Hassel-free holidays: the joys of owning an RV

For the increasing number of holidaymakers who chose to travel and stay in an RV (Recreational Vehicle), life on the open road offers an unrivalled sense of freedom.

You can explore the length and breadth of the country at your own pace in total comfort, without having to worry about train delays, flight cancellations, heavy suitcases and the usual annoyances that come with traveling for leisure.

Financial savings on extras like accommodation and taxi fares are also a huge bonus, and with thousands of year-round holiday parks across the British Isles, Europe and America, there really has never been a better time to own an RV.

But there's a lot to consider if you're buying one for the first time. Many would-be RV owners find themselves torn between purchasing a caravan and a motor home.

Although it comes down to personal choice, there are advantages and disadvantages to both vehicles.

The main advantage of owning a caravan is the simplicity of being able to park it, unhitch it and leave it while you explore the surrounding areas in your car.

Making smaller journeys in anything larger could prove very difficult, particularly when having to navigate narrow lanes, busy town centres and winding coastal roads - not to mention the nightmare of city driving!

Cost can also be a deciding issue. Although it very much depends on the model and its age, caravans are generally cheaper than motor homes, and when combined with an economical towing car they are cheaper to run - and insure.

However, towing a caravan brings its own set of problems. Commuting can be a slow, complex and sometimes dangerous process which many find it hard to get the hang of.

Breaking, cornering and towing can become real obstacles when you're trying to get from A to B, not to mention the frustrating reduction in speed that goes with driving two vehicles at the same time.

Of course, there are downsides to owning a motor home too. Purchase price, insurance, running costs and fuel economy are generally much higher, while servicing and recovery can prove expensive - and inconvenient.

There is also a legal maximum load, which restricts the amount of passengers a motor home can carry - potentially a problem for larger families.

But many prefer the sheer convenience of motor homes, finding them infinitely more suitable for multi-stop holidays, longer seasonal breaks and even permanent living!

Motor homes are usually much better equipped for modern driving and weather conditions. They're faster, more compact and simpler to maneuver, often with more advanced braking systems than those on a caravan.

There's the comfort factor too. Motor homes are essentially a small house on wheels, with every room accessible to the passenger - from using the bathroom to relaxing on the sofa to making lunch in the kitchen.

This keeps journey time to an absolute minimum and reduces the need for frequent stops - a particular advantage on shorter breaks, and a blessing if you find yourself in a slow-moving traffic jam!

But ultimately, the choice is yours - and whether a caravan or a motor home better suits your lifestyle, there's still nothing like life on the open road!