21/09/2022

How to prepare for a campervan holiday this autumn

Travel

As the autumn starts to roll in, many are deciding to make the most of the pre-winter season with a relaxing getaway. With so many missed or postponed holidays during 2020 and 2021, it’s no surprise that there’s been an uptick in travel since, as people take a long-awaited break away from home.

Campervan holidays in the UK became especially popular in 2021 and show no signs of going away, with bookings rising by 500% in some areas. This could have something to do with post-Covid travel, as some people prefer more private modes of transport after months of social distancing. It could also be the freedom that a campervan offers: staying in a new location each night, being able drive anywhere at just a moment’s decision – for many, it’s a holiday style that can’t be beaten.

While travel restrictions due to Covid are all but a thing of the past, Brexit has played an irrevocable part in the regulations of travel abroad, so if you’re heading out of the country there are still things you need to be aware of.

To help you have a smooth holiday this autumn, we’ve listed a few top tips for your travel plans on the road.

What you need to know about driving your camper outside the UK

If you’re planning to drive your campervan on a trip outside the UK, make sure to check the government’s foreign travel advice. The red / amber / green lists have been removed, but there are still testing requirements for some destinations and as always, things can change!

The biggest consideration for drivers heading to the continent is the new rule about International Driving Permits. These are needed by any UK licence-holder with a paper driving licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Check if you need an IDP here.

You’ll also want to make sure both your camper and your trip are properly insured. The level of cover you have in the UK isn’t necessarily mirrored when you drive abroad. You need to talk to your car insurance provider or broker, notify them of the trip dates, and check whether extended cover is needed. European Driving Cover can help here, if you get it included in your policy. You might also want to check whether you have breakdown cover that’s valid in Europe.

campervan trip uk scotland right to roam

Campervan trips in the UK

Inside the UK, the travel restrictions between Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland have been relaxed, with holidaymakers now allowed to travel freely between countries – as well as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

You’ve probably heard of the right to roam, which makes Scotland a particularly popular destination for adventurers and campers. Campervans can be a bit of a grey area here – after all, camping in a tent and driving a campervan into a field are different propositions. Generally speaking, the right to roam covers most camping in Scotland provided you don’t stay in the same place for more than a night or two, and follow the ‘leave no trace’ guidance, i.e. don’t damage the wildlife or leave any rubbish behind. There will be some exceptions to this right, such as The Trossachs National Park where camping requires a permit.

In England and Wales, you need the landowner’s permission to camp, whether in a tent or campervan, so make sure you get this if you prefer a more ‘wild’ camping experience to the use of registered camper sites.

 

Do you need travel or vehicle insurance for your trip this autumn? Call the Norton team on 0121 248 9440 to see how your personal client manager can help you make sure your trip is properly protected.