By Emma Dodd
Caravan owners can count themselves very lucky that they have their own motorhomes, as it’s becoming increasingly difficult to rent one this summer.
Demand for leisure vehicles is outstripping supply in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and the situation has only been exacerbated in recent days with the introduction of a quarantine when returning from Spain.
The tentative return to foreign travel has been dealt another blow, putting more pressure on the staycation market.
As a result, caravan and campervan holidays are seeing an unprecedented level of interest this summer, as Brits attempt to holiday at home.
Looking into the availability of rental leisure vehicles, the Daily Telegraph got in touch with six leading motorhome rental firms and found that none could supply a campervan in the next three weeks.
Nick Lomas, chief executive of the Caravan Club, said this summer is shaping up to be among the busiest the organisation has ever seen.
He told the Telegraph: “There is a natural feeling that [a campervan] is a self-contained space, you have that element of control, being able to travel place to place and being able to explore the coasts and countrysides of the UK at your leisure.”
Since caravan sites were not able to open until the beginning of July in England – and later in Scotland and Wales – it’s thought the season is likely to be extended.
Many people may see their annual holiday taking place in September or October, as demand starts to fall off when children return to school and the days draw in.
The Caravan Club has reported a ten per cent increase in bookings for this August, making an already very busy time of year even busier.
Mr Lomas added: “It’s a level of demand we haven’t had for many years. I would say in terms of the bookings on our site, we’ve never been as busy as we’ve been this year for the main summer season, and I’ve been involved for 15 years.”
Most caravan sites are now operating at close to capacity, meaning spontaneous trips away are almost impossible to undertake, as coronavirus continues to impact all areas of life.
