March 5th, 2009

More and more people are abandoning holidays abroad from their plans and rediscovering the UK.And whilst Bognor and Blackpool may not have the pull they once did, the traditional Great British holiday is making a big comeback, as families look for a cheaper alternative to luxury holidays in the sun.
One organization that is already experiencing an uplift is the Caravan Club and they have not lost any time promoting the fact that advanced bookings for 2009 that are up by 40 per cent on last year, when 55,000 households joined up. While the number of visits abroad by UK residents was down by six per cent in 2008 – according to the Office of National Statistics.
Nick Lomas, Director of Marketing for The Caravan Club cites even more justification behind caravanning ranging from; freedom, cost, tranquility, strengthening family bonds and even claims that caravaners have longer-lasting marriages. And his comments have been lapped up by the UK press giving him and his organization much valuable coverage.
For my money, caravans will never be socially acceptable – however camper vans are a different matter. I have a romantic notion of taking off Devon in a classic VW Camper, parking up by the beach, going surfing with the family and then firing up the stove for a warming cup of tea as the sun goes down. And now an enterprising former Ad-man has set up a company who can provide you with all the kit – without the need to have an in-depth knowledge of air-cooled engines. It’s a great concept and brilliantly packaged and I, for one, am really looking forward to the Summer!

VW campers: www.devonclassiccampers.co.uk

Author: Andy Hunt Cooke
Source: Caravans