When life feels unfulfilling, the daily grind becomes like Groundhog Day. But it’s natural that we’re concerned about taking too many risks to break the cycle when we’re holding down jobs and looking after kids. But if you’re sick and tired of being a humdrum human, it’s time to pack your rucksacks, buy a caravan or build a tiny house and head for new horizons. If you’re tempted by nomadic life, here are four top tips for family life in a caravan.
- Call a family meeting
If you make a sudden announcement to your children that you’re packing up your troubles and hitting the road the next day, their reaction might be hysterical.
So take time to test the waters — if your kids are strongly against your plan, it’s probably a non-starter. It’s wise to have a ‘plan b’ too — if you can save for a caravan so you don’t have to make the dramatic move of selling your home, you know you’ve got something solid to come back to.
But if you do get your family on board, that’s great — getting them to buy into your vision is a brilliant start.
- Schooling
Setting off in a caravan when your kids are about to sit important exams isn’t really on. But if your children are younger, homeschooling on the move is perfectly possible. The Meek family from Nottingham set out on their permanent caravan vacation in 2014 and haven’t looked back.
Parents Tim and Kerry were confident that their teaching skills would ensure their daughters didn’t fall behind — and the stunning scenery of the UK and Europe has provided an inspirational open-air classroom.
If you’re staying permanently in a caravan park, it’s possible for your children to keep attending a state school — otherwise, you’ll have to make a detailed plan for their mobile education.
- Choose a van
It’s crucial that you choose a caravan with as many creature comforts as possible — leave the extreme survival skills to Bear Grylls. A well-appointed van can have a functional kitchen that looks fab, a nice toilet and shower room, spacious living room and private bedrooms.
It’ll be more of a squeeze than most bricks and mortar houses — but it can definitely be cozy and homely. The interior’s the priority, but a stylish exterior adds the final flourish — a classic Airstream model has all the mod cons combined with ravishing retro lines.
Remember to make your final choice a family affair — this will ensure everyone’s views are taken into consideration.
- Personal touches
Last but not least, remember to add those personal touches that help to make any house a home. Allow your kids to decorate their bedrooms in ways that reflect their personalities — with less space, being able to express themselves will feel even more important.
Wherever you stop for a few days, have a few family pictures you can position in your living room — a reminder that the purpose of your trip is to bring you closer. And invest in a few personalized floor mats with your family motto — they’ll keep your home clean and remind visitors of what makes you unique.
Follow these four top tips for family life in a caravan for a smooth ride to a superb experience.