Caravan or Tent?

brindles01

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a caravan or tent. I want either of these so that I can make use of quick-getaway breaks during the school hols with our 5 year old son. I am reluctant to make specific plans for holidays in this country because of the changeable nature of our weather (and I am most definately a fair-weather bird) but I would like to be able to get up and go if the weather was settled for a nice break. Years ago I have done both caravanning and holidaying in a tent but now we have a 5 year old, I was wondering what the negatives and plus points of both these types of holiday were. Also could you tell me what really essential basics I would need for the camping to make it enjoyable and not an endurance!?

cheekymole

Oh a tent every time. It's far more fun for kids.
The basics well,

a tent!
sleeping bags (we have the ones with airbeds built in)
table
chairs
hook-up(if you want to be posh)
stove and utensils (with gas bottle)
windbreak (optional)
washing up bowl
cutlery pots pans etc
tarp(we have one to cook under)
mallet

It honestly is great fun and there are some lovely sites around. Your son will love the outdoor life. We take football cricket etc with us and there is always something to do

Oh and it's far cheaper than buying a caravan

rchddap1

For a start getting a tent (and associated bits) is far cheaper. Its also easier to pick up a few bits, sling them in the car with the tent and then sort out the details on the way. Bit harder to do with a caravan (plus you have to keep it somewhere). It all depends on your preferences really and how often you are likely to go away.

On our last tent trip (2 nights) with 2 teenage girls we had a couple of 2 man tents from Asda, a few sleeping bags from Asda (but a couple of nice cuddly quilts would have probably done), and we picked up a disposeable BBQ. When we reached our destination we bought a torch for the girls, some bread and some lovely burgers & kebabs from a local butchers. Our tea was wonderful, the girls ended up spending most of their time in the evening with the animals (read horses) that were at the farm whilst we laid back and relaxed.

brindles01

brindles01 wrote:

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a caravan or tent. I want either of these so that I can make use of quick-getaway breaks during the school hols with our 5 year old son. I am reluctant to make specific plans for holidays in this country because of the changeable nature of our weather (and I am most definately a fair-weather bird) but I would like to be able to get up and go if the weather was settled for a nice break. Years ago I have done both caravanning and holidaying in a tent but now we have a 5 year old, I was wondering what the negatives and plus points of both these types of holiday were. Also could you tell me what really essential basics I would need for the camping to make it enjoyable and not an endurance!?

Can I also please add - what type of tent would be recommended because I know nowadays there are more simplified ways of putting them up? Any advice is really appreciated.

richardw

Dome tents are really easy to put up.

cheekymole

I've got a tunnel tent, that's easy

Baileys_Babe

In this country I would recomend a tent which you assemble the outer first. I also wanted a tent I could stand up in (not essential for everyone), in addition I wanted a large sleeping area plus a good space in the tent for cooking, playing games...

We often go camping with little children(4 years, 2 years and 6 months). They love it, often entertained by the experience, so very little cost for trips out etc.

brindles01

I'm starting to get all 'tingly' thinking about a camping holiday! :j

cheekymole

brindles, whereabouts would you be planning on going, can we be of help there?

black-saturn

On the other hand there are advantages to having a caravan. If you have a large enough garden you can keep it there and hook it up to your car whenever you feed the need to go. You can buy things just for the caravan and leave them in there when it's not being used. You are more sheltered from the elements than in a tent and some of them now have heating built in. It doubles up as a spare room whenever you have someone over to stay.

cheekymole

expensive spare room!