Caravanning – it’s a hobby your grandparents have fond memories of from that trip they took back in 1973 right? Well, think again, as caravanning is in fact one of the UK’s fastest growing industries. In fact, during the past year, caravan show rooms have registered a sharp increase in sales of 15 per cent as more and more British citizens choose to shun pricey trips abroad in order to hit the road and map out their own holiday.
So if you have images of dreary days stuck inside a confined space playing cards in a caravan site dating back to the Dark Ages, why not open your mind to some of the modern comforts and stunning breaks a caravan holiday can now offer?
So what has been the secret behind the industry’s great resurgence over the past few years? Well, it seems for the most part the challenging economic climate has been a decisive factor in encouraging Brits to consider alternative holidays. The Caravan Club, the UK and Europe’s representative body for the caravan industry, now regularly sees membership of over 1 million people – so it’s clear that the industry is hardly the old fashioned pastime that it’s unfairly pilloried as by more lazy sections of the British media.
And, if the recession has been a leading factor behind the growth in interest in the sector, it’s the hard work that has been put in by the caravan and domestic tourism industries that have really helped transform the public image of the caravan holiday. With vast improvements in both caravan design and technology, and significant modernisation at licensed caravan sites as well, there really is now something for everyone on a caravan holiday.
Even the kids should stop moaning once they realise the great advantages that come with the modern day caravan trip. Facilities at sites across the country have improved beyond all expectations in recent years – nowadays you’re just as likely to find swimming pools, golf courses and wireless broadband at caravan and campsites as cheap-but-cheerful entertainment shows and games rooms.
Many celebrities are now fully-paid up members of the Caravan Club, including Take That star Mark Owen and morning TV presenter Lorraine Kelly. Even F1’s current leading light Jenson Button is rumoured to be an enthusiast. Official stats suggest caravan holidays account for around 17 per cent of all vacations taken domestically. And while it’s doubtful he opted for one of the cheaper caravans on the market (some second hand models can change hands for comfortably under £1000), one imagines he was just as surprised as most people new to the charms of caravanning at the amount of variety available on the current market. From touring caravans to motorhomes, from static caravans to luxury models that cost in excess of £30,000, whatever your requirements, there is likely to be a caravan out there that meets your needs.
And with the amount of specialist accessories available these days, you’ll even be able to customise and adapt your vehicle further to complete your perfect home from home. Want to placate the kids after a long day’s travelling? A flat-screen TV might well do the trick. Worried that a bad back might hamper your chances of a good night’s sleep inside the caravan? For a little expenditure, you can even accommodate a suitable bed within your motor home.
All of the little problems that might have made a caravan holiday an instant turn-off in the past can now, for the most part, be overcome. Hell, you can even get a pleasant shower at a caravan site nowadays, with, brace yourselves, hot water. So next time you’re planning a trip to the Algarve or Alps, why not take a minute to consider taking that leap to become the newest convert to this increasingly popular trend? It’ll open up a whole new world of possibilities…