may not be included with the insurance offered by a hire firm.  

These may include cover for:

•          Tyres, windscreen and underbody damage
•          Towing
•          Loss of use
•          Hired vehicle keys

Also, pay particular attention to the length of cover your policy gives you, some may only cover for a two week period, whereas others offer up to a 45-day length option.

Wherever you may find yourself driving to this summer, enjoy and let the open road take you on a road of discovery.

Date Created: 16/06/2021