The humble caravan. The image that springs to
mind is perhaps one of a 1970s cream and orange shell, its tiny wheels bumping
along a country road.
Or perhaps it’s a sleek, elegant, streamlined
beast with tinted windows and its own jacuzzi.
Either way, caravanning is an icon of summer
holidays, and its popularity is continuing to grow.
Ever wondered what it’s all about? Here are five
reasons why caravan holidays are the best.
Freedom to travel
In the era of data privacy, Google location
tracking, and digital connectivity, you’d be forgiven for thinking that real
freedom is a thing of the past.
However, caravanning is one arena in which it
still exists.
Whilst most people choose to hitch their van in a
designated caravan site, where they will have access to electricity and water,
you can, in theory,
park up almost anywhere.
Take
your home comforts with you
Some of us love nothing more than to throw a few
essentials into a backpack and head off into the sunset for a night under
canvass.
Most of us, however, are much more comfortable
with a favourite pair of slippers and a snuggly duvet. When traveling with a family,
home comforts can make the world of difference.
It’s important to understand how to balance the
weight ratio in your caravan, but once you’ve got the basic maths covered you
can bring everything from your scrabble board to your oven gloves.
Remember to check with your home insurance
provider to see whether or not you’re caravan contents are covered!
Delve into some DIY
Not all caravan holidays are mobile. Static
caravans offer a much more cost-effective alternative to taking on the burden
of a second home. Roomy, comfortable, and a home-from-home, static caravans are
often located close to beauty spots such as rivers and beaches.
Perhaps more importantly, you can really make
them your own. Many static caravan owners indulge in a complete redecoration,
plant gardens, and add verandas.
Static caravans can be a little more complicated
to maintain than their mobile cousins. Whilst the caravan park will take care
of many things, it’s a good idea to get a decent independent static caravan insurance
policy. One Sure Insurance offers a wide range of specialist insurance policies
that cater for business vehicles, campers, and caravans. All moving caravans
must also, by law, have insurance.
It’s a learning experience for everyone
Nothing says ‘learning curve’ like a new
experience, and bedding down for the night in a tin can is up there with the
best of them.
In the grand scheme of things, caravanning is
very easy. However, there are plenty of things to get to grips with, such as
weight ratios, gas bottles, chemical loos, and efficient storage.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll never look
at a hotel in the same way again.
Get away from the screens
More and more of us are expressing our
frustration with technology. From the mobile phones that are permanently glued
to our hands to the virtual office space of our laptops, technology has seeped
into every one of life’s crevices.
Except the caravan. The caravan will
always have one wheel in a bygone era, and that’s increasingly being recognized
as something to cherish.
And with doctors and professionals advising us
that we should all make a digital detox
part of our routine, there are few more enjoyable ways to unwind than by taking
a home-from-home on the open road.
Closing thoughts
There’s nothing not to love about caravanning.
It’s a fun, carefree way to see the world without the hassle of hotels. Next
time you’re wondering how to make your family holiday that little bit more
memorable, consider the endless possibilities of the combination of fiberglass
and an open field.
