Survey finds more than half of Brits prefer touring to flying

More than half of Brits are likely to opt for a motorhome or caravan touring holiday either in the UK or abroad over flying abroad for a holiday this year, a new survey compiled for the Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show has suggested.

Some 53% of the 2,000 people market research company Obsurvant contacted, regardless of their interest in coming to the show, said they were likely to choose a caravan or motorhome holiday over flying abroad.

Some 57% of those surveyed said the biggest benefit of such holidays was the freedom they give you to move around. Two-thirds of those surveyed (66%) said no other type of holiday gave you such freedom. Some 27% also liked touring holidays because of their flexibility.

Many of the best motorhome sites welcome four-legged touring companions, which was reflected in the survey as one of the reasons cited was being able to take your pets with you (61%). Other responses included feeling like “an adventure” (34%) and being able to pick where you wake up each morning (30%).

In contrast, some 48% said flight delays were the main factors that put them off wanting to fly abroad, with 24% concerned about lost luggage and 19% frustrated by baggage weight limits – something that is less of a concern on touring holidays, if you have a good enough payload.

The survey also showed that cost-effectiveness is a key factor in what people today look for in a holiday. Some 54% ranked this as a key element in their decision-making process.

Jillyanne Lamarra, show manager for the Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show, said: “The sheer scale of exhibitors from vehicles to travel accessories and destination providers at the show is testament to the endless options people have when they choose a touring holiday over bracing the potential issues which flying so often presents.”

The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show runs from 5 to 8 February at the SEC in Glasgow. Alongside motorhomes, caravans, and accessories on display, the show offers expert insight, a Kids’ Zone and a Farmers’ Market. Tickets cost £14 per adult, with children under 16 and an essential companion getting in free. More details on the show website.

One thing a motorhome or campervan can be good for is pitching up at a festival, as Practical Motorhome’s editor, Sarah, reported when she took her campervan to Twinfood Vintage Festival.

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