Modern Campers want Home Comforts on the Road

Forget airport delays, missed flights and a sinking pound this year, because now is the summer of our tents, caravans and motor homes. With the rise of ‘staycations’ showing no sign of abating, holidaying in the UK is where it’s at in 2018.

Attaching a caravan to the back of your car, pitching a tent or jumping into your motor home  gives us intrepid Brits a sense of freedom, destiny and control that other holidays just don’t provide.

This quest for holiday independence is reflected in cold, hard stats too. The latest set of figures from the National Caravan Council (NCC) show that in the year to June 2017, sales of touring caravans, motor homes and caravan holiday homes increased by an impressive 9%. Moreover, the NCC estimates that the leisure vehicle industry contributes more than £6billion a year to the economy through sales and tourism.*

Caravans, of course, have long been embedded in our national psyche, but where they were once a figure of slight ridicule, today’s touring caravans have been given a trendy makeover and luxury is the way forward.  Camping too, is no longer just for hardcore outdoor types or soggy family excursions.

Many campers won’t settle for ‘roughing it’ any more, with full height beds, air mattresses that cost more than some normal beds and air beam tents that inflate in minutes, for many campers the all-important set up is about incorporating as much comfort as possible.  The outdoors experience is on the increase, but home comforts are key – some tent dwellers even take along the tv!

Leading high street retailer Robert Dyas is firmly behind this resurgence. To that end, it has put together a checklist of useful items that will enable you to create a home from home on the road.

Outdoor guru and Senior Trader for Robert Dyas, Richard Redman says,

“In this day and age, camping and caravan holidays don’t mean forsaking the home comforts. Thanks to a range of portable and practical products aimed at getting the most out of the great British outdoors, style and convenience come as standard.”

 

Home Comforts on the Road Checklist

There are gazebos. And then there is this Quest 6-Sided Pop-Up Gazebo (£229.99). It takes one person less than 60 seconds to erect this practical shelter – leaving everyone more time to enjoy their holiday.

 

Al fresco dining is one of the many joys of spending a holiday outdoors and this Quest Deluxe Gloucester Folding Picnic Set (£59.99) (Online only) has ample space to host many an open-air feast.

Indulging the little ones is a must on holiday. So, give them the opportunity to act like adults around their own table. This Quest Children’s Garden Table and Chairs with Parasol (£29.99) (Online only) is just the ticket.

Relaxing after a hard day’s fun is another comfort that can be really appreciated on holiday. Check out Robert Dyas’s impressive range of outdoor chairs for some primetime lounging.

BBQ’s are a must in the outdoors. This Outback Voyager Smokeless Charcoal BBQ(£79.99) is ideal for caravan holidays. Small enough to pack away, but big enough to produce some classic BBQ flavours.

Don’t forget the plates or drinking utensils!This Polar Gear Melamine Dinner Plate(£2.49) is durable enough to withstand spend time on the road. And this Polar Gear Alfresco 2.5L Plastic Pitcher (£6.99) brings a touch of reassuring home style to proceedings.

This Nautical Stripe Roll Up Picnic Rug(£9.99) is great for eating on the move. While this 20 Litre Polar Gear Active Family Cool Bag (£9.99) will keep your picnic food and drink nice and cool.

Once dusk begins to fall, this Uni-Com 2-in-1 COB Spotlight and LED Lantern(£14.99) will keep some light on proceedings.

Of course, any British holiday is hostage to the fortune of our weather. Some rainy day indoor games will alleviate any boredom – they’re ideal for keeping everyone entertained while driving too. These ingenious Esdevium Games Rory’s Story Cubes(£7.99) (Online only) will fire the imagination of all ages. This Charles Bentley Casdon Children’s Sat Nav Pretend Play Toy Car Steering Wheel Simulation (£19.99) (Online only) will keep the little ones – and some not-so-little ones – entertained too.

Finally, the basics. Heaven forbid you should ever require a plaster or bandage, but this comprehensive Small First Aid Kit (£26.99) (online only) will cover any minor medical mishap. A torch? Here you go: this Duracell Explorer Torch (£9.99) is ideal illumination for travelling.

Keep looking at Camping in Britain for site recommendations – and lets hope we have a great Summer!