Kiwis have rediscovered the perfect holiday, are you in the know?

Supposedly it's not about the destination but the journey - but now you can have your cake and eat it too. Caravan holidays are more than nostalgic 1960s postcards; in fact, they have become the top holiday choice for young families. Millennials are taking delight in all that caravanning has to offer, from the comfort of your own space to endless destination options. Buzzwords like 'staycation', 'wanderlust' and 'social distancing' have become additions to regular dialogue. So, why not do those things in a caravan?

While the aviation and international tourism industries are slowly starting to gain momentum again, Kiwis are becoming increasingly content with getting out and exploring their own backyards. Many are looking at caravans through fresh eyes, a silver lining, if you ask us!

In September 2021, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association had a record number of new memberships, with a staggering 1137 new sign-ups. Trade Me reported that in November 2021, there was a 22% increase in the number of caravans sold on the site compared to the year before. In the first week of December 2021 - there were 73,000 searches for caravans. This was a 4% increase on the week before, making caravans one of the most searched and sought-after items.

Millennials are itching to be in on this new trend - bringing with them an eye for design and innovation. Forget about those old, drab caravans! Thousands of Pinterest, YouYube, and DIY blogs filled to the brim with examples, how-to instructions and satisfied reviews on how to refresh old, shabby caravans into fresh, revamped 'tiny homes'.

With a strong desire to get away from the pressures of the pandemic, the outdoors offer a holistic solution. Once you've arrived at your destination and set up, you are instantly immersed in your holiday, making this holiday popular for young families. No commuting to 'where you want to be' each morning, no expensive hotel breakfast, no need to check out by 10am - just the rules laid out by you for the family. Not to mention the positive benefit this will all have on your budget. There are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right fit for you and your family, from high-spec luxury to good old-fashioned doer-uppers.

Kids adapt and live their best caravan life, so much so that when it’s parked back at home they still want to sleep in the caravan!

With modern technology - everyone's caravan holiday just got even better. Internet options through telco plans mean you can work from anywhere. Streaming services allow you to download your favourite movies, shows, podcasts and playlists. And, we haven't even had to mention the confidence boost that a reversing camera provides.

Above all else, the memories and 'picture perfect' moments have a long-lasting appeal. Quality time with loved ones or a quiet retreat, the memories made are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Caravan safety tips

There's a right way and a wrong way to hitch a caravan. The good news is that it isn't as hard as it seems, but you're going to have to work in a buddy system!

Top tips for a successful hitch:

• Avoid miscommunications by agreeing on what (polite) hand signals to use & what they mean.
• Warm up the towing vehicle's engine - a short drive will do!
• Apply the caravan brake and raise the corner stabilisers.
• Use the jockey wheel to ensure the front of the caravan is raised enough for the tow ball to go under the coupling.
• Make sure your buddy is standing clear of the car's reversing path.
• Lower the jockey wheel once the tow ball is in place under the coupling. Then it's time to connect the safety chain, electricals, load-levelling hitch and brakes (as applicable) and remove (or stow) the jockey wheel.
• Release the trailer's handbrake.

And lastly, before hitting the road do a final check to ensure everything is safe, secure, packed and appropriately fastened (including the kids & pets!).