The van-life movement is undergoing a second wave, but this time it’s less to do with rejecting the restraints of nine-to-fives and more about experiencing your own country on your terms. Following a year of lockdowns, UK residents are desperate to travel, regain a sense of freedom, staycay while they can’t holiday – and do it all without breaking Covid regulations or putting others at risk. In summer 2020, some caravan sellers reported waiting lists of up to a year and sales doubled nationwide from Devon to Durness. The smartest campervans are self-contained units with washing, cooking and sleeping solutions, so renting them is seen as one of the safest ways to travel the country in the time of coronavirus (when government guidelines allow).
But buying a campervan is a huge investment of time, energy and money. So if you’re not ready to put down a deposit but still want to experience a taste of #vanlife – even if it’s more of a #vanweekend – here is our breakdown of how to rent one in the UK, step by step.