Brits carry on Campervanning

Travel industry pundits are predicting a record year for domestic tourism, as families forgo overseas trips in favour of UK destinations. And what better way to see the best of British than in a classic Volkswagen camper van, courtesy of hire company CampinaVDub.co.uk.

The Surrey-based company has three retro-style VW campers available for hire, all stylishly 'pimped' with the sort of facilities usually found in a boutique B&B.

The three campers are 2009 Type 2 bay window VWs imported from Brazil, equipped with everything from outdoor furniture to a full stereo system, to add comfort and style without losing the soul of the classic camper van experience. And the brand new body and water-cooled, fuel-injected engines ensure that - unlike the originals - they won't rust or break down.

Fiona Walker, MD, CampinaVDub.co.uk, says: "So many people have fond memories of childhood holidays in the family camper van, but most of the originals - like my own 1972 VW - haven't lasted the distance. Now, the retro campervan holiday is having a resurgence with the noughties generation who want to enjoy the Great British outdoors without slumming it in a tent!"

The falling value of the pound against the euro and the dollar is driving the demand for domestic breaks, with British campsites braced for a bumper summer. The Camping and Caravanning Club reports that bookings are up 27% on last year.

Fiona says: "The British holiday is booming as the crunch bites - consumers are cutting spending abroad in favour of home-grown holiday destinations. Our chic and comfy campers are ideal for injecting some glamour into your summer festival season, romantic countryside mini-break or family camping holiday - simply turn up, climb aboard and hit the open road."

The campervans can also be hired for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, prom parties and hen nights. Each van has been eclectically styled to give it a distinct personality: 'Patsy' is the good time girl of the family, ideally suited for the Bridget Jones of the camper world, 'Wilf' is a cheeky adventurer, whilst tomboy 'Daisy' loves to explore the countryside. Champagne girl Patsy is already booked for Royal Ascot and Wilf and Daisy have been reserved for Glastonbury!

The vans come fully fitted with bedding, kitchen utensils and dining sets, outdoor furniture including air beds and awnings, a Tom Tom navigation system, drop down TV/DVD with Freeview, and a full stereo system with USB Ipod connector. Campers even get the use of an Ipod fully loaded with tracks.

Each vehicle has full AA cover and membership of The Camping and Caravanning Club, and the vans are equipped with electric hook up, fire blankets and extinguishers, and internal heating for all year round camping. Two of the campers are canine friendly, all come with free unlimited mileage and, for the eco-conscious camper, the modern VW goes the extra green mile: its Flex engine can run on unleaded or bio fuel.

The easy-to-navigate website allows users to check availability and book online, and hire costs are all inclusive with no hidden extras. Prices start from £150 for day hire to £750 for a week in high season.

CampinaVDub.co.uk will be at Dubs in the Park on 17 May 2009, helping to transform the grounds of Victorian mansion Easthampstead Park in Berkshire into a family VW festival. More information can be found at dubsatthepark.co.uk.