A home away from home in a camper van

Camper vans are no longer dreary, they’re bright, airy, adaptable and cool, says Nuala Woulfe

GOING away in a metal box with wheels on it was the ultimate dreary holiday — not anymore. Camper vans are the new cool, as celebrities — for example, Coleen Rooney, Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver — forgo flash holidays for the simple life. Robbie Williams even wrote a song, ‘Jesus in a Camper Van’, about his camper van.

The trend is reflected on Irish roads; young families are travelling by camper van to festivals or to the mountains and beaches, here and abroad. A spokesperson for the motor tax office says that in the last two years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of camper vans being taxed. Tax is modest; €102 to €156 for the year.