Camping or caravan?

laz · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:08 pm Post subject: Camping or caravan?

We recently took our girsl camping for the first time, and they aboslutely loved it, even though it was only to North Yorkshire, and the weather wasn't that great. I'm really pleased, as we've been camping a lot before they arrived on the scene, and I was nervous a rainy camp weekend would put them off for ever! We had previously taken them to a static caravan site up the coast in Northumberland, which they had also enjoyed, but it was much more commercial, and now my wife is suggesting we make a "weekend away" investment.

This means either all the camping gear (cheapest option), look at buying a mobile caravan (flexible for location and weather, but needs storing!) or even buying a static caravan (most expensive but a better "investment" and easier option to set-up as a weekend getaway).

Anyone any thoughts...??
_________________
Track your Euros here
My Traveljournals.net pages (pics, journals)
藍安地

BadlyBurnt · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:07 pm Post subject:

I'm gonna say option D - Campervan Laughing

I finaly took the plunge just under 5 years ago after probably another 5 years of thinking about it, I wish I'd done it sooner.
_________________
My Spanish Travel Site
How to Fix and Repair Things-My Blog

mhg0213 · Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:58 pm Post subject: NOTA

I choose NOTA. I tried the camping thing a few times when I was younger and never grasped the whole "listening to the birds sing" thing. However, if it were a life or death situation I would probably choose the caravan.

After all, I would be lying around with animals all night!

ZaneyJaney · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:22 am Post subject:

I've done everything from camping, motorcaravan,static,hotels,YHA and guest houses. You'll never get a greater sense of freedom, especially with kids than from camping or camper van. Camper van - go for something that's small enough to park up in town but big enough to sleep in for a couple of nights. Take a tent as well if you're going for longer! You can always pick up tents from a local newspaper ad to give it a go before buying all the paraphernalia - some people always buy all new and end up selling it after one season as they didn't like it. Statics are ok but bear in mind if you buy a static you have to go to the same place every time where camping/motor caravan/tourer caravan you can set up some where different every time if you want! Hope this helps - happy holidays! Very Happy

laz · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:32 am Post subject:

OK, BadlyBurnt - done! Although I have to admit, I find the idea of a campervan quite unappealing, as you have to take everything with you if you want to visit any local attractions... unless....

And I have to admit, my main camping has been in the south of France, where the weather is so hot, you're forced out of your tent at 7am for a lazy coffee and croisant on the pitch, and you spend the whole time outside anyway! But even my occasional experience of UK camping has been good (even if a little wet). But I'm still not sure if, as I get older, I might prefer solid walls rather than canvas!
_________________
Track your Euros here
My Traveljournals.net pages (pics, journals)
藍安地

ZaneyJaney · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:39 am Post subject:

Iaz - now that looks appealing!!! I'm getting me one of those!!!! Cool

BadlyBurnt · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:11 am Post subject:

ZaneyJaney · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:20 am Post subject:

oh yeh also....if you stop on a site for a few days take something with you to mark out your pitch if you take your motorcaravan out for the day!!!

mhg0213 · Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 11:49 am Post subject:

Laz,

OMG! I've never seen a car like that under one, lol. Truly awesome!

Lake District · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:06 am Post subject:

Camping for me. Although as I get older a campervan seems more and more appealing. Never a caravan though.

paul · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 9:03 am Post subject:

It seems quite a few can take cars on board nowadays:

Personally, I'm looking at this one as I figure I can go pretty much wherever I like with it...

_________________
UK Hotels - UK Selfcatering - UK B&Bs - UK Attractions
Luxury Travel - Lake District Apartment

Lake District · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 9:41 am Post subject:

Wow! That's the business! Although the last one looks a bit like a cross between a UPS van and a prison van. Cool concept though.

Flavio · Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 4:00 pm Post subject:

I was remained at the vans with motorbike's box. As I see, times change!
_________________
Hotels in Florence | Apartments in Florence | Vacations in Florence

zydeco joe · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject:

Up till just a few weeks ago I would have said try a motorhome but in this time we have looked at buying a motorhome and found out the high prices for not top quality vans, some are very good but non good value. Then the price of fuel as van in the main only get 25mpg. So we went out and got a tent and gear for about £500 a saving over a van of £20000. Just back from a months tent camping in France and all I can say is it worked.
So my vote would now be go for the tent, you and the family will love it. Cool

_________________
"Laisser les bon temps rouler !!"( let the good times roll ).

laz · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:30 am Post subject:

That's quite a saving! Very Happy

What tent did you buy? We just bought an Outwell Maine tent, sleeps six (even thought there are only 4 of us, two of whom are rather small!) in two compartments on either side of a "living room"! Laughing

We tried it out on the trip to North Yorkshire a couple of weeks ago, and it seemed perfect for us. But I did notice the market is clearly dominated by Outwell, as all but 1 tent on the site was made by them.... and ours was really one of the smallest. It seems that size is important for your average camper!! Laughing

Having said that, if we became regular campers, I can see why something bigger would be useful, as you have areas for sleeping, sitting and eating, taking off wet clothes, putting all the associated paraphenalia, etc.
_________________
Track your Euros here
My Traveljournals.net pages (pics, journals)
藍安地

	AardvarkTravel.net Forum Index -> General Chat Forum	All times are GMT Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2