On the road again: Why the Swiss have fallen in love with camping holidays

The government has been urging Switzerland's public to opt for staycations this summer to avoid the health risk that travel to foreign countries may entail. 

It looks like many people are heeding this call, as rentals of camping vehicles are significantly up in comparison to prior summers.

For instance, Camping Car Romandie, a small agency specialising in the camper rentals, experienced an increase of more than 70 percent over previous years. 

MyCamper, a platform that connects motorhome owners with potential customers, also reports an upward trend.

READ MORE: Four tips for a cheap family holiday in Switzerland this summer

One of the camping sites is located near the Lauterbrunnen valley. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

“We note this year the arrival of new customers who had never considered camping before, but who are doing so this year to make their holidays more local and flexible,” the company's operations manager Sarah Hollederer told RTS television. 

In terms of models, specially designed vans – more compact and practical than buses – are the most popular rentals, Hollederer added.

Camping is not only among the cheapest vacation options for families, but it also allows more freedom of movement and access to numerous sites set in the most scenic locations.

There are over 100 motorhome camping sites spread out across all regions of Switzerland.