I have a theory that you buy a caravan with your head but a motorhome with your heart.
Along with many Club members I love the idea of a motorhome - the freedom to drive it anywhere at any time with everything you need on board.
But as Camping & Caravanning’s Test Editor I’ve found the reality of life sometimes gets in the way. Every day I find myself packing, unplugging and making everything secure before heading off with a nagging fear there might be an unexpected height barrier at my destination or a hideous traffic jam that I’ll be obliged to sit in because the alternative route is too narrow for my vehicle. With a caravan, once you’ve pitched up on site you have the car to go whenever and wherever you want.
Nevertheless, I think I’ve discovered a flaw in my theory when it comes to Christmas markets and last weekend I was pleased to prove a motorhome was a sensible, practical option.
We were testing the elegant Mobilvetta K-Yacht (you can read more in January’s issue of Camping & Caravanning magazine) at Teversal Club Site in Nottinghamshire and enjoyed a trip to Christmas at Chatsworth.
Once we’d found a decent hardstanding car park, we could browse the 100 stalls in the Christmas market for a while before heading back to the K-Yacht to warm up, test our wares (the Bakewell pudding being a particular favourite) and recharge our batteries for a second foray and a look around the amazing Nutcracker exhibition in the house.
But the motorhome mid-excursion break is not just for Christmas markets. A trip to a theme park such as Drayton Manor or Alton Towers is made significantly more relaxing if you can head back to a comfy motorhome for a cup of tea and a little peace and quiet during a hectic day out. And I’m sure there are many more such opportunities.
So the heart’s winning out over the head again...