Why More UK Families Are Choosing the Open Road
Tired of airport queues, delayed flights, and expensive all-inclusive resorts? You’re not alone. More and more UK families 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
Our Family’s Turning Point
It all changed for us one rainy Sunday afternoon. Surrounded by brochures of faraway beaches, we decided to explore what was on our own doorstep instead. That summer, we hired a campervan, packed up the kids, and hit the road. From wild swimming in Welsh rivers to marshmallows around a Highland campfire, we never looked back.
Why a Campervan Makes Financial Sense
Buying or converting a campervan might seem like a big investment, but when you break it down, it starts to look like a very smart move:
- Longevity: A well-maintained van can last 10 years or more.
- Cost Per Trip: A one-off conversion cost of £50,000-£60,000 (e.g. our Bhode Two
- Package) spread over a decade of holidays? That’s £5000-£6000 per year max – often less.
- Daily Savings: Having your own kitchen on wheels can save you hundreds in restaurant meals.
Compare that to a £5,000 annual family holiday abroad. Over ten years, that’s £50,000 spent — with no asset to show for it.
Explore the Bhode Two campervan conversion
Average UK family holiday costs (Visit Britain)
Freedom to Explore, Your Way
What makes campervanning truly special is the freedom:
- No Fixed Plans: Change your destination mid-trip if the weather turns.
- Go Off Grid: Wake up to sea views one morning, forest trails the next.
- Take Home With You: The kids’ favourite snacks, bedding, toys – all with you, all the time.
We once stumbled across a remote Exmoor cove not even marked on our map. The kids spent hours rock pooling while we brewed coffee with the back doors flung open. You don’t get that from a package holiday.
The Real Perks: Memories, Not Margaritas
A campervan isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a memory machine. From storytelling under the stars to dawn dips in hidden bays, here’s what you really gain:
- Time Together: Screens off, eyes up, bonding as a family.
- Learning By Doing: Kids engage with nature, history, geography – without realising it.
- New Faces, New Places: Campsite chats, local farmers’ markets, wild adventures.
We still talk about the time we met a travelling beekeeper in the Lakes. He let the boys help with the hives and gave us a jar of honey for the road. That kind of magic doesn’t come with hotel breakfast.
Pros & Cons: What to Expect
Pros:
- Long-term cost saving
- Flexible and spontaneous
- Closer to nature
- Personal space and belongings always with you
Cons:
- Initial outlay for van or conversion
- Smaller space to live in
- Driving and parking take getting used to
Campervan driving tips for beginners (RAC)
Choosing the Right Van for Your Family
At Bhode Vans, we know every family is different. That’s why we offer customisable conversion packages, tailored to:
- Family Size: Need belted seats or bunks for the kids?
- Travel Style: Weekend getaways or long-haul journeys?
- Must-Haves: Off-grid electrics, roof racks, integrated bathrooms or induction hobs.
We build vans that grow with your family — and your adventures.
Getting Started: Your First Campervan Adventure
- Plan Lightly: Have a route in mind, but leave space for detours.
- Test Drive: Try a weekend trip first to get into the rhythm.
- Pack Smart: Think essentials only – space is precious!
Read our guide to first-time campervan trips
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of wild beaches in Cornwall or forest trails in the Cairngorms, a campervan unlocks a different kind of holiday: slower, simpler, and infinitely more rewarding.
If you’re ready to explore our packages or commission your own family conversion, get in touch with Bhod Vans. We’ll help turn the dream into your driveway reality.
Start Your Journey With Bhode Vans — Click Here
Author Note: This post is brought to you by the Bhode Vans team. We’re based in the Peak District, building custom campervans crafted for family adventures. Learn more at bhodevans.co.uk
