If one of my friends tells me that for one of their holidays they've decided to go on a cruise or rent a villa, or go to a hotel anywhere in the world my reaction would be positive and interested.
Yet, why is it that when anyone with a caravan mentions that they have one or are going away in it that they almost have to apologise for it?
In this enlightened day and age (although how enlightened we are when Radio 4 still has Thought For The Day on their Today programme) caravanners (of which I am one -- there, I said it) do have to tread carefully. Only the other day I was at a client's party and when caravans were mentioned I actually hesitated before I talked about 'our caravan' in relation to our holidays.
It's ridiculous that caravanning, which contributes significantly to the tourism industry (and is becoming more popular each year), is still seen in largely negative terms. There's snobbery at work, which I don't think you experience in many other countries. There's even snobbery between caravanners, which makes things worse. If you don't have the latest twin-axled palace hauled, at least by a Discovery 4, or a Range Rover you may as well head for Dale Farm.
Perhaps this is why going to France and other European countries is such a pleasure when you're in a caravan. I've been on many French sites and have seen that there is no issue with what you drive, what sort of caravan you have or what you do for a living. I have seen the better off next to those who clearly are less well off and yet there's still interaction between them. The French simply enjoy being outdoors and caravans give you exactly that: relaxing holidays in the fresh air where you can do as you please, not limited to the times that hotels decide to feed you.
Of course, the French have the weather -- part of the reason for heading abroad -- but it's the lack of snobbery that is almost palpable. There is money in France, of course, but it seems that if you have it you're far less likely to shout about it or drive something that tells everyone that you're doing alright.
The other problem in this country is that we have JC, yes Mr Jeremy Clarkson, who has destroyed more than his fair share of caravans on Top Gear. I have no problem that he doesn't like caravannig -- it isn't for everyone -- but why must he always take such childish, cliched pot-shots at something that thousands enjoy?
Well, I'm going to hide my secret no longer: the C-word will be on my lips the next time me and my friends discuss what we're doing for our holiday.
Vivre les caravanes!
