Visiting one of my children this week took me to the south coast of England and despite it being term time and nearer October than August I was amazed to see lots of caravans, campervans and motorhomes on the road.
I adore camping and caravanning and it can be especially good if, like us, you have neuro-diverse family members. I can take our own bedding and favourite plates and cutlery, offer meals using our favourite ingredients and we can eat and sleep when we like. We choose quieter camp sites and it's a lot cheaper than most other forms of holiday, even if you choose to go abroad.
My friend has a motorhome and generally chooses wild camping. She loves that she can stop in a lay-by to make a cup of tea or lunch for the children. They often take their motorhome for a short break allowing the children to enjoy the great outdoors. The family's dogs can come along too!
Domestic tourism also known as the "staycation" has been massive this year. Cottages and air BNB properties have been so popular there were stories in the press about people being "gazumped" when a property was double booked or re-let for a higher price.
I noticed that prices for Air BNB properties in Brighton where my daughter lives have shot up in price, even later in the year and for next year as canny owners realise that many people don't feel like taking the risk of booking flights and overseas properties.
But what if you don't entirely trust the idea of staying in a property someone else was in maybe even just earlier that day? Most large chain hotels and motels have stringent cleaning and COVID safe routines but that can make for an expensive and impersonal break.
If you want to know who has slept in the bed and used the facilities in your holiday accommodation you might want to consider investing in one of the used motorhomes for sale across Britain giving you access to your own piece of home from home on wheels.
Owning a motorhome is ideal for those who want the freedom of camping with a touch of luxury. No blowing up airbeds, rolling up sleeping bags or setting up a rickety camp kitchen.
You can almost self isolate while exploring our beautiful nation using your own toilet and hand washing facilities and know that food is prepared to your own exacting standards if you choose to self cater.
Think outside the box for locations if you want to avoid crowds. There are so many beautiful, historic locations to visit and some almost deserted beaches if you skip the better known resorts.
Buying a used motorhome is a great way of dipping a toe into this kind of holiday. One good thing to come out of this pandemic is that many people have the option to work in a more flexible manner moving forward.
Find a site with wifi and you may find you can work from the side of a lake, overlooking the sea or with beautiful woodland or mountain view. And once the working day is done you can make the most of your leisure hours using your motorhome as a home from home base.