Credit: This is money: Two vans in the sunset
Since the pandemic the sales of campervans, caravans and VW campers has increased. I interviewed Lizanne Elliott, who recently purchased a Volkswagen camper with her husband Paul. Both Lizanne and Paul work full time jobs and before buying the van never really gave themselves time to relax. The couple decided to buy the van after being unable to travel during the pandemic. They both believed that a VW camper will provide them with freedom that hotel holidays never did.
Credit: author, the Elliott's van set up on holiday
What types of holidays did you go on before the pandemic?
“Before the pandemic we would go on hotel or self-catering holidays. The hotels we would stay in were all inclusive and in Europe and the self-catering holidays were all around England.”
What was your favourite holiday you went on before the pandemic?
“My favourite holiday was an all-inclusive 5-star resort in Kos, Greece. The hotel was stunning and had lots of swimming pools and restaurants. It was also located on the beach and was near a harbour.”
What made you want to buy a van?
“The price for a self-catering holiday in the UK has skyrocketed and availability was poor. Holidays have always been important to us, so we decided to be self sufficient and take control of our holidays. Having the van means that we can go on holidays all year round because it has heating.”
Credit: This is money (UK), mountain view from a campervan
Do you think the pandemic played a role in the decision of buying a van?
“Yes, it was due to cost and capacity of availability of different holiday locations.”
Do you miss the types of holidays that you used to do?
“No, because we really enjoy the freedom of deciding on a Thursday night to just go away for the weekend.”
What has been your favourite van experience so far?
“When we went to Chichester, the weather was great. The campsite had everything that we needed. We could walk to the local pub and farm shop. It was just so peaceful and relaxing.”
Where do you plan on going next?
“We have a weekend away booked with friends near Corfe Castle. Then we have a week booked in Padstow.”
Would you recommend van life to people who want to switch the way they go on holiday?
“Absolutely, it was the best decision we have ever done!”
Would you ever return to your pre-pandemic style of holidays?
“We plan now to do a combination of van and hotel holidays. We would have one holiday in an all-inclusive hotel and then the rest would be in the van. we plan to take the van to France and then explore Europe, enjoying the freedom that the van allows us.”
Would you ever consider buying a van? Let me know in the comments.
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