STOP THE PRESS – More vehicles added and April Deals!

Due to massive demand we have added more vehicles to our 2012 fleet. If you previously found that we could not fulfill your hire dates for summer 2012 then you may wish to check again. We have added new motorhomes and compact campers (2 berth and 2+2 berth).

If you are travelling to Scotland and flying to Glasgow Airport you may wish to know that you can now start your Motorhome holiday and/or campervan hire from the moment you land.

Traditionally travellers had to travel well beyond the airport in order to find a hire company. This not only added time and cost to the whole experience but would seem unfair when other travellers could hire a car from Hertz, Avis or Europcar direct from the airport.

Atlas Campervan Hire provides a courtesy free shuttle service from the Airport.  When you book with Atlas you provide your flight arrival details and a representative of the company will meet you at the Airport.   A 10 minute free shuttle service will transfer you to the vehicle depot. From there you will be introduced to your vehicle during a full briefing. In most cases you will then be on the road in about 30 minutes.

This simple transfer will save money and get your holiday started within an hour of landing.

When you have made your booking please tick the boxes within the options section to select the Glasgow Airport transfer service.

Click here to make an enquiry, check availability and pricing.

1. Vehicle Type

Vehicles come in all forms of shapes and sizes. You can choose a small vehicle with a limited range of features right up to a monster vehicle with all the modern comforts of home. The smaller vehicles will be easier to manoeuvre and potentially give you access to smaller roads and some of the wilder and more out of the way places. The larger offering more comfort and features aboard. Here are some of the pro and cons of each type:-

Small Compact Campervan (Sleeping 2-4)
Pros: Lower cost, drives similar to a car, cheaper to run, lower daily cost to rent, great for couple with our without small children.
Cons: Less storage space for luggage and equipment, no built-in toilet or shower
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Large Campervan (Sleeping 2-5)
Pros: Lower cost than motorhome with similar features, easy to drive, normally have heating and full size kitchen equipment, including oven, fridge & freezer.
Cons: Still require some beds to be made up at night.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Motorhomes (Sleeping 2 to 7)
Pros: Lots of space, separate compartments, rooms, cupboards, storage options, good family space
Cons: Requires more care driving in towns and small country roads. Low bridges must be observed. More costly per day to hire (can still be cheaper than hotel or B&B per person)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. What Specification Should you Consider?
Everyone will have a different idea of what specifications they need in their campervan or motorhome. Most people don’t know what is available in the first place, so this section is to help demystify the choices for you.

• Heating
It is not essential to have heating especially in summer months but you will find that most mid to large sized vehicle should offer some form of heating that is in addition to that provided by the main vehicle heater (which only operates when the engine is running). Heating can be generally powered by gas or diesel. The gas will come from the gas tank. This also provides for the cooking and hot water. The diesel heater uses the diesel from the vehicle fuel tank. Both are very cost efficient ways of keeping the chill off or providing full heat in the colder months.

• Fridge and Freezer

Keeping your food fresh while on the road is a simple job with the right equipment. Make sure you check the size and type of fridge available in your vehicle. Small campervans will probably have a small 40 litre fridge with ice making compartment. The most efficient way to power these is from the second “leisure” battery. These fridges draw very little power and can run for days without the battery being charged.
Larger campervans and motorhomes should provide a large fridge and separate freezer compartment. Choose vehicles that have 3-way power options. This means that the appliance can be powered by the leisure battery, by gas and by electric hook-up. This is a very efficient system that ensures you can wild camp with the same fridge power that you would get if hooked-up at a campsite. The gas option will save the leisure battery, which will free up power for lights, TV etc.

• Kitchen / Galley

As a minimum you will want to have gas hobs. It’s amazing what you can cook up on a couple of hobs. On larger vehicles expect to see a grill and even an oven combo. Microwaves are only useful if you are plugged into an electrical supply. They won’t work on the road or wild camping. All appliances should be gas where possible. Make sure your hirer supplies all the kitchen utensils suitable for creating your masterchef masterpieces. Food always tastes at its best out in the wilds anyway.

• Bedding

Motorhomes and campervans have mastered the art of bedding layouts. From convertible chairs to beds, fixed beds, bunk beds, overhead cab beds. Single and full size double beds are achievable. Even the tallest of us can find a bed as good as at home. There are so many layout options I’ll leave you to decide which suits you and your group best. The following are the most popular though:-

Double overhead cab.

