Caravan or Hotel? 10 reasons for choosing a caravan holiday….

You can’t understand why someone would choose to holiday in a caravan instead of having the luxury of a hotel. You’re thinking Father Ted style with everyone cramped into a small space. You’re thinking muddy fields and communal showers. Some campsites don’t even have WiFi, so this baffles you even further! Is that what you’re thinking? I know I was. I couldn’t understand it either, until I had done my first caravan trip.

(This photo is definitely NOT one of Caravan Hire’s caravans! See for yourself and check out the caravans we have to offer.)

So, I’m here to explain why a caravan holiday can be a lot better than a stay in a hotel.
Here are my top 10 reasons (in no particular order) why you should try out a caravan holiday.

1. Eat When You Want.

There’s nothing worse than dragging yourself out of the hotel bed to be down for breakfast before it ends. You already paid for it so there’s no way you’re missing it, even if you’d rather still be asleep. Or you do miss it and then spend the morning grumpy that you paid for something you didn’t get! On top of that, you’re starving when you do get up and have to pay (again) for a breakfast roll in a garage on the way home.

In a caravan, you don’t need to set alarms to eat. You decide when you want to roll out of bed and you can cook whatever you feel like eating at that time. Now, I know you’re thinking that in a hotel the breakfast is cooked for you and you don’t have to clean up.. But you are paying for the breakfast in the hotel so, if you don’t feel like cooking, pay for breakfast in a nearby café. Having no time restrictions is one of the best things about staying in a caravan.

2. Spend Less During Your Holiday.

We’re back to food with this one. Staying in a hotel means eating out a lot. The cost of breakfast, lunch and dinner every day will add up fairly quickly! Not to mention drinks in the hotel bar or, dare I say, room service charges.

With a caravan, you have the option to do a bit of food shopping when you arrive and the facilities to store and cook it. When heading out for the day, make up some sandwiches, grab a bottle of water from the fridge and throw them in a cooler bag. In the evenings, cooking at a campsite doesn’t feel like a chore. There’s no feeling of stress or rushing. Let the BBQ do its job while you prepare some sides and watch the kids play nearby. The great thing about caravan trips is that you can spend as much or as little as you want, with a bit of planning.

3. The Chance To See More In The One Holiday.

Want to do the Wild Atlantic Way or explore Ireland’s Ancient East? Well it’s a lot easier to do that when travelling with a caravan. Bit harder when you’re moving from one hotel to another. With either option you’re still travelling from one place to the next, but without the need to keep packing and unpacking in a caravan. Just make sure any breakables are in a safe place when towing. Your clothes can stay in the cupboards or closet. Then, when you get to your next destination, you’re not losing precious time unpacking everything again.

4. Spend Quality Time Together.

A caravan holiday can give you and your family the time to spend together that you might not always get at home. Pack board games, a deck of cards, a football, and whatever else you can play together. You will find that in the evenings or on a rainy day, some of the best holiday moments are spent laughing and playing together. If the campsite does have WiFi, it’s usually not great, so make the most of the time your kids are finally off their devices, and you too! Whilst you’ll never have to be completely off grid at a campsite, it’s really refreshing to take a break from your phone.

5. Enjoy The Sociable Aspect. 

Maybe you’ve had a different experience, but anytime I’ve stayed in hotels, people tend to keep to themselves and there’s not much mingling done. At campsites you will come across a bunch of lovely, friendly people. Not only do the kids get to meet and play with other children, but the adults tend to interact too. It can be interesting to chat with people who come from all over the country, or further afield. And, if you’re nosy like me, campsites are excellent for people watching. Sit outside and enjoy watching the comings and goings. Make it more interesting by creating a backstory for everyone who walks by. Just don’t let them hear you!

6. Get Back To Nature.

You don’t have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy a caravan holiday. It can be as ‘outdoorsy’ as you decide, but you will inevitably breathe in a bit more fresh air than usual, and definitely feel better for it. If you are someone who loves to be outside and active, choose campsites with great bike or hiking trails nearby. If you just want to go for a leisurely stroll, choose somewhere that’s close to scenic routes and make the most of that walk. No matter how many places I visit in Ireland, I’m still amazed at some of the beautiful spots on this island. Even when it rains, and maybe you’re stuck in the caravan for a while, the sound from the rain echoing off the caravan is calming and peaceful. You’ll be surprised how aware, and comforted, you are by nature and the elements on a caravan trip.

7. Rekindle The Romance.

‘Staying in a caravan’ doesn’t exactly sound romantic, but if you’re away with your partner, it certainly can be. Make the most of being cosy in a smaller space and enjoy long chats outside under the stars. When you’re going for a walk, or taking in an amazing view, appreciate being together in that moment.

8. No Need To Sacrifice The Basics.

Even though a caravan may not have the same luxuries as a hotel, you won’t be without your necessities. Yes, you’re at a campsite, but you’re not in a tent. So, plug in that hairdryer, tame your hair with a straighteners, and have a hot shower without having to leave the caravan. You do also have a TV in the caravan, but try not to turn it on too much, don’t miss out on everything around you. And why not bring your fluffy robe and slippers from home to throw on in the mornings. You don’t have to be in a hotel to have the same comforts.

9. Health And Wellbeing.

All that fresh air and exercise is going to help make you feel mentally, and physically better. You’ll get plenty of vitamin D, you should sleep better and feel less stressed when there’s no time restrictions. And we all know that spending quality time with family and friends can leave us feeling happier.

10. Making Memories.

Kids love caravan trips! It’s like one big, exciting adventure for them. They make friends and spend uninterrupted time with their family. It’s the kind of holiday that stays with them for a long time. Sure, they might remember the day trips you took somewhere fun while staying at a hotel, but they’re unlikely to remember the time spent inside the hotel room. They’ll remember so much more of a caravan trip, from running around after breakfast to being tucked into their bunk bed at night.

If you’re away without kids, it’s still a trip you’ll remember. The time you spend with your travel partner, or by yourself, is quality time that leaves you feeling refreshed and content long after the trip itself.

So, I hope I’ve convinced you that it’s worth trying a caravan holiday at least once.
Get in touch today or look through our caravans and fill in the form to book, and see if you too can tick off all 10 points from above.