Hittingtheroadinourvery ownBongoholidaybubble

Fiona has wondered for a long time what it would be like to take a break in a campervan. Well, she’ll soon find out – she’s renting one

Campervans feature this week. For I have long had the urge to hit the high road. To travel free, the MacGregor and the MacNaughties in tow. Well, I say “long had the urge”.

This notion of a travelling B&B has really only taken hold since lockdown. Before that we toyed with the thought. To take off snail-like, our home on our back. To wake up and go where the urge took us.

Yet there were always so many questions.

How would we get on in a confined space for a week? Could I really plug a hair dryer in? Would we need a shower? Definitely a loo... Then there were the sleeping arrangements.

I need space at night so the chief thought he might bring his tent as well. And talking of parking up at night, I favour a campsite while he veers towards wild camping.

I tell you, the matter has been seriously mulled over.

Why, we even discussed the colour of said van. I have a fondness for red and the chief likes green or blue. It is chalk and cheese. It is a flight of fancy – and it is one in which we are not alone.

In this Covid climate it seems the world and his wife have the same idea. To have a holiday in your own little bubble.

Over the past few months, we have watched the price of second-hand campervans soar. We have seen how no sooner they come on the market than they are sold.

And so, we have taken the plunge and decided to rent one. To see if we like it. To help us make a decision on that allimportant size.

We need something to fit two adults and two naughty dogs.

The Highlands is our preferred destination and the midge season must be well past before I spend a night under the stars. Or under a van roof.

Now the deed is done and we are to set sail in something called a Bongo. It comes recommended, but those of you who are seasoned van travellers may be shouting “Don’t do it!”.

Yet we have viewed it and it looks clean enough. It has a fridge and it has cooking facilities. And a toilet…

Plus there is an awning. It attaches to the side of the van and when it rains the chief’s tent can sit under it. As it will no doubt do in Scotland.

Then if the wind gets up, the thing may well blow away.

The Highlands is our preferred destination and the midge season must be well past

All these niggles are starting to worry slightly. Will it be very cold in midautumn? If we wild camp, can I really go a week without a shower?

All that is to be discovered. And we are not going just yet.

But the deposit has been put down. And at some stage we will be travelling, hopefully.

Who needs Spain or Greece?!

At some stage we will be out on that open highway. With the doggies. Who will just love it.

Picture: Shutterstock. Fiona says the notion of taking the plunge in a travelling B&B has intensified since lockdown.