Tue, May 19, 2009
LONDON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- As the recession continues to bite, Britons are seeking cheaper holiday alternatives. And camping is said to be on the increase with bookings at campsites up and sales of tents and camping equipment rising.
Often seen as an activity enjoyed by cub scouts and those going to festivals, camping is increasingly seen as a way to get back to nature. But the cost is also a major factor in the decision to take a camping holiday.
Camping sites in Britain have recorded a significant rise in bookings, with latest figures showing a 27-percent surge year on year. According to the travel insurance company LV, around a third of respondents to a survey it carried out said they were considering a camping or caravanning holiday in order to cut costs.
The most popular areas are counties in southwest England, such as Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. But there is also a strong interest in the Lake District in northwest England.
Wild camping is also said to become more popular, though the insurer warns campers to be sensible. Pitching a tent anywhere may bring unwanted attention from the law and from landowners.
Wild camping is illegal in England and Wales and generally tolerated in Scotland. Campers seeking such a wild experience should however follow certain rules such as keeping the site clean, following appropriate toilet etiquette and burying any waste.
For most people, a campsite is more appealing. Even the most basic of campsites supply running water and toilet facilities. Showers, shops, entertainment and other amenities are possible at some family-oriented sites. Those in caravans and mobile homes even provide access to electricity and satellite television.
The humble camper can often be left out in the cold, literally. Britain's climate is not exactly the warmest. And even if, as the Meteorological Office predicts, a "barbecue summer" arrives, campers should be well prepared. A warm sleeping bag is absolutely essential, as is warm and durable clothing. Even in the summer it can get particularly cold at night.
And it really is worth investing in a durable tent as opposed to a cheap supermarket offer. One storm or rainy night could rather dampen things if the tent cannot stand the pressure.
For seasoned campers, there is little to think about. But for those new to a night under canvas, a lack of preparedness could put one off for life. Finding oneself in a dark field trying to pitch a tent without a torch is not funny.
"Obviously if you're visiting big cities, camping is not an option," one seasoned camper told Xinhua. "But camping is the best way to experience the countryside."
"Both my wife and I have traveled through France in previous years, staying at a number of campsites -- it proved to be quite cheap, though the pound has devalued sharply now and would make it too expensive for us," Nick Neate explained.
"You have to prepare for the cold in England though," he said, "Last May Bank Holiday proved to be just a little uncomfortable because of the low temperature and biting wind."
"But the freedom of being on the road and cooking for yourself instead of relying on restaurant food is great."
Despite the potential hardships experienced whilst camping, Visit Britain, an official travel and tourism organization, said one in five people who holidayed abroad last year were planning their holiday at home. And the Camping and Caravan Club saw its membership grow by 53,000 last year to a record half a million members.
The recession has also seen the return to Britain of Eurocamp, which specializes in camping holidays. The company closed up shops in Britain in 1994. But as more and more people turn to cheaper ways of seeking a weekend break or summer vacation, they have returned.
The service offered differs from the traditional campsite in that all is provided, from the four men tent to camp-beds, sleeping bags and a mini kitchen. Of course it comes at a price, around 200 pounds (290 U.S. dollars) for a family of four for a weekend, but it is significantly cheaper than the equivalent holiday abroad.
But for those that are prepared to pack their own equipment, the cost can be as little as 15 pounds (22 U.S. dollars) per night on many campsites. With hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation costing at least 80 to 100 pounds (116 to 145 U.S. dollars) per night, it is no wonder why Britons are choosing a holiday under the stars.
Carry on Camping, a popular British comedy film in 1969, espoused the delights and pitfalls of camping in Britain. While it may have reinforced the image of British eccentricity, it also added to the nostalgia that many people feel about camping.
"I often went camping as a kid," said Neate, "I think it gives you many memories to look back on; whether it's a rainy day in the tent listening to the radio and playing cards, or enjoying the heat of the summer sun by the sea. Life in a hotel isn't quite the same."
