Hate Caravan's? Read this.

My first home was a caravan when I was born. It gets into your blood and you can't get it out again. I have had many different caravans and many years of caravanning to date but the main reason I wanted to write this article was because I personally think that caravans are highly underrated by many.

If you have never been caravanning or have listened to all the negative hype that goes on about caravans, then maybe just maybe, you are missing something. For instance, I never watched Top Gear again after they set fire to a caravan. The stupidity displayed then was astounding and I immediately lost respect for the Top Gear team. It is programs like this that can damage the caravan industry which incidentally, is much bigger than you think.

So what's in a caravan. Who'd want to tow a caravan and hold everyone up? Well for a start they aren't as slow as you think and perhaps its just the stigma attached that makes you think you are being held up. These day's with modern vehicles, good average speeds are common.

So who's want to spend a night in a freezing caravan? Well do you really know how well equipped a modern caravan is? Well I'm going to tell you. For a start they aren't cold because they have state of the art heating system which run on either gas or mains electricity. They are usually blown air heating which blows thermostatically controlled heat into every compartment. The insulation in an up to date caravan is excellent and has to meet regulations.

Lighting is good too and is either 12v DC or mains lighting with numerous light fittings including spots and exterior lighting for use within an awning. Talking of mains power, you can use a mains kettle, toaster and microwave oven to mention a few.

The cooker is not what you might imagine it to be either. Run on gas, it is regarded as standard to have a full four ring hob, grill and full oven as good as most any within a house and just as efficient. The fridge comes with automatic ignition for gas operation but works on mains or battery or the car battery while driving if you like so all your stuff is lovely and cold when you get to your destination - Lakes, Scotland, France........

But you have to wash in cold water! Er, no you don't. A modern gas ignited discreet boiler will give hot running water to the electrically triggered chrome taps possibly faster and more efficiently than in your own house. Oh and by the way, the shower that comes as standard in the well equipped bathroom is amazing as is the fully electronically flushed loo. Yes they really do flush now and look like real toilets.

But theres not much space for anything! Where have you been all these years? Guess what? There is so much cupboard space that I can't use it all. Yes really. Have a look at how well planned a modern caravan is and how much space there is for all your gear. Well equipped kitchens can cater for a big meal or for that casual snack if you don't want to bother cooking much. After all, your on holiday.

Like TV? No problem! With the latest omnidirectional tv aerials, picking up a signal for your flat screen tv is child's play and so is the fitted stereo system and anti theft alarm systems that are built in for good measure.

Did you know that all caravans are double glazed? Yes they have been for years. Nice and cosy and no condensation. Have you seen how bright it is in a new caravan? That's because they have large panoramic roof vents that let the light flood in - but only if you want it. Why? because every window and roof vent has a cassette blind system and this efficiently shuts out virtually all the light. Oh and if you want all the windows open because it's a warm evening most of the windows come with mosquito screens too! You don't even get that at home. 

But you have to go for water in a barrel all the time! Actually this can be true depending on how much water you use but get this; many caravan sites have what is called a super pitch if you are so inclined and what happens here is you just plug into the mains water supply and hey presto....

You can't wash your clothes! Actually it's not as easy as at home, but wait. If its only a weekend what are you doing washing clothes? Take as many as will be needed and wait til you get home! If you are away for longer, many sites will have an amazing assortment of amenities like washing machines and ironing facilities.

Not enough space then an awning could solve all that too. Depending on the size of awning you want to run with, you could easily double the amount of space by having an awning. They do take a little effort to erect but once up then it can be well worth it and in here you can have all your picnic tables and chairs and a nice touch is that you can plug in to a mains socket from within one of the lockers on the side of the caravan for all those little conveniences we like to take with us these days like your computer.

Now after all that describing of luxury caravans it's time for a rest. Just pull out my duvet and plonk it onto one of the well sprung single beds (no need to make up a double unless you want to) put on one of the spot lights and read one of my favourite novels while I sip at my Horlicks and listen to my favourite music or watch some tv. Oh the choices.....