Life Beyond the Tent: When Camping Isn’t Quite Cutting It
Tired of airport queues, delayed flights, and expensive all-inclusive resorts? You’re not alone. More and more UK family campervan are turning their backs on traditional holidays abroad in favour of something more flexible, adventurous, and memorable: campervan holidays.
Over 30% of UK families now say they plan to swap foreign travel for UK-based road trips. And it’s not hard to see why.
Why Families Are Making the Move to Bigger Vans
As children grow, so do the demands for space, comfort and practicality. More parents are realising that a purpose-built campervan can transform family travel from something endured to something savoured.
More Seats, More Sleep, More Sanity
Take the Bhode Two layout as an example. It’s designed specifically for families:
- 5 belted travel seats
- Sleeping for up to 6 (with optional pop-top)
- All in the footprint of an L3H2 van, meaning it’s still manageable to drive and park
The Economics: Is a Bigger Van Worth It?
A full family holiday abroad can easily cost £5,000. Now multiply that over five years. That’s £25,000 before you’ve even thought about airport parking, car hire or meals out.
By comparison, investing in a quality family-sized campervan may look like this:
- £45,000 to £55,000 for a bespoke conversion (including sleeping, seating, electrics and kitchen)
- Use it for UK weekends, school holidays, European road trips
- Save on accommodation, restaurants, and even flights
Over time, it pays for itself—and then some.
Family holiday cost comparison (Which? guide)
What Features to Look For in a Family-Sized Campervan
- Belted Seats: Safety is key. Make sure the van legally carries everyone.
- Flexible Sleeping: Fixed beds are great, but pop-tops or smart fold-down options allow you to sleep more without adding van length.
- Decent Storage: For clothes, toys, bikes, and that emergency wet-weather stash.
- Kitchen Space: Not just for beans on toast. A decent hob, fridge, and sink makes a real difference.
- Toilet/Shower (optional): Especially handy on longer trips or with young kids.
Common Hurdles (and How to Solve Them)
Will I cope driving a bigger van?
Modern vans are surprisingly easy to handle. With parking sensors, cameras, and good mirrors, most people adapt quickly. (If you’re worried, consider a test drive or short-term hire first.)
Isn’t it a big upfront cost?
Yes, but it’s not all or nothing. Bhode Vans offers staged payments and flexible packages. Many families offset the cost by renting out the van when they’re not using it.
Real Families, Real Adventures
We spoke to Jo and Tom, parents of two, who upgraded from a 2-berth T4 to a long-wheelbase camper with a pop-top:
“Our old van was fine when the kids were toddlers, but by the time they hit 6 and 9, it was chaos. We needed more space, better sleep and somewhere to dry wet gear.
Since upgrading, we’ve done Wales, Devon and France—and it’s beengame-changing.”
When’s the Right Time?
There’s no perfect moment to upgrade—but there is a sweet spot. If your kids are between 4 and 10, you’re in the golden years for making campervan memories. They’re old enough to enjoy the adventure, and young enough to think sleeping in a van is still the coolest thing ever.
Why wait until they’re too cool for marshmallows?
Ready to Explore?
If you’re beginning to feel the squeeze in your current van (or tent), now could be the time to step up. The Bhode Two layout is a great place to start looking—designed around real families and real adventures.
Or, if you’re early in your journey: Read our beginner’s guide to choosing a campervan
Let’s make this summer the one you always look back on.
Whether it’s the school run or the Scottish Highlands, having a campervan that fits your family can transform the way you live and travel. If you’re ready to find out more, our team at Bhode Vans is happy to chat.
