Why you should be jumping on the caravanning bandwagon

Did you know that people have been ‘caravanning’ since the late 1800s? The world’s first ‘leisure trailer’ was constructed in 1880 by the Bristol Wagon & Carriage works for author Dr William Gordon Stables, who travelled around the British countryside in the caravan he named ‘Wanderer’. Fast forward 60-odd years to the launch of Holden’s iconic FX in 1948 in Australia – which saw one in every 10 Australian homes now owning a car – and the popularity of caravanning rose in the 1950s as an affordable means of travelling. Interestingly, some of the vintage vans of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s are still in circulation, having been lovingly restored. But while the humble caravan has seen many transformations and upgrades, one thing remains the same: that special feeling you get from being able to explore from the comfort of your ‘home on wheels’.

There are many benefits of owning a caravan – almost too many to list! While the obvious one is getting out on the open road and slowing down to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonder found around every nook and cranny of Australia (if you’re not sure where to start, check out Sloways for some suggested itineraries along Australia’s caravan-friendly roads), here are my top 7 reasons you should be caravanning right now.

1. Freedom to slow down

You’re the master of your own destiny when you set out on the road, towing your van behind you. You don’t have to stick to an itinerary, so you can extend your stay in a particular place or take a detour off the beaten track if you’re so inclined. You’re also able to slow down and take in all the magical sites along the way – when you travel, it’s not so much the destination, but the journey along the way that makes the best memories.

2. Comforts of home

You’ve probably heard the term ‘home away from home’ ad nauseum when it comes to caravanning, but it’s true – the beauty of caravanning is that you can take a mini home along on your adventures. Spruce up the interior of your caravan and add some touches of home so you never feel homesick, and make your home on wheels just that: a home.

3. Affordability

While buying a caravan might seem like a big investment, once you’re out on the road, travelling with a caravan means saving money on accommodation, flights, rental cars and even restaurants – what’s not to love about a campfire meal under the star-studded outback sky? When you’re considering such a big purchase, however, it’s important to make sure you get insurance cover that suits your needs.

4. Community

You’ll make many friends on your caravanning journeys, from your neighbours at the caravan park, to other road-tripping enthusiasts on the caravanning forums and social media channels that you turn to for advice. There’s a big caravanning community in Australia, full of friendly, like-minded travellers who are always open and willing to share a yarn or travel tips.

5. Closer to nature

It’s incredibly rewarding – and therapeutic – to immerse yourself in nature, which is effortless with a caravan. Navigate to some of Australia’s incredible natural wonders, wake up to chirping birds and crashing waves, and breathe in the crisp, clean air in remote parts of the country.

6. Convenience

When caravanning, there’s no need to pack and unpack, because whenever you stop for the night – all of your belongings are safely stowed in your van, meaning you no longer have to master the art of packing a suitcase. A caravan also makes working from the road a possibility, as you’re travelling with a remote office. As long as you have an internet connection (and a supportive workplace), you can work from wherever you like, be it the caravan park you’re docked at, or the remote natural wonderland you’ve been dying to experience.

7. Family-friendly

Organising a holiday with the whole family can be a nightmare. The logistics of booking accommodation and flights for a larger group can often make you feel as though you need a holiday to recover from your family vacation! Caravanning takes the stress out of travelling with kids and your extended family. It’s affordable, exciting, and it’s the perfect way to spend time with your loved ones and create those family holiday memories they’ll never forget. It’s also easier to travel with your four-legged family members, as many caravan parks in Australia are pet-friendly.

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions. 

Always read the PDS & TMDs from NRMA Insurance.