Motorhome, caravan, or campervan: Which one is right for you?
When it comes to holidaying in the UK, there are a few different options for getting around – you can drive a car, take the train or even catch a bus. But for families who want to have a bit more flexibility and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time, travelling in a motorhome, caravan or campervan is a popular choice. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your family.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are perfect for those who want all the comforts of home while on holiday. They are a great way to explore the country in style. Some of the pros of owning a motorhome include:
They are feature-packed: Motorhomes come with all the mod-cons you’d expect from a home, including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. This means you can enjoy your holiday without sacrificing any of the creature comforts you’re used to.
They’re great for exploring new places: One of the best things about motorhomes is that they give you the freedom to explore new places. If you or the kids see something interesting, you can just pull over and check it out. And, if you get tired of one location, you can simply pack up and move on to the next.
You can save money on accommodation: If you own a motorhome, you won’t have to worry about finding (and paying for) hotel accommodation every time you go on holiday. This can be a big saving, particularly if you travel often or take long holidays.
However, there are also some downsides to owning a motorhome that you should be aware of. These include:
They’re expensive to buy and maintain: Motorhomes can be quite expensive to buy, particularly if you go for a top-of-the-range model. And, like any vehicle, they also require regular maintenance and servicing, which can add up over time.
They’re not always practical: Motorhomes are great for holidays, but they’re not so convenient for everyday use. If you live in a city, for example, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to park your motorhome on the street. And, if you want to go on a day trip, you’ll need to find somewhere to leave your motorhome while you’re gone.
They can be difficult to manoeuvre: Motorhomes are large and heavy, which means they can be tricky to manoeuvre. Depending on the size of the motorhome, you might not be able to drive it on a standard car licence.
Caravans
Caravans are a popular choice for families. They offer all the comforts of home, but at a fraction of the cost of a motorhome. Some of the pros of owning a caravan include:
They’re much cheaper than motorhomes: Caravans are much cheaper to buy and maintain than motorhomes. This is because they’re smaller and don’t have as many features.
They’re easy to tow: Caravans can be towed by most cars, so you don’t need a special vehicle or licence to transport them. This makes them a great option for those who don’t want to invest in a motorhome.
They’re easy to store: Caravans can be stored in your garage or on your drive, so you don’t need to find extra space for them. This is convenient if you only go on holiday a few times a year.
Some downsides of travelling with a caravan include:
They’re not as comfortable as motorhomes: Caravans don’t have the same level of comfort as motorhomes. This is because they’re smaller and don’t have as many features. If you’re looking for a luxury option, a caravan is probably not the best choice.
They can be difficult to set up: Caravans can be tricky to set up, particularly if you’ve never done it before. It’s important to read the instructions carefully and make sure everything is secure before setting off on your holiday.
You’re reliant on external power and water: Caravans don’t usually come with their own power and water supplies. This means you will have to plan your trip in advance by booking at caravan parks to make sure your family have somewhere to get showered and charge your equipment.
Campervans
Campervans offer a happy medium between caravans and motorhomes. They require less planning for trips than caravans and are not as difficult to manoeuvre as motorhomes. Some of the pros of owning a campervan include:
They’re inexpensive: Campervans are usually cheaper than motorhomes, but they still offer the ability to stop and explore places that interest you on a whim. This makes them a great option for those on a budget, who value being able to travel flexibly.
They’re more flexible: Campervans offer more flexibility than caravans. This is because they don’t have to be parked at a caravan park (if you can find an overnight camping car park) and you can explore a wider range of destinations.
They’re easy to drive: Campervans are smaller and easier to drive than motorhomes and caravans. This makes them a great option for those who want to explore without having to worry about manoeuvring a large vehicle.
However, there are also some downsides to campervans. These include:
You have to plan your meals: Kitchen facilities in a campervan are quite basic (think a hotplate and maybe a microwave). This means you will have to put some thought into what you are going to eat during your trip.
They aren’t meant for long trips: Campervans are great for short weekend getaways, but longer trips (especially with the kids in tow) might be difficult with no shower and limited space to spend some time alone.
They require setup at night: Because they are smaller, campervans don’t often have fixed beds. Instead, you will usually need to convert the lounge area into a bed. This can be tricky, especially if you’re travelling with young children.
Hopefully, this article has made it easier for you to decide if a motorhome, caravan, or campervan is the best match for your family’s next getaway. If you still aren’t sure, be sure to check out some of our other articles to help you decide!
