Caravan or Motorhome ?
Since 2007, we have owned ‘vans’ and prior to that, we have been camping under canvas since our teenage years. Our love for the great outdoors has taken us on adventures across the UK, Europe, North America, and South Africa, embracing the freedom it offers.
Despite thoroughly enjoying our caravan and using it on holidays in the UK, France, and Spain, we made the switch to motorhomes in 2018. We frequently receive enquiries about why we made the change and which is superior. The truth is, it depends.
Firstly, let's address what appears to be the most obvious point - caravans equipped with a car provide the most comfortable setup in our view. Although we adore motorhomes and have no plans to go back to caravans, we must acknowledge that we have never been more comfortable than in our Coachman VIP caravan, complete with an Isabella awning.
The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific individual needs. No one can provide a definitive answer for you; you must assess and map out your own requirements. All we can do is share our experience and explain why a particular option works for us.
During our work, we operated in an environment where we could only apply for and be granted leave for short periods, with a maximum of 14 days. As we worked long hours, our primary need was to go to a pleasant location and unwind. Shorter trips were feasible when we could string together days away from work, which allowed for shorter visits to local sites, again for rest and relaxation. In this situation, the caravan option was ideal for us, and having the flexibility of access to a car was particularly welcome.
In 2017, we embarked on a three-month car and caravan journey to Spain, spending the winter travelling through France. Unfortunately, we encountered complexities , excluded from Aires and campsites were closed during this time. Although our stay in Spain was enjoyable once we were settled, our future plans entailed visiting multiple locations. This made us realise that our van specification needed to change, and upon our return, we traded our caravan for a motorhome.
After making the switch, we have travelled extensively through 14 European countries using our motorhome and have been thoroughly pleased with our decision. At present, the motorhome is the better fit for our needs. However, should our requirements change, we would reconsider. To aid in your decision-making process, we offer some factors to consider below.
Motorhomes are comfortable, but in our experience, they are not more comfortable than caravans.
Motorhomes are easier to set up, making them a good choice if you plan to move around frequently.
For European travel, motorhomes are very convenient due to more overnight options.
When choosing between motorhomes and caravans, consider your mobility requirements. If you need a car, a caravan might be a better choice.
We personally would not tow a car with a motorhome, although some people find it works well for them.
If you don't mind being without a car and using public transport, motorhomes can get you closer to key locations.
The size of the motorhome or caravan is an important factor to consider. Smaller models can be parked more easily in urban areas.
In summary, it's important to choose a vehicle or van type that meets your specific needs and requirements, rather than relying solely on the opinions of others. What works well for one person may not necessarily work well for another, so it's important to take into account your own unique situation and priorities when making a decision. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, intended use, desired features, and personal preferences.
Best wishes Helen and Martin
