The number of enquiries into second-hand caravans, campervans and motorhomes has gone through the roof since the beginning of the year, according to free UK classifieds website, VivaStreet.co.uk. With more and more credit-crunched Brits choosing, or being forced, to take their holidays at home this summer, caravanning is very much back in vogue.

In the first quarter of 2009, the number of enquiries for campervans, motorhomes and caravans on VivaStreet.co.uk increased by 80% compared to the last quarter of 2008 and by 155% compared to the first quarter of 2008. The spike is consistent with the results of a recent survey by Visit Britain, which found 1 in 5 Brits who holidayed overseas last year are thinking of spending their summer holidays this year in the UK.

With many households suffering financially in the recession and the weak pound, foreign travel is proving to be an expense they can ill afford, making UK holiday destinations much more appealing at the moment. 2009 will see the second anniversary of the staycation.

Alongside soaring enquiries for caravans, campervans and motorhomes, VivaStreet.co.uk has also seen a substantial rise in the number of advertisements on the site for these types of vehicles, as people look to cash in on the renewed appetite from Brits in holidaying at home this summer.

The percentage of new ads on VivaStreet.co.uk increased by 78% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the last quarter of 2008 and by 104% compared to the first quarter of 2008.

A quick search of the VivaStreet.co.uk website reveals that a second-hand five-berth Compass caravan can be picked up for �2,000, while campervans and motorhomes start from as little as �4,500 and �8,000 respectively. Despite the initial upfront cost, the fact that families can use them time and again makes them an extremely attractive and cost-efficient purchase in the current economic climate.

Also, with people looking to find alternatives to putting their money into savings accounts and property, the caravan and motorhome market is particularly appealing because these types of vehicles retain their value extremely well over time.

Yannick Pons, CEO of free classifieds website VivaStreet.co.uk, comments:- "The second-hand market in caravans and campervans is extremely buoyant at the moment, predominantly because the economic climate means more people are looking to stay in the UK for their holidays.

�Also, second-hand motorhomes and caravans retain their value extremely well, mainly because people who love this type of holiday are the sort of people who look after their vehicles. This makes them a great investment to enjoy for years and then sell on at a good price.�

Alongside the buoyant second-hand market, sales and rentals of new caravans, campervans and motorhomes are also booming. Southampton-based motorhomes manufacturer, Romahome, has even taken on extra staff to handle the increased demand. Meanwhile, London-based campervan rentals specialist, Campervantastic, is booked up until September.

Brian Bailey, MD of specialist motorhomes manufacturer Romahome, comments: �We are fantastically busy. While other vehicle manufacturers are laying off staff and cutting the working week, the interest in motorhomes is stronger than ever and our staff are working overtime to meet the demand.

�Foreign travel has now become very expensive and as a result camping and caravanning in the UK have increased in appeal, with bookings up 40 per cent at campsites around the UK. Rather than simply rent a motorhome, many families see purchasing one instead as a good long-term investment."

Steve Lumley, MD of campervan rentals specialist Campervantastic, comments:-

"The phone hasn�t stopped ringing since the beginning of the year. Bookings are up significantly � in fact we already have reservations right the way through to September.

�We are definitely receiving interest from a lot of people who normally holiday abroad but due to the recession have decided to stay at home this year and enjoy the UK countryside instead. We've also had quite a few bookings from people who have chosen to take a career break while business is slow."

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Notes to Editors For more information, contact: Jonathan Stevens Director, Rhizome PR T + 44 (0) 20 8257 5183 M + 44 (0) 7977 119579 E jonny@rhizomepr.com W www.rhizomepr.com

Dominic Hiatt Director, Rhizome PR T + 44 (0) 20 8670 4920 M + 44 (0) 7595 221604 E dominic@rhizomepr.com W www.rhizomepr.com