Caravanning. What is this and does this concept have anything to do with caravans? This was the first question that settled in my head when I first heard this word. It was not difficult to understand its essence. It turned out that caravanning is a motorhome trip, which is very developed in the countries of America and Europe.
The modern Russian tourist is also not averse to traveling in comfort. After all, with the help of specially equipped vans, you can solve several problems that travelers always face. Thanks to this, you can solve all the issues with accommodation, meals, travel. But let's talk about everything in order.
Concept and origin
Caravanning, as we have already established, is a special way of traveling in a specially equipped vehicle. It is rather difficult to say exactly who exactly came up with the idea to create a compact house with all the amenities on the platform of a car or trailer. Some believe that this way of travel was invented by American tourists, while others will say that the first motorhomes on wheels appeared on the roads of Europe.
Be that as it may, caravanning today occupies an honorable place and is very popular among those who want to see many countries with their own eyes, while preferring to travel on their own and not spend money on hotel accommodation.
Of the main advantages of caravanning, it is worth highlighting mobility, accessibility (if you wish, you can always rent such transport), as well as autonomy and a high level of comfort. For example, you can always stop by the side of the road to enjoy a beautiful sunset with a cup of coffee. And when traveling with a company, you can cook on the go. Or you don't have to look for a roadside motel to relax: everything you need is right behind you.
Offers from companies
If you want to experience all the delights of such a trip, many companies from European countries will gladly offer you to rent an equipped trailer or a whole van. Well, if you like such a tour, you can always buy your favorite camper model, which are constantly updated and improved. In England alone, according to statistics, in 2012 more than 45 thousand of these vans and trailers were sold! Of course, the cost of such a van is rather big, and not everyone can afford such a purchase. But as a reward, everyone will receive an incomparable experience of an exotic way to see the country.
Of course, in Russia this way of seeing the country is almost undeveloped. This is largely due to the deplorable state of the roads and the fact that our compatriots prefer to spend their holidays abroad. But, very soon it will be possible to see pioneer campers here too.
Car types
All motorhomes can be divided into several groups. The most maneuverable type is considered to be a castenvagen, which looks like an ordinary minivan, in the cabin of which there is everything you need to make the tourist feel comfortable. You can live in it, cook food, sleep, watch TV. At the same time, it is not worth buying such a car for those who are used to traveling with a large company or family. As a rule, they are designed for two or four people, have low thermal insulation, and are also almost not prepared for winter.
But such a small car can be used every day, regardless of whether you are eating on vacation, or for groceries in a nearby store. I repeat: externally, minivans are no different from factory models.
Alcove mobile homes are no less popular among campers. Their distinctive feature is the superstructure above the driver's cab, which houses a double bed. Unlike its "colleague", such a van is perfect for traveling at any time of the year, it allows you to travel in a company of up to 7 people, and also has a variety of modifications. But there are also disadvantages: poor aerodynamics, increased fuel consumption.
There are also semi-integrated motorhomes, which differ from alcove only in design and due to the lack of a superstructure above the cab, they can accommodate no more than 5 people. But the aerodynamic performance is higher, which affects fuel consumption.
But for the most demanding customers, manufacturing companies are ready to offer a special option - integrated mobile homes. Exclusive design and the desire to please customers entails the appearance of unique cars on the roads. But the cost of such pleasure is prohibitively high.
What are you getting?
Now let's talk about what a tourist gets when he chooses to travel in a comfortable van.
First of all, you get complete freedom. Traveling in a motorhome, you can change your route as you like and whenever you want, stop in those places that have sunk into your soul. Forget about booking tickets, eternal queues for check-in at airports and transfers! With a van, you are your own pilot and service personnel, you can take an unlimited amount of luggage with you on the road. And you will have to pay only for fuel and sometimes for parking in camping camps.
Adventure follows. You will be able to make all your dreams come true, see countries from the other side, visit the most remote regions and make a list of your favorite places! After all, even the best guide will not be able to fill your travel program the way you can!
And, of course, you will get an unforgettable vacation! The van will easily accommodate all the necessary sports equipment, equipment for outdoor activities (skis, snowboards, even bicycles and motorcycles).
So, caravanning is a motorhome trip that can give the most vivid impressions to any tourist and combine a pleasant trip with a high level of comfort. Learn to spend time freely and independently steer your "ship" towards new tourism conquests!
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