The world as we know it has changed dramatically since the pandemic started. Now over a year on, many of those changes seem here to stay. Previous restrictions on holidays, and particularly on air travel, have led to many people exploring their own countries. And what better way to do so than with an RV.
Many people can not simply afford to buy an RV. This is where RV rental businesses come in to save the day by offering affordable holiday options for a wide range of potential customers.
So, why is RV rental gaining so much popularity? Let’s break down the reasons in this article.
Humans aren’t designed to be locked down
The first and most obvious answer to why RV rental is becoming so popular is that people are fed up with being boxed in.
Humans are designed to be mobile and to get out in nature. Having gone through a very restrictive lockdown, many of us have had incredible cravings to get out in nature. Due to global flight restrictions, exploring our own countries became the only option at the time.
RV’s fill the need for an escape, and this is why many people through lockdown booked an RV Rental to get a change of scenery. Despite restrictions now being relaxed, we think that this initial boom in RV rental popularity ignited a love for the campervan lifestyle in many people. Those who would never have considered a campervan holiday now have a new appreciation of their own country, and can’t wait to keep exploring!
COVID Safe holiday option
RV’s provide a home on wheels. This self-contained space has the ability to be a Covid-free bubble meaning you can isolate yourself with your household anywhere in the country (although we do not recommend travelling if you have tested positive!). Even better, when you are outdoors, the chances of COVID spreading are decreased.
In such a global crisis, an RV can offer a safe space for holidays to take place. Of course, when buying food or filling up with gas, the risk of getting COVID may increase but still, it’s lower than travelling on a plane with strangers.
The exposure to people is low on RV trips, and you have all the freedom you like to explore, so it’s a win-win in a pandemic.
A lockdown boom in DIY Campervans
In the pandemic, everybody was searching for something to do. A huge amount of people decided to buy vans, small and large, to convert. It was a fun lockdown project for most which gave us something to plan to venture out in.
For others, it became a business. In the year just gone, some people and businesses may have converted 1 van or 10. With the demand so high, this was a smart move. On rental sites such as RV Share and Quirky Campers, rental has hugely increased to levels where there is not enough RV’s to satisfy the demand.
Peak season and summer are on their way
Last summer there was no summer holiday. In fact, for the last year holidays have been cancelled again and again. The planes haven’t been flying, and there’s been a cold winter endured all over the world.
Peak season in camping runs from early spring to the end of summer. So, during this time of year, the demand can be expected to be high regardless of whether there is an ongoing pandemic.
RV’s Flexibility and Freedom
Booking an RV is simple – just give a date you want to pick it up and the date you will bring it back. In the booked time, you have complete freedom to drive where you want. For the more spontaneous holidaymakers, this is great fun. Of course, you can still book hotels, RV parks, Air Bnbs, and stay there. Park your camper up. It’s just complete freedom and flexibility and generally at a fair price.
The current price of booking hotels is astronomical. Furthermore, you are a greater covid risk should you stay in one. RV’s offer holiday freedom like no other in the current climate of a pandemic, which explains their new popularity as a holiday choice!
In summary
There is no doubt that the rise in RV rental popularity is thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing people to explore holidays within their own countries. Remember that a holiday in your RV is not considered essential travel, and could be illegal during the strictest lockdowns. Always follow government advice.