by Chris Jefferies
For all the talk of glamping, staycations and glamourvanning, there are still millions of people in the UK who wouldn’t think twice about going on a caravan holiday.
And we at CaravanTimes think this is a huge shame, so in this feature we’ve tried to sum up just what makes caravan holidays so special.
1. Camaraderie
If you’re staying in a hotel, you keep yourself to yourself, with the possible exception of fighting over the last sun lounger next to the pool.
On a caravan holiday, things are different. Everyone shares at least one hobby in common, so you’ll find friendly neighbours offering to help put up your awning or willing to share a cup of sugar for that all important first brew.
2. Birdsong
Waking up to the sound of chirping birds in the trees is simply blissful and it doesn’t have to end there.
Many caravan sites are birdspotter’s havens and the wardens may even be able to give you tips on spotting rare and unusual varieties.
3. Rain on the roof
Until you’ve experienced the gentle pitter-patter of rain on an aluminium roof, you can’t truly understand how delightful it sounds as it lulls you to sleep.
And with so many modern caravans boasting state-of-the-art heating systems and world-class insulation you can remain snug, cosy and secure knowing that you’re in for a peaceful night’s sleep.
4. Sunsets
Sure you can see a sunset in a city or from a hotel, but the remote location of many caravan sites makes the opportunity for spectacular skies simply unrivalled.
From golden hues to rosy reds, the sky can provide you with some of the most memorable views of your holiday when there are no buildings to get in the way or pollution to ruin the air quality.
There’s also the joy of sunsets too, but seeing them may depend on how much you enjoy the next item in our list.
5. Barbecues
Again, you can do a boozy barbecue anywhere, but on a caravan holiday the barbecue is almost always the best option for cooking.
You’ve got the space on your pitch, you’ve got a gas supply should you need it, you can even reach through the window to grab extra cutlery.
Let’s not forget a handy fridge just inside for keeping the beers and wine icy cold. What more could you ask for?
6. Fresh air
According to The World Bank, more than 80% of Brits live in a built-up urban area, so the simple joys of seeing a bit of green and breathing in the fresh air is immeasurably therapeutic.
Forget spa breaks, simply getting a good lungful of countryside or coastal oxygen will do you a world of good.
7. Variety
Most of what we’ve listed relates to the countryside and this is where the vast majority of caravan holidays take place, but not all.
These days more and more people are using suburban caravan parks as an affordable base for exploring big cities – there are a handful of conveniently located sites inside the M25 and within striking distance of Central London to give just one example.
8. Freedom
Whenever the CaravanTimes team heads out to canvas opinion at a caravan show, the one word we hear over and over again from caravanning regulars is: ‘Freedom’.
Put simply, a caravan holiday gives you the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Without the breakfast schedules that many hotels strictly adhere to, you can set your own timetable. Want to wake up at 11am and cook pancakes on a griddle pan in the sunshine? No problem. Want to share a room with your three dogs? Go for it.
Sure, wild camping restrictions in the UK mean you can no longer go wherever you want, but beyond that the only limit is your imagination.
Have we missed anything off our list? What do you love most about caravan holidays? Let us know in the comments box below.
