Caravan as a form of transportation cum housing has been known to exist as early as the 1850’s in England. Although many modern designs exist at present, caravans are fairly common in the English scene. From its earliest use by Gypsies as their homes, caravans have been serving modern vacationing needs of families through fully equipped mobile homes that can be outfitted to be as comfortable as immovable homes.
Vardos
Image: gypsywaggons
Vardos are also often called gypsy wagons in reference to living accommodations used by British Romani people (Gypsies) that were traditionally drawn by horses. Its much earlier use in France is specifically attributed to traveling circus troupes. They were characterized by much adornment inside and out that each vardo is said to be a picture of aesthetic beauty and functionality.
Historical records show that early vardos were carpeted on the inside for at least half of the interior space, serving as sleeping quarters. The remaining space housed the kitchen. It became an iconic Romani symbol that would eventually produce an industry in building traveling wagons. There are at least six known styles of the vardo including the Burton, Open Lot, Bow Top, Ledge, Reading, and Brush Wagon. The names were derived from either the name of owner, the builder, or its style.
Static Caravans
Image: caravansautotrader
The modern version of caravans are now more commonly known as mobile homes. They are either pulled as a trailer by a motorized vehicle or come as a vehicle in itself. The present day caravans are characterized by as much convenience that can possibly be achieved in a home away from home.
The sale of static caravans experienced a sharp increase in the UK in 2009 when overseas vacationing became quite expensive. Families opted to stay within the country when taking their vacations and settled for holiday parks with their caravans in tow. This also addressed the increasing cost of hotel accommodation.
Staycation
Withe the renewed consciousness in cost-effective living, static caravans became the preferred second home since it does not only ensure a place to stay but also a way to bring the passengers to their desired destination. Staycation, which is the combined word produced by “stay” and “vacation”, became the in-thing and enlivened the domestic tourist industry. Though it can mean staying at home for vacation, staying within the home country to take a vacation using the caravan proved to be a better option since staying at home traps the vacationers to domestic concerns because work is not so far away.
About the Guest Blogger:
Leandro of Caravan Insurance Experts highly recommends shopping for the best insurance package for your static caravans to avail of maximum protection.