Caravan and camping holidays giving families more bang for their buck
More Australian families than ever before are turning to caravanning and camping as the best and most affordable holiday option as the gap between the cost of staying at a caravan park versus other styles of accommodation continues to widen.
With the current average cost for a family of four just $40 per night for a campsite, it’s little wonder that families are getting back to the great outdoors and choosing caravanning and camping as the most affordable holiday option.
Recent figures released1 show that caravan and campervan registrations have risen 15% over the last five years, and with camping now costing families as much as 84% less than the average hotel accommodation this figure is expected to continue to climb.
“Certainly the indications are that families are finding it tough and are looking for less expensive holiday options,” said Caravanning Queensland operations manager Jason Plant.
“The stress of saving up for a holiday and having to factor in all of the additional entertainment expenses can cause many families to abandon plans completely. Holidaying at a caravan park can cost less than $100 a day inclusive of food and entertainment and gives families a chance to take time out without the stress of wondering how they are going to foot the bill at the end.”
Caravanning Queensland runs the state’s official industry event, the annual Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show. Now in its 46th year Mr Plant expects attendance numbers to again be strong, with the majority of stands already booked out by exhibitors, as more families turn to caravans and camping as the more economical holiday option.
“Caravanning and camping has become much more popular in recent years with young families. The largest demographic sector for caravanning and camping is by far the 30-54 year olds, because it is not only extremely affordable, but is also quite easy these days to enjoy the creature comforts of home such as comfortable beds, hot showers, and modern cooking equipment while you camp,” he said.
Mr Plant explains there are caravanning and camping options for all styles and budgets, so the family can easily find a way to bond away from work, traffic and school pressures without feeling like they are ‘roughing it’. While requiring an initial investment in camping gear, a caravan or a camper trailer, Mr Plant said the long-term returns provide families with much greater value than taking a resort holiday each year.
“For a family of four on a budget, they could purchase new camping gear for as little as $600, then factor in $400 or less for campground fees for a week, food, gas, and ice and they’ve got a great vacation without burning a hole in the hip pocket,” he explained. Once the equipment has been acquired, each subsequent holiday will be even more budget friendly and over the space of year the savings are well into the thousands while the family has enjoyed a real escape from the norm.”
The Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds in June 2014 and will provide an opportunity for families to find out more information about caravanning, camping, what to do, where to go and the latest in products and equipment.
