Staycations are finally back! From the 4th July, we can now book holiday homes and hotels, and stay at caravan parks and campsites. Holidays might look a little different this year, though, and you might want to take some extra precautions while you’re out and about. Here’s how your caravan holiday might change this year.
Check the dates
Although the official date holiday parks were allowed to open was 4th July, many sites could be opening a little later than this. Make sure you double check directly with the park on their opening dates, as some won’t be open for business until later. You might need to be flexible with your holiday dates, too. A lot of caravan owners will be wanting to get out and about before too long, so parks could be busy!
What might change at caravan parks?
If you have managed to get a spot at a caravan site, there might be a few changes to your holiday experience. Here a few ways your staycation might be different.
Time slots
You might be given a specific time slot to arrive and park your caravans. This should help to avoid queues and crowds of people building up.
Quieter caravan parks
When you get to your caravan park, it might not be as bustling as usual! Expect pitches to be a little more spaced out than usual to help with social distancing.
One-way systems
Speaking of social distancing, expect some parks to have a one-way system in place, much like many supermarkets have implemented. This should help keep public traffic under control and help people keep a little further apart.
Facilities – shops, restaurants and bars
You should expect social distancing measures to very much be in place in any shops, restaurants and bars, too. Depending on the size of the shop, this could mean only one person can be inside at any time. Restaurants will be seating fewer diners, and don’t expect to sit round the bar if you fancy a drink! Pubs and bars should all be operating with table service.
What you can do to make your holiday run more smoothly
With all of these changes, your caravan holiday might not quite be the same as you’re used to. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though! Here are a few ways to make the most of your caravan holiday in the current climate.
Arrive on time
If your caravan site has given you a timeslot to arrive, you should do your best to get there on time. This should help to avoid any delays in getting set up, as well as allowing you to start your holiday quicker! This goes for anything you’ve booked during your stay, too. Since things like restaurants and bars will have lower occupancy, save yourself the headache by arriving on time.
Book ahead
Speaking of arriving on time, it could be a good idea to book some things ahead of time, too. As we’ve mentioned, restaurants will be seating fewer people than usual, so book ahead if you’re planning to eat out! This could go for some activities, too. If you’re hoping to play a round of golf, keep in mind you might need to book a timeslot. Calling ahead to check what’s open is always a good idea.
Bring supplies
While shops will be open, you might want to think about bringing your own supplies to avoid the queues. You’ll definitely need cleaning products, including soap and hand sanitiser. But if you fancy doing a spot of cooking in your ‘van, it could be worth bringing some food, too!
What will be open and what won’t be?
Although lockdown restrictions are easing, not everything will be open after July 4th. Indoor gyms and swimming pools will remain closed, so don’t expect to go for a dip while you’re holidaying. Things like outdoor play areas may be open, but it’s always recommended to have hand sanitiser and supervise your children.
Center Parcs have confirmed that you’ll be able to book bicycles, but they’ll have to be pre-booked. You’ll also be able to book other activities online. Each holiday park and caravan site will be different, so you’ll want to double check exactly what is open directly with them.
If you’re planning on using your caravan for a staycation now restrictions have eased, you might want to think about taking out insurance. At The Insurance Emporium, our Touring Caravan Insurance includes up to 10 years’ New For Old cover*. You could even get up to 45% discount^ on your policy! Park up at The Insurance Emporium to see if we’ve got the right policy for you.
* 10 years’ New For Old cover available on Quest policies.
^ The 45% discount is made up of a range of available discounts (if appropriate). The 45% discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar or calendar monthly policies, or one premium payment on annual policies.
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