What you need to know about travelling under the new guidelines

UPDATE 22/09: Due to the recent rise in coronavirus cases, there are multiple local lockdowns being put in place by local authorities. Travelling is not banned, but it is not recommended at this time. If you are planning on travelling, you must check whether the area you intend on visiting is accepting visitors, and ensure you adhere to safety measures. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands and stay a safe distance from other people. We’ve taken a look at the official advice and created this guide to help you know what you can and can’t do under the new Government guidelines. All the information in this post is correct and up-to-date at the time of writing, and we will be sure to make any changes if, and when, the rules change. Firstly, it’s important to note that the official rules still state that we should all be staying at home as much as possible and that social distancing rules are still in place, meaning we should be keeping a two-metre gap between ourselves and anyone we don’t live with. But we are now allowed to travel to go and exercise, and there is no longer a time limit on the time we spend outside. If you want to take your car or campervan out for a drive, here’s what you need to remember: You should not travel if you have any symptoms. This, of course, goes without saying, but do not attempt to travel if you have any symptoms of the virus — even if they are mild. If you think you may have symptoms but you aren’t sure, visit the NHS website. If you are someone who is considered at-risk — including people who are over-70, who are pregnant, or who have a lung condition — you should not travel away from your home and should try to leave the house only for essential shopping and daily exercise. Plan the most direct route and make sure you schedule in any breaks before you leave your house. Travelling to second homes, campsites or caravan parks is still not allowed, and you can’t stay anywhere overnight — you must return to your primary home at the end of your trip. As a general rule, you shouldn’t be driving any longer than the time you spend at the place you’re visiting. In other words, don’t drive from Brighton to the Peak District for a one-hour walk! Make sure your insurance is up-to-date. Don’t travel anywhere in your campervan uninsured. If for whatever reason, your vehicle is involved in an accident, damaged or even stolen, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re covered should anything happen. Ensure you have valid breakdown cover. Just in case! Campervans and motorhomes need specialist cover, so check with your insurer before you set out. Bring protective equipment with you. If you can, you should bring some gloves with you to wear while you’re refuelling. Also, it’s worth taking a mask with you in case of unforeseen circumstances (e.g. a breakdown!). Your mask doesn’t need to be a medical-grade mask — and these should be left to our key workers — but there are plenty of tutorials online on how to make your own protective face-mask. Be flexible. If you reach your destination but it’s too busy to make social distancing possible, pick somewhere else. Popular beauty spots are likely to be crowded, particularly with warmer weather on the way, so try and think of somewhere a little off the beaten track for your journey. Protect the community and the countryside. It’s worth remembering that some places you visit may have fewer hospital resources or emergency services, especially during the crisis, so keep this in mind and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger while you’re out and about. Make sure you pick up any litter you bring with you on your trip, if you go for a picnic, for example. Leave the place as you found it, if not better! If you want to find more advice on the coronavirus, be sure to look at the Government resources or the NHS website for official information. We hope you’ve found this guide helpful, for more information on looking after your caravan, campervan or motorhome, why not check out the other articles on our blog. For more information on our specialist insurance, be sure to check out our caravan, motorhome and campervan insurance policies. NEW Shield - Travelling Guidelines [caption id="attachment_4953" align="alignnone" width="120"] Download larger version from link[/caption]