Glamping is all the buzz on travel blogs today as families look for new and different ways to explore the world together. We at The Nanny Line are always looking for ways to help our families have amazing travel experiences in Spain. So, we thought you would fill you in on the basics of the newest family travel trend in Spain: Caravaning. We think it’s time your family took a road trip!

Caravaning is a British term used to describe a vehicle equipped for living in, usually towed behind a car, and used for holidays. We are going to use caravaning as a general term to include different kinds of vehicles you can live in while traveling around including: RV’s (residential vehicle), camper vans, motorhomes, pop-ups, and trailers.
Depending on how luxurious your caravan and/or the campsites you visit, caravaning could be considered Glamping.

Why is caravanning a great way for families to travel together?
Susie Kellog at travelingmom.com lists these reasons why she and her family travel exclusively in motorhomes for their vacations:

• Flexibility
  In her words, road-tripping as a family is the “perfect opportunity to plan for detours, making the road trip just as much about the journey as it is the destination.”

• Affordability
  According to according to Go RVing, an RV family vacation can cost a family of four up to 59% less than other modes of travel!

• See more of Spain
  Avoid long waits in airport, travel delays, and hours spent just waiting to get somewhere. When you are on the road, you can just look out your window to find your next new destination. Your family will learn more about the entire country you are visiting, not just the main tourist destinations.

• Easier mealtimes
  Cooking what your kids like, in your own camper van, over a camp stove, or even open flames can be an adventure that will bring the whole family together. Much less stressful than trying to get your kids to sit still for a long dinner at a fancy restaurant

• Lots of quality family time, more likely spent out in nature.
  
  
• Self-imposed Screen Detox
  Without readily-accessible televisions, outlets, or gaming stations it will be easier for your family to unplug for your next vacation

Top Spanish Caravaning Sites

The RV experts at Your RV Life recently compiled a list of 100 things to do in Spain. It might be ambitious to try to check out all 100, but it is a great list to get some inspiration from. Espana Discovery also produces a guide book available for purchase listing more than 850 motorhome and campervan sites in “off the beaten track” locations. There are glamping sites on Ibiza where your family can live in a luxury tent, vineyards with their own RV sites, and even gorgeous sites like these beachside vintage caravans available to hire in Tarragona.

Summer holidays
Remember it can get extremely hot in the summer months, so make sure to consider whether or not you want air conditioning in your RV. Make the kids happy by booking a campsite with a pool or right near the beach. The popular coastal areas can get crowded, but have the most campsites. These include the Costa Verde, Costa Brava, and Costa Dorada. You will need to book ahead for August (the busiest camping month is Spain) and prices are also typically higher in August.

Winter months
The Mediterranean coast from the Costa del Azahar (the Orange Blossom coast) all the way round to the Costa del Sol, plus Costa Blanca and Costa de Almeria can be great sea-side destinations, even in cooler winter months.

Before you hit the road:

• Make sure your International Driver’s Permit is up to date.
• Check out what kind of driver’s insurance you have and whether your international plan covers you driving larger vehicles like an RV or having a camper as a trailer.
• For other quirky Spanish driving regulations, check out these “Top Tips for First-Time Motorhome Renters in Spain” for newbies just like you.

Renting a caravan in Spain:

Just Google “motorhome rental in Spain” to find all kinds of options. Did you know that you can even book camper vans and RV’s through Airbnb? Just go to the “Filters” section, select “Unique Stay” and you will be able to select “Camper/Rv” and/or Campsite.

Make your family happy campers by bringing along one of our holiday nannies from Barcelona, Madrid or Ibiza to help entertain the kids while you relax! You can read why hiring a holiday nanny is sure to make your vacation a success here.

Does your family have caravanning advice you’d like to share? Tell us about your favorite campsites or the best Spanish road trip destinations for families on Facebook, Instagram or in the Comments section below.