In it for the long hol

The Covid-19 crisis prompts Scottish motorhome and caravan owners to plan many more staycations

SCOTS motorists can expect to see plenty of caravans, motorhomes and campervans on our roads for months to come.

For while the school holidays may be at an end, new research indicates that the coronavirus crisis is leading to a boom in staycations.

In fact, 80 per cent of Scottish caravan and motorhome owners quizzed said they had or would be using their wheels for a UK break in the summer.

More tellingly, a huge 60 per cent of them plan to take their next three or four holidays in Britain as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That compares with a UK-wide figure of 45 per cent, with a further 19 per cent of the caravan and motorhome community looking to take up to five or six UK-based breaks in the foreseeable future.

The study also found that Scots’ top UK staycation destinations were the Lake District, followed by the Peak District, the Edinburgh area and Northumberland.

Despite making plans to explore the length and breadth of the UK, more than 40 per cent of those taking to the road reported feeling nervous or anxious about the prospect.

And eight per cent of UK motorhome owners admitted they would not be using their vehicle at all this summer because of their concerns.

In Scotland, the caravan crowd that had decided to remain parked up on their own driveways were equally divided over four main reasons. They were:

● Being nervous about returning to travelling;

● Feeling worried about driving again or fearing they had forgotten how to;

● Having concerns about the lack of social distancing measures in place;

● Wanting to save money for other things.

The research was carried out by MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, which is the official provider for the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) and run by Green Flag.

And, together, they have revealed some handy hacks for a successful caravan or motorhome staycation as the nation continues to be on its guard against coronavirus.

These include planning your journey and checking for roadworks or road closures, packing your own sanitiser, masks and gloves to take to campsites, and giving your vehicle a thorough wipe down.

Aside from ensuring you have proper breakdown cover, you can also help yourself by checking engine fluid levels and tyres for pressure and damage before you set off.

And make sure the vehicle’s electricity set-up is functioning properly. Turn everything on to make sure all your exterior and interior lights and appliances are working as they should be so you can focus on enjoying your time away.

CAMC marketing boss Allan Steatham said: “As the results clearly show, Covid-19 continues to impact the UK – including the motorhome and caravanning community.

“It is vitally important that those who did not use their vehicles regularly during lockdown carry out relevant and thorough safety checks to make sure they are as prepared as possible, in the unlikely event that their vehicle should fail.

“At the Caravan and Motorhome Club, we’re dedicated to getting you to your destination.

“As part of our MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, if your vehicle breaks down on the way to and from your holiday, we’ll take you to your chosen destination and then home again.”