Features, Spotlight

Motorhome bookings to explore the North Coast 500 soar

Woman inside a motorhome emblazoned with the GoBoony logo

It’s no secret that staycations by motorhome are expected to be very popular post-lockdown, but one company has decided to delve deeper into the place most people want to explore in the coming months. GoBoony, a motorhome sharing platform inspired by Airbnb, conducted research into the destination the majority of its customers will be travelling to.

It discovered that 23 per cent of people departing on a motorhome holiday after April 26th are driving up to Scotland, with many of the motorhomes being bound for the North Coast 500 (NC500). This long-distance drive has often been described as Scotland’s answer to Route 66 and is a firm favourite with motorhome and caravan enthusiasts.

The satisfaction of a round trip

Starting in the city of Inverness, the NC500 crosses the country to Applecross, before heading up the west coast, taking in Gairloch, Ullapool and Lochinver. Venturing along the most northerly points of mainland Scotland, holidaymakers will enjoy the delights of Caithness and John o’ Groats, before returning south to Inverness.

Jake Stone, UK country manager at GoBoony, told CaravanTimes: “A round trip is very satisfying, which is why I believe the NC500 is one which has attracted a lot of attention from motorhome holidaymakers this summer. It is full of scenery – something we are all wanting a change of recently – spots of interest and adventure.

“The route gives holidaymakers so much variety. From beautiful towns, stunning coastlines and mountain backdrops to local, fresh produce, wildlife and history as rich and exciting as the landscape itself. On top of this, it is one that can be done within a reasonable amount of time too.”

GoBoony found that those making motorhome bookings with the express purpose of exploring the NC500 were scheduling ten days with their leisure vehicle. This is significantly longer than the average motorhome reservation, which is 7.1 days.

While advice from VisitScotland states that the 516-mile route can be completed in five to seven days, it’s nice to take it at a leisurely pace. Many of those hiring motorhomes may well also be factoring the journey to Inverness into the equation too.

Holidaymakers craving freedom

Caravan and motorhome sites across the UK are expected to be in high demand this summer, as lockdown measures are eased. This will make booking ahead essential, as individuals, couples and families look to escape their local areas after months of travel restrictions.

Mr Stone added: “People are craving more freedom, normality, and the open road – something a motorhome trip gives in abundance. Motorhomes are a fantastic holiday choice for those individuals and parties seeking a UK adventure without being amongst the hustle and bustle.

“Naturally socially-distanced by design, motorhomes are an inventive and fun way for Brits to travel and explore safely. Very few alternatives offer holidaymakers the same modern style, home comforts and appliances without being restricted to one location.”

 

 

Image reproduced with kind permission from GoBoony