You don’t need us to tell you that here at Caboose & Co., we love all things camping, glamping and
pop-up accommodation. Now more than ever, it’s important to be up-to-date with the do’s and
don’ts, the can’s and can’t’s of travel, staycations and getaways within the UK. We know it isn’t always easy to keep up.
We know it isn’t always easy to keep up.
Staying safe is a priority for all of us, so do make sure you check your local government’s website before you travel. We know our stuff, but you don’t want to fall foul of the latest developments.
That said, plan your staycation or even the launch of your glampsite properly and despite all the rules and regulations, you can have a great time.
Is camping allowed in the UK?
Yes and no. Camping is allowed in England and Scotland but not in Wales and Northern Ireland as new restrictions have been announced.
You’ll have heard about the three-tier system. That means in England Medium and High tier areas have the go-ahead for camping, as long as social distancing and face coverings happen and cleaning is in place.
If you’re unfortunate enough to live in a Very High risk area, or Tier 3, then you might be confused. Camping wasn’t mentioned by the government, but travel to and from these regions isn’t recommended and you can’t venture out to stay overnight in another part of the UK. Likewise, if you live in a lower tier you shouldn’t travel into Very High zones for a camping getaway. Common sense says no, no camping right now.
Scotland has its own rules, so those should be checked in advance. Wales has banned camping as part of their own lockdown regulations which should end on the 9th November, so don’t try and go for a staycation there or leave Wales to visit somewhere else. In Northern Ireland, campsites are closed.
Are campsites safe?
A lot of our clients have asked us this, and as experts in our field we have to say that yes, yes they are as long as the proper procedures are in place. Camping is overall a safe holiday as accommodation is self-contained, out in open spaces and away from high concentrations of people and crowds. Staggering visiting times can help with this.
Proper distancing and sanitation is vital. Group bookings should be discouraged or banned and reconfiguring spaces, pods, tents and other accommodation is an absolute must if you want to operate. Space everyone out and you might not be able to turn over as many guests, but you will know the ones that choose you will be safe and happy.
Floor markings in public areas (toilets, shower blocks, shops, kitchen areas) must be in place as this will help guests adjust to the new way of holidaying. It might be easier for you to close shared facilities, but think about the comfort of your guests and whether you can add in extra cleaning regimes to help. Provide hand sanitiser as if it’s there, guests are more likely to use it than source their own.
If all this guidance is followed then infection risks should be low as long as guests comply and act sensibly.
Get Glamping
COVID-19 has shaken up the hospitality and event industry. We all know it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of it. If you want to go glamping or camping, don’t hesitate to ask the provider or host of your chosen location what they have in place to keep you safe. Your money is vital in supporting the industry, but your health, safety and enjoyment is paramount to all of us who work in the sector.
For land owners or event planners: have you thought about taking advantage of the influx in staycations? They’re set to be popular for a good while, and thanks to our many years in the industry we know how to identify your clientele, make a great first impression, take care of the community and plan a soft launch. We’ve forgotten more than our competition knows.
If you still want to experience an incredible staycation, we offer a selection of glamping pods and pop-up accommodation that can turn any location into an attractive and convenient campsite. If you have any questions about how to offer accommodation for your event or site, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
COVID-19 camping by country
If you want to venture abroad, make sure you are following up-to-date European travel rules for your destination.
Austria, Belgium, Croatia.
You will need to self-isolate for up to 14 days on your return to the UK after visiting but there are no entry restrictions.
Czech Republic
You will need to self-isolate for up to 14 days on your return to the UK after visiting the Czech Republic but there are no entry restrictions. A new national lockdown will last until at least 3 November.
Denmark
You won’t need to quarantine when you get back but you need a ‘worthy’ reason to enter the country as the UK is banned from visiting.
France
You will need to self-isolate for up to 14 days on your return. Nightime curfews are in place, face coverings must be worn outdoors and you will have to sign a declaration to enter.
Germany
No need to quarantine when you come back but Germany has restrictions applied to the UK. You will have to take a test and quarantine for 14 days when you enter the country. If you test negative you may be released sooner. A ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown is happening in the district of Berchtesgadener Land at the Bavarian-Austrian border.
Greece
No need to quarantine when you get back but you may be asked to take a test to get into the country. You may also be asked to quarantine in Greek accommodation provided by the authorities.
Italy
When you get home you will have to self-isolate for 14 days. When you get to Italy you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours or have a free test done there. If positive, you could be required to quarantine for up to three weeks. Face masks outdoors is mandatory and local restrictions are in place.
Luxembourg
There are no entry restrictions but when you get back to the UK you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Netherlands
When you get to the UK you will have to self-isolate for 10 days and when you get home you will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
Norway
When you arrive you will have to quarantine for 10 days but when you get home you will not have to quarantine.
Portugal
When you arrive you will need to undergo a health screening and when you get home to the UK you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Spain
Upon arrival you will have to have a temperature check, visual health assessment and provide contact info. Partial lockdowns are in place in the country and when you get back to the UK you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. The Canary Islands are exempt from the FCDO’s advice against all non-essential international travel.
Sweden
No entry restrictions, no need to quarantine when you get back to the UK.
Switzerland
When you arrive you will have to quarantine for 10 days and when you get home to the UK, self-isolate for 14 days.
Don’t take our word for it. Keep checking the rules and regulations for your area or chosen destination before your travel.
All of our Cabooses can be purchased or hired, but before you do that, why not learn a little bit more about us? There’s a reason why people would rather be in a Caboose.