 
 
A great space saving set up that allows a full double bed to remain permanently made up. Pull it down for use at night and then push it out of the way during the day. There is no need to convert any furniture to transform from day to night. You will have to be ok climbing a small ladder though.
 
 
 
 
Fixed double. These are typically at the rear of the vehicle and are easily accessible. Some people like them because they are easily accessed, however they are permanently made up and can constrict daytime space.

Convertible seats to bed.

 
Sometimes the most popular as it allows the vehicle to be kept small but ensure you have a full daytime and night time layout. The lounge or saloon areas can change from bench seats and table/chairs used during the day to double or single beds in the evening. In these cases the beds tend to be at knee height and do not require a ladder.
 
 
 

Bunk Beds. A great space saver and generally full adult size. Some models even allow the botoom bunk to fold up providing a large interior space (garage) that could be used for bikes, golf clubs or luggage. A versatile option.

Some vehicle have a mix of all of the above types.

Toilet/Shower
The smaller vehicles on the market tend to forego the toilet and shower option. This is mainly due to a lack of space. You should be able to buy or hire a chemical toilet to take with you though. This is more important if wild camping. If using campsites then they will have their own toilets and shower facilities.

On the larger vehicles you can have toilets and showers in the same space. The sink folds away and you can shower in a wet room type environment. This is a good use of space. The best configurations I have seen are keeping the shower and toilet separate. Most showers can then feel like the real thing.
 
Toilets should always be a cassette system. This will ensure it is easy to remove and refresh. The chemicals these days are suitable for emptying into the sewer system. These toilets have an electric flush and have a decent capacity.

3. Buying Advice
This could be described as using your common sense but here are a few key things to consider.
Price: Comparing prices on a motorhome or campervan hire can be a complex task, It is not just as simple as comparing daily rates. Some daily rates are for only the vehicle. Other items such as insurance, roadside support and basic options can be add-ons that become apparent later in the process. There is nothing wrong in that as it can show the true cost, however you need to be ware of that. Many companies package all the standard items into the daily hire cost, making it easier to see the total cost of hire. Any additional costs in this matter will be for optional extras that are occasionally taken.

It is worth doing your homework and making sure apples are being compared with apples.
Other things to look out for
 
- Credit card charges. Some companies charge extra for using credit cards or paypal.
- Online booking discounts. Like many holiday companies there is a cost advantage to booking on-line. This uses less of the company’s people resources which means they can pass the saving to the customer. This can also be a quick and simple way to get booked and pay. You also get the consumer protection associated with credit card purchases.
- Who owns the vehicles?
It is worth considering who owns the vehicles you are planning to hire. Many companies own their own vehicles and some act as agents for private individuals. You need to decide which operations are more likely to be able to provide the managed service.

I hope this has helped you navigate through the process of hiring a motorhome or campervan. Whatever you decide to purchase or wherever you go I’m sure you will have a memorable holiday.

What to do in Glasgow if you only have 24 hours?

These good folks at Lonely Planet have been kind enough to do some of the legwork for you. If you are wondering what to do in Glasgow, especially if you only have a short time then this article is well worth a read.

Read about the pubs, cathedrals, art galleries, restaurants and night life. It’s our guess you may wish to stay for longer than a day.

All of the suggestions made by lonely planet are within 10 minutes walk from the Atlas Depot. Make Glasgow the start or end of trip holiday. You will not be disappointed.
 
  
 

In 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland, experience Scotland’s cultural and creative vibrancy at first hand. A celebration of Scotland’s creative assets and contribution to the world, 2012 is the ideal time to experience fantastic events and festivals and discover Scotland’s inspirational natural and built landscapes.

Find out why this year is so special
 
 

Top reasons why you should rent a Campervan or Motorhome in Scotland

Renting a motorhome or campervan can be a low cost way to explore Scotland.  Let’s have a look at some of the main reasons you may want to rent a motorhome or camper.

Visit Scotland and you will be amazed at what is on offer.  Europe’s last wilderness offering wild camping, walking holidays, mountain bike trails, bird watching, skiing and many other healthy outdoor pursuits.   The cities are vibrant offering a range of entertainment, dining and shopping.  Let the islands of the inner and outer Hebrides enchant you and help you unwind.

So let us explore why a visit to Scotland and hiring a motorhome or campervan is a good proposition.

Discover Remote Scotland

Getting off the beaten track is one of the most popular attractions.  We have so many hidden away little beaches, coves and remote places that it is possible to be away from everything.  Just you, the countryside and your mobile home from home.  Don’t be tied to a B&B or hotel, go where you want to, and if you like it, then stay.

