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Driving to new places, waking up to a different view every morning, and camping in different locations is a dream for many travellers. Van Life has helped travellers achieve this and have unique experiences of their own.
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Even though there are a lot of ways to travel the world, after a point, it gets expensive to stay in different hotels, eat out, use public transport every day, etc.
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The new generation, whether it's Gen Z or Millenials, is made up of travel enthusiasts who like to explore and keep looking for different ways to do so.
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Now, more and more people are being influenced to buy a van, renovate it, and travel across the country to experience new things.
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It is not always simple or economical for people to purchase a van, remodel it, and then convert it into a small travel trailer.
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Although it may be successful or cost-effective in the long run, not everyone is suited for that lifestyle.
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This didn't stop people from thinking about what living in a van must feel like, which ultimately gave life to caravan tourism.
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Tour operators and travel companies picked up on the needs of their customers and started catering to them by introducing services where you can rent a van and travel or go on scheduled trips in vans.
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This offering gave the experience of living in a van to people who were keen on having a road trip of their own.
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Now the concept of "van life" is steadily growing and getting popular among youth as a way of travelling and living a minimalist lifestyle away from the city.
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This allows tour operators and travel companies an opportunity to monetize this niche of the travel sector.
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Some other concepts that have gained popularity are Couchsurfing, bed and breakfast, camping, etc.
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Many countries have also made accommodations or campsites for people fond of van life after seeing its fast growth.
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Even though van life has its challenges, that hasn't stopped people from choosing or experiencing this kind of lifestyl
History of Van Life
- The concept of a house on wheels has been around since the early 1800s, but at that time it was pulled by animals.
- The first motor caravan was introduced in 1919, after which British citizens started using them.
- It was a cheaper mode of transportation.
- Camper vans gained traction after WWII because the idea of living and travelling the world in them had not faded from people's minds.
- The converter camper began after many more trials and continuous efforts.
How can tour operators leverage van tourism to grow their businesses?
- With the introduction of the internet and social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, etc., it has never been easier to engage the youth and persuade them to try this form of travelling.
- Tour operators can also collaborate with budding van life influencers and ask them to promote their van tours; this way, they will gain a lot of traffic.
- Travel agents should focus on targeting the audience that is most likely to take part in an experience like this because, even though van life is exciting, it isn't for everyone.
- Define your audience very clearly.
- Make a Pinterest mood board where tour operators can post aesthetic pictures and show the perks of travelling and living in a van.
- Inbound tour operators can offer cross-state tours with the facilities that their clients require.
- Each package can be customised and portrayed as a unique leisure experience.
There are many ways in which tour operators can promote their packages and create vouchers for different destinations.
To take your business to a higher level and manage packages with ease, your travel business needs ETOS smart travel technology that will give it a competitive edge.
Book a FREE DEMO today and speak with one of our experts to learn more about our extensive product line.
