I depends whether caravanning is seen as a means to an end or as an end in itself.
If an end in itself then one might caravan off season at a site not to far from home in the rain & mud just for the experience.
If a means to an end then the caravan is just accommodation at a place you want to be. This might be in southern France in summer at a specific site for example. If this is the case then nowadays there are all sorts of alternatives of a good standard from mobile homes to eco lodges.
So one can still go to those places & find viable alternative accommodation to a caravan.
We are at the other end of the spectrum ... having camped for about 50 years, have just bought our first caravan!
Voyaged via tents (one man cycling) to 8 man tunnel ... to Folding Camper, where set-up/strike was taking two-three hours ... we've gone to a van hoping we can be up and down in less than half an hour.
We only camp on the continent (store the van in France), and, instead of an awning have a wind out Fiama cover.
The prospect of easy one night stops is very seductive, plus the ability to up sticks and chase the sun when necessary ... something that's difficult from a pre-booked gite/apartment or hotel.
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Like Kelper we're very new, only bought a van last year, and 2016 will be our first 'proper' year. Sorry you have decided to move on Vic, but it sounds like you have considered your decision carefully.
Saw a lovely Tribite 669 on my way home just now. Much as I adore our caravan, I am still tempted with the idea of a small motorhome for one-nighters
Good luck with your new ventures. We have worked our way through all sorts of