Be it suburbia or the outdoors, lifestyle is very much influenced by our personality, our needs, and -- perhaps most of all -- our budget. Fortunately, in affluent countries like Australia, the diverse range of mobile accommodation options allows us to travel virtually anywhere we choose both comfortably and economically.
What suits me, though, is not necessarily going to be your first choice, nor are your preferences likely to match those of your close friends or relatives. Result is, all segments of the camping and RV markets are doing quite nicely.
Of course, at the budget end of the accommodation spectrum, tents are always high on the short-list of options, particularly for lovers of true outdoor freedom. On the other hand there are those who simply must have a few creature comforts, while still maintaining some degree of independence. This latter group is likely to opt for either a fully appointed caravan/travel trailer, or motorhome.
For the rest of us, somewhere along that cost/comfort scale our ideal niche is there to be found. Keep in mind, however, “ideal” is really a sneaky way of saying “acceptable compromise”. After all, no matter what your choice -- tent, tent trailer, camper trailer, caravan, campervan, or motorhome -- compromise will be necessary between the key deciding factors of cost, comfort, self-sufficiency and mobility. The trap is, only you can balance that mix!
Nevertheless, to help you identify your personal niche, here are a few of the essential differences between the popular options among nomadic travellers today:
Tent
Camping under canvas has always attracted a strong (and growing) band of devotees. Tents are relatively inexpensive, available in a vast range of sizes and complexities, and allow the outdoor lover to retain complete freedom, flexibility and mobility.
With tenting, though, the biggest drawbacks are the time it takes to get your camp set up, and the relative vulnerability to weather extremes. Together with sleeping, cooking and other equipment, a lot of vehicle space is required, and frequent changes of location become quite a chore with daily set-ups and pack-ups.
Tent Trailer
Moving up the budgetary scale, tent trailers might be your next consideration. These are essentially a small trailer with a built-on, collapsible frame-tent. Generally, they are more robust than regular tents, far easier to erect, and your bed (and some floor area) is raised above the ground. With a raft of optional awnings and add-ons, a tent trailer can become a canvas castle!
Keep in mind, though, towing a trailer of any kind does impact, to some degree, on campsite accessability, although heavy-duty and “off-road” models minimise this effect (especially if towed by a 4x4).
Another advantage is the freeing up of most of your vehicle load space, although you should also anticipate a quantum jump up the financial scale. (But if you already own a sturdy box-trailer, it may be adaptable.)
Camper Trailer
Even a low-spec camper trailer represents a further -- significant! -- hike in potential outlay over tent trailers (though the huge second-hand market is worth exploring). Even so, you stand to gain a considerable boost in comfort levels, particularly for long-term camps or extended touring.
Certainly, camper trailers still require setting up in camp, but this is a fairly quick and painless operation. Towing, too, remains reasonably stress-free considering their low profile and lighter weight compared with full-size caravans. Even so, bush mobility and manoeuvrability does suffer over tent or tent trailer outfits. And don’t forget those extra costs, such as insurance, registration, and increased fuel consumption.
Motorhome
For long-term or fulltime nomadic lifestyles, a full-size motorhome provides optimum comfort, convenience and all-round security. No towing is involved, while driving and parking is a breeze (except in very narrow streets and parking lots). Making camp, and moving off in the morning, is the easiest of all possible options.
Their main disadvantage is the high cost (in motorhome rather than campervan configuration), and the fact that every time you move -- even to the store for milk or bread -- you have to pack-up your “home”. And if repairs become necessary out on the road, you may be faced with motel costs.
Little brother of the motorhome, the campervan, has a similar set of pros and cons but is far less expensive to buy and operate, and considerably easier to get about in. For two people they represent an excellent all-round compromose for long-term touring, but get very “tight around the shoulders” for a fulltime lifestyle.
Caravan
For the best balance of all between space, comfort and security, it’s hard to beat a reasonable size caravan/travel trailer. For lengthy stays at a “base camp”, while getting out and about in your car or 4x4, they are ideal. There are sizes, makes and models to suit most family needs and all budgets. And the pre-loved market is endless.
Here again, though, mobility on backtracks can be greatly curtailed (even with some of the 4x4-rated rigs), and generally speaking, driving is more tiring, costly and slower. Visits to major towns, with tricky parking or tight turn-arounds, often become a real pain in the tailpipe.
So what do I recommend? Well, unfortunately there’s no simple answer! For example, depending on our plans, our camping and travelling alternates between lightweight touring (sleeping in our 4x4), and towing our home -- a 16 foot caravan. Every so often, we use a canvas tent for lengthier bush camps while visiting the high country.
