2010-08-10
Official statistics from the Office of National Statistics have shown that camping is now more popular than bed and breakfast accommodation in the UK for the first time on record.
No longer is camping considered an uncomfortable way to travel, or just for kids. It's now big business and, due to advances in technology, is more comfortable than ever.
Figures show a total of 5.43 million camping trips were made last year, an increase of 29% on the year before. Bed and breakfast attracted only 4.98 million.
Several factors are adding to the natural increase in popularity. Obviously, the current economic situation is meaning that people need to consider cheaper forms of accommodation when travelling. But also, the rise of "glamping" - upmarket camping with all mod cons, has attracted the more affluent travellers to camping.
Budget camping equipment from non-specialist stores mean that you can now buy a tent for as little as £15-£20, which is usually less than the cost of a single night at a bed and breakfast.
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