Some of the best campsites are small enough to feel like wild camping, yet offer the facilities we need every now and again.

Discover Scotland’s Cities

Our cities have so much to offer.  Edinburgh Castle is the most popular paid for attraction and is well worth the visit.  Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow is the most popular free visitor attraction in Scotland.

Don’t pay city centre accommodation rates and give yourself the flexibility to move around the cities.  There are plenty of places for safe overnight parking.

For more attraction information try these sites:

http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/see-and-do/visitor-attractions2/

http://www.scotland-welcomes-you.com/scottish_attractions.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Scotland
 

Take your accommodation with you

Instead of packing and repacking as you tour the country, you can “move in” to your motorhome and stay there for the duration of your holiday.  Unpack once, make yourself at home and then spend the rest of your time making the most of the holiday.  Everything you will need is can be included in your vehicle.  From bedding, towels, kitchen items to food & drink.

Low Cost and Economical

Combining your vehicle and accommodation into one price and then self-catering can make your holiday economical and allow your budget to go further.  Save money or spend more of your holiday budget on treating yourselves.

One Stop Booking for Easy Holiday Planning

Use the Atlas booking system and within a few clicks you will have your transport and accommodation all booked for your holiday.  There is no need to check out multiple accommodations, review them on Trip Advisor, phone or email each one.   Use the time saved to plan out your journey.

The area surrounding highland bungee is full of other things to do;  mountain biking, walking, bird watching.  The nearby Atholl estates is vast and well worth checking out.

If you want advice on things to do in this area then please email or call us.  They are plenty of campsites and wild camping areas for your campervan or motorhome.

You don’t have to fling yourself towards a river, but it could a little more excitement to your holiday.  Check them out at www.bungeejumpscotland.co.uk

Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 

30th September – 2nd October

Set amidst the stunning scenery of the Trossachs, Callander is the perfect place to enjoy some fantastic live music this autumn. With concerts, open mic sessions and jazz parades, the festival also features a jazz cruise on the loch that inspired Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake.   There are plenty of campsites in the area too.

Scottish Motorsport Festival

30th September – 9th October

Enjoy nine action-packed days of motorsport events across Central Scotland. This thrilling festival features the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally and the Rally of Scotland and includes spectacular locations across Highland Perthshire as well as Stirling Castle and Scone Palace.  User your campervan to find the perfect spot and travel around with each stage.  Don’t forget the tea bags for the occasional brew!

Tiree Wave Classic

8th-14th October

See the UK’s premier windsurfing competition on this magical Hebridean island, famed for its beauty and perfect windsurfing conditions. Watch some of the world’s finest windsurfers compete in the Atlantic waters, in the hope of being crowned champion.  No need for campervan awnings on this trip.  Might end up blowing back to the mainland.

Cowalfest, Dunoon – Walking and Arts Festival

7th-16th October

Experience a fantastic walking and arts festival from Dunoon this October. Cowalfest features some stunning walks for all ages and abilities as well as horse riding and mountain biking. You can also take part in ceilidhs, enjoy art exhibitions and explore historic houses and churches.

Wild Connections, Perthshire

8th-16th October

Highland Perthshire’s annual wildlife festival features a fascinating array of outdoor events, including photography master classes, talks and presentations, wildlife watching, a cider festival and music and poetry. Find out more about Perthshire’s rich flora and fauna.

Before you go we encourage you to read the following and familiarise yourself with the new rules.  It especially focusses on booked pitches and/or designated overnight parking places.  Unless you have this booked or arrange upon arrival you may be asked to leave the islands.

Argyle News Article 14th September 2011

Tiree Island Information for Campervans

Colonsay Information for Campervans

It created quite a buzz as locals and tourists decended on the film set to catch their glimpse of Brad and take in the scenes of mock destruction.  Smashed up cars and lorries alongside Army Hummers all made for a slightly different day out in Glasgow, Philadelphia style.

Shall we buy Brad’s Camper van?

Some of the vehicles are up for sale.  Coincidentally we are planning our growing fleet.  Now quality, reliability and good looks are normally associated with our fleet, however we could deviate from our normal profile and add a busted, smashed up, ugly and most likely unreliable old Chevy.  If it’s good enough for Brad!  Check out the road test here

Anyone out there like to hire a Campervan that can help you escape the Zombies?  Let us know.