To my mind, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. But if you’re planning to embark on a fulltime traveling lifestyle, my advice would be to identify -- and carefully examine -- your personal needs and aspirations, then set yourself up to suit the destinations and activities of most interest.
Best part is, you have plenty of options.
Caravan Insurance Quote | Caravan Insurance Quotation
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Auto Insurance: Be It Cheap Or Expensive
John Maxim is an independant writer who writes for several major publications. His latest project can be seen at Accounting Blog.
Cars are considered as valuable property. People have cars as a necessity but for some it is just a form of expressing luxury or vanity. Whatever the reason is, cars must be protected especially the owners and the people on the streets if any untoward incident.
This is where auto insurance comes in.
In the United States of America, there are varied policies concerning car insurance rates. The most common is that rates vary according to car model. As to date, these are the ten cheapest cars to insure and on the other hand, the ten most expensive to insure.
In this fast-paced world of young professionals and rising businessmen, a reliable means of transportation is an absolute necessity in order to stay on track in the urban rat-race. Years ago, owning a car was considered a luxury or status symbol, but now, given the rapid rate of technological developments it has become as essential and basic as eating and sleeping.
THE five CHEAPEST:
Chrysler Town and Country
The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan marketed by DaimlerChrysler. The Town and Country was introduced in 1990, while its sister vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, had already been in production since the 1984 model year. Chrysler's success.
Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt is intended to compete with Japanese cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan are minivans manufactured by DaimlerChrysler (they were sold by the Chrysler Corporation until 1998). They were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year along with sister model the Plymouth Voyager.
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." At its peak sales volume in 1965, the Impala was the best selling full-size car in the United States.
Chevrolet Silverado C/K Pickup
The Chevrolet Silverado from Chevrolet and its GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra, are the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.
As of 2006, the Silverado pickup is the second-best selling vehicle in the United States, behind the Ford F-150 pickup.
These are just five among twenty cheapest cars to insure. For one not to spend bunch of money just for insurance rates, we let you know what cars do not require too much. In this modern time, it pays to have the best car but setting priorities will still be considered.
TOP TEN EXPENSIVE CARS TO INSURE:
Honda Civic
Chevrolet Cavalier
Nissan Altima
Ford Focus
GMC Sierra
Ford F-Series Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
OTHER CHEAP TO INSURE CARS:
Land Rover Range Rover
Porsche Cayenne
G-Class Mercedes-Benz
Lexus LX 470
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac SRX
BMW X5
Sadly, the cold reality is that no matter which brand of automobile you purchase, you can never be totally certain that nothing will go wrong. There are just too many unstable factors on the road, drunk drivers, engine troubles, sleepiness, human error etc.
Yet, there is a way to protect yourself and be prepared for these so-called “road hazards” and unprecedented mishaps. This is where auto-insurance comes in. Auto Insurance is a form of insurance which comprehensively protects the insured from losses involving road mishaps depending on the type of coverage you purchase.
Caravan Insurance Quote | Caravan Insurance Quotation
Cars are considered as valuable property. People have cars as a necessity but for some it is just a form of expressing luxury or vanity. Whatever the reason is, cars must be protected especially the owners and the people on the streets if any untoward incident.
This is where auto insurance comes in.
In the United States of America, there are varied policies concerning car insurance rates. The most common is that rates vary according to car model. As to date, these are the ten cheapest cars to insure and on the other hand, the ten most expensive to insure.
In this fast-paced world of young professionals and rising businessmen, a reliable means of transportation is an absolute necessity in order to stay on track in the urban rat-race. Years ago, owning a car was considered a luxury or status symbol, but now, given the rapid rate of technological developments it has become as essential and basic as eating and sleeping.
THE five CHEAPEST:
Chrysler Town and Country
The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan marketed by DaimlerChrysler. The Town and Country was introduced in 1990, while its sister vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, had already been in production since the 1984 model year. Chrysler's success.
Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt is intended to compete with Japanese cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan are minivans manufactured by DaimlerChrysler (they were sold by the Chrysler Corporation until 1998). They were introduced in 1983 for the 1984 model year along with sister model the Plymouth Voyager.
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." At its peak sales volume in 1965, the Impala was the best selling full-size car in the United States.
Chevrolet Silverado C/K Pickup
The Chevrolet Silverado from Chevrolet and its GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra, are the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.
As of 2006, the Silverado pickup is the second-best selling vehicle in the United States, behind the Ford F-150 pickup.
These are just five among twenty cheapest cars to insure. For one not to spend bunch of money just for insurance rates, we let you know what cars do not require too much. In this modern time, it pays to have the best car but setting priorities will still be considered.
TOP TEN EXPENSIVE CARS TO INSURE:
Honda Civic
Chevrolet Cavalier
Nissan Altima
Ford Focus
GMC Sierra
Ford F-Series Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
OTHER CHEAP TO INSURE CARS:
Land Rover Range Rover
Porsche Cayenne
G-Class Mercedes-Benz
Lexus LX 470
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac SRX
BMW X5
Sadly, the cold reality is that no matter which brand of automobile you purchase, you can never be totally certain that nothing will go wrong. There are just too many unstable factors on the road, drunk drivers, engine troubles, sleepiness, human error etc.
Yet, there is a way to protect yourself and be prepared for these so-called “road hazards” and unprecedented mishaps. This is where auto-insurance comes in. Auto Insurance is a form of insurance which comprehensively protects the insured from losses involving road mishaps depending on the type of coverage you purchase.
Caravan Insurance Quote | Caravan Insurance Quotation
Caravans Getting More Popular
After caravans made history centuries ago, became associated with the hippy lifestyle. Nowadays the caravan is having a surprising recovery.
Knights used the caravans in Crusades and the people who afforded to have one used it as tool for moving around. The conquest of Wild West is probably the one who made the caravans famous. What would it have been like to cross the Rocky Mountains without the covered wagons? The alternative was a cold draughty ride on a horse or tramping along in the mud. Only a hundred years ago you could see brightly painted horse-pulled Romany caravans on our roads.
But what about now, when you have roads and maps and so many means of getting where you want? What would be now the role of caravans? You can find the answer in the need of freedom people are still having.
In the last century motor-car ownership took off but the same thing happened to caravans and soon drivers found themselves queuing behind lines of caravans on the way to the coast. For decades the typical image of motor-caravanners was probably that of a hippy family in an old VW. Nowadays the image of caravans is so much improved and in many cases caravan became a luxury home-from-home with a price to match.
By the time more and more people that had money to spend became interested in having their own home from home that could give them the freedom to travel all over the place in good condition, the static caravan took off. These uncool and static caravans located by the sea or by the wild forests are now history.
Lately caravanning became one of the country's most popular holidays. Celebrities enjoy this way of traveling or more accurate this way of living. Actresses like Helen Mirren and Tracy Shaw, singers like Mark Owen, Chris Evans and even Sir Jimmy Saville are owners and satisfied users of caravans. And now we can talk about fancy, luxury and styled caravans.
The classic old hand built caravans, such as the Stirling and the Carlight, used to be expensive - the top of the market. Back in the fifties, these caravans were bought and run by owners of the Armstrong Siddeley, Lagonda and Rover cars. The owners thought nothing about embarking on overseas trips with them of thousands of miles.
Caravan Insurance Quote | Caravan Insurance Quotation
Knights used the caravans in Crusades and the people who afforded to have one used it as tool for moving around. The conquest of Wild West is probably the one who made the caravans famous. What would it have been like to cross the Rocky Mountains without the covered wagons? The alternative was a cold draughty ride on a horse or tramping along in the mud. Only a hundred years ago you could see brightly painted horse-pulled Romany caravans on our roads.
But what about now, when you have roads and maps and so many means of getting where you want? What would be now the role of caravans? You can find the answer in the need of freedom people are still having.
In the last century motor-car ownership took off but the same thing happened to caravans and soon drivers found themselves queuing behind lines of caravans on the way to the coast. For decades the typical image of motor-caravanners was probably that of a hippy family in an old VW. Nowadays the image of caravans is so much improved and in many cases caravan became a luxury home-from-home with a price to match.
By the time more and more people that had money to spend became interested in having their own home from home that could give them the freedom to travel all over the place in good condition, the static caravan took off. These uncool and static caravans located by the sea or by the wild forests are now history.
Lately caravanning became one of the country's most popular holidays. Celebrities enjoy this way of traveling or more accurate this way of living. Actresses like Helen Mirren and Tracy Shaw, singers like Mark Owen, Chris Evans and even Sir Jimmy Saville are owners and satisfied users of caravans. And now we can talk about fancy, luxury and styled caravans.
The classic old hand built caravans, such as the Stirling and the Carlight, used to be expensive - the top of the market. Back in the fifties, these caravans were bought and run by owners of the Armstrong Siddeley, Lagonda and Rover cars. The owners thought nothing about embarking on overseas trips with them of thousands of miles.
Caravan Insurance Quote | Caravan Insurance Quotation
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