Spring is in the air: giving us many reasons to get outside and enjoy the sounds of nature. Can you hear it? Or is that the sound of complaining from some family member who just doesn’t see the beauty in the nomadic life of the camper? If it’s the latter, chances are you should start thinking now about the top reasons for a caravan getaway for your next family trip.
1. Protection From the Elements
Let’s face it: tent camping can be rough. When the wind and rain conspire to keep you awake all night, or when your trusty sleeping pad fails and leaves you flat. What was supposed to be a dream getaway can turn into a nightmare. Not so in a caravan, where everyone can sleep comfortably on mattresses, well sheltered from any weather.
2. Unfettered Access
In the UK, motorhomes are generally smaller than the US where some of the most magnificent, pristine wilderness areas have strict limitations on vehicle size, but with larger American-styled RVs entering the market, the largest of these vehicles can be prohibited from entering these areas (due to weight restrictions and harp, tight bends in roads). A caravan is easily manoeuvred, compact, and can go almost anywhere in Britain. While many nature areas offer cabins, they are no substitute for sleeping outside in the wilder locations a caravan can access.
We don't have to worry about bears in the UK but travellers abroad should be aware of risks - source https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping-and-wildlife.htm
3. Protection from Animals and Pests
Here in the UK we have it easy with the occasional adder being the most deadly wild creature in our countryside, or a neighbouring camper’s dog snaffling a sausage! If travelling abroad however, many of the parks and wild areas we want to visit are home to wild animals, some of which can be dangerous. Just ask anyone who has spent the night wide-eyed in their tent, white-knuckled because a sound interrupted their deep sleep. Scorpions, mosquitoes, and a host of nasty insects can ruin a perfectly nice time. Anyone who has camped in the Highlands will be familiar with the infamous Highland Midge! The beauty of a caravan is the added layer of safety offered against animal and insect interlopers.
Monster Midge © Copyright Mike Nass and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
4. Unmatched Comfort
Uncomfortable sleeping is one of the most frequent complaints of would-be campers. Back injuries and chronic health conditions can make sleeping on a hard surface too much to bear. Air mattresses are bulky and have a tendency to deflate through the night, waking us in awkward positions. You're guaranteed a sound night of sleep in a caravan on an actual mattress designed for comfort.
5. Bringing the Fur Family on Holiday
For many people, the thought of a holiday without our four-pawed best friends doesn’t sound like a good time. Dogs love a good trip away from home and thrive when they have a space to call their own. Caravans allow you to bring Fido along on all your adventures, just as long as you follow a few key guidelines to ensure everyone is safe.
6. Never a Dull Moment
A long holiday on the road will have its ups and downs, but sometimes the only thing that you really want is a bit of good old-fashioned TV time. There are many different ways to tune in to your favourite show while away from home, so no need to feel deprived.
No matter what sort of trip you're dreaming of, a caravan getaway is sure to deliver the perfect holiday.
John Williams is an outdoor living expert and explorer. When he’s not travelling to nature’s most well-known beauty spots, he tends to the greenery surrounding his home.
