Dan Yates, the founder of Pitchup.com, has witnessed a growing trend among travellers to opt for camping trips over traditional beach holidays and luxury accommodations. Pitchup.com is an online platform that allows users to search and book campsites and glamping options across 69 countries. The company, founded in 2009, handled 850,000 bookings last year and offers a wide range of accommodations including shepherds huts, yurts, cabins, lodges, and static caravans. The website is accessible to all and provides offline customer service support for those less computer-literate. Bookings primarily come from the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain, with significant growth seen in bookings from travelers in Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, and Ireland.
The shift towards more nature-focused holidays is driven by a variety of factors including mental health and wellbeing benefits, cost-effectiveness, and environmental concerns. Camping trips are often more sustainable as they involve lower carbon footprints compared to hotel stays, with many travelers opting to drive to their destinations rather than fly. Participating in low-impact activities like hiking and supporting local produce also contribute to the environmental benefits of outdoor holidays. Despite the appeal of nature-focused trips, unfavorable weather conditions can pose a challenge for campers. Dan Yates advises campers to keep their tent interiors dry by storing wet gear in porch areas rather than inside living spaces. He also suggests protecting equipment with plastic bags and offers alternatives like swimming in the sea or seeking shelter in a pub in case of heavy rain.
Pitchup.com has seen a rise in bookings for non-domestic trips, indicating a growing interest in international camping experiences. The platform offers a convenient booking process where users can simply input their location, dates, party size, and accommodation preferences to find and book their desired camping spot. Popular glamping options include pods, cabins, bell tents, shepherds huts, and static caravans, with treehouses experiencing the most significant growth in bookings. While 85% of bookings are currently made for domestic trips, there is a substantial increase in non-domestic bookings, particularly from Swedish travelers. The surge in demand for unique camping experiences reflects a shift towards more unconventional and immersive forms of outdoor accommodation.
Travellers are increasingly drawn to camping trips for their affordability, sustainability, and positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. The trend towards reconnecting with nature resonates with those looking to escape the pressures of modern life and immerse themselves in natural surroundings. Dan Yates emphasizes the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of nature-focused holidays, highlighting the lower carbon footprint associated with outdoor stays. By promoting local produce and engaging in low-impact activities like hiking, campers can further support sustainable tourism practices. While weather conditions may pose challenges during camping trips, practical tips like keeping tent interiors dry and seeking alternative activities can help mitigate the impact of inclement weather. Ultimately, the appeal of nature-focused holidays lies in their ability to provide a sense of connection with the environment and offer a more authentic and enriching travel experience.
