Camping - The Credit Crunch Alternative?
(News archive - January 16th 2009)Latest predictions from camping equipment specialists, Camperlands estimate that as the recession is beginning to bite, we are officially in the midst of a camping revival. As Tina Clough investigates, there really is more to this big budget getaway than eating beans and other delicacies from the tin, taking in the
Carry On Camping may have helped to launch the camping phenomena back in the 1960’s but the new breed of campers have comfort at the forefront of their ethos, it seems that the days of building a ditch around the tent in case it rains and digging a dunny are long gone!
Dominic Ryder, Managing Director of Camperlands, the Manchester based firm who offer camping equipment, trailer tents, tents, Motorhome equipment and caravan accessories, said, “The credit crunch seems to be effecting everyone, job security is diminishing and general morale has taken a tumble. This means that taking a break is essential to boost spirits and to get some well-deserved me-time. The saver savvy are opting for the traditional camping holiday especially those with young children. Many of our customers are keen to give their children some of the fond camping memories that they hold so dear.”
29 year-old Lee Carlisle from Nottingham, has extremely fond memories of camping with scouts, he said, “We used to go away all the time with scouts and on this one occasion we were all out walking and one of the lads tripped up my friend Jamie catapulting him head first into a cow pat! Needless to say his white-blonde hair turned green and he was forced to wear a hat all weekend!”
Mr Carlisle added, “Camping was great when you were younger and it was almost like your parents would act like kids too. We went to Wales one year with the family and my dad turned our tents back to front without telling us. After returning from a long walk and no doubt a game of footie, my dad went back to his tent and sniggered at us for half an hour while we tried to work out what had happened!”
What’s more, it isn’t just those hungry for fond memories who are going camping this year, with the pound performing so badly against the Euro, and the European holiday price hike, taking the average cost of a Mediterranean family holiday up to £500 per person, it is not surprising then that many are seeking out wallet friendly alternatives.
Mr Ryder, whose camping equipment firm has been inundated with requests over the past few months, said, “At Camperlands, it is possible to pick up a four berth tent, one double sleeping bag and two singles, a 12v light, a double burner camping stove and a cook-set all for just over £300. This is a saving of around £200 on the package holiday cost for one person. If you have a family of four your savings could total up to £1700!
“Some of our customers are taking their holidays abroad to the next level this summer and opting for a camping break abroad instead of paying through the nose for an overpriced hotel. This is leaving them more time and flexibility to travel around the different regions and experience different cultures. There really is a camping option for every type of traveller and at Camperlands the camping revolution is something we are welcoming with open arms.”
About Camperlands
Camperlands Ltd was founded by the late and much missed Mike and Peggy Ryder in 1968. The original concept was to hire frame tents out in the summer season to generate some extra income for their growing family. Their first season lasted 6 weeks during the summer school holidays and was run from the back garden of the family home. It was a resounding success, which gave the Ryder's the confidence to begin tent sales along with camping equipment and caravan accessories. The business grew and the following year relocated onto a garage forecourt, where all the tent displays had to be erected and dismantled every day. So in 1970 the company moved to its present premises, this gave Mike and Peggy Ryder the space and security required to begin creating the purpose built open-air camping and leisure exhibition that exists today.
Today there are quite literally thousands of caravan, camping and motorhome accessories in stock, with several covered display areas dedicated to trailer tents, tents and folding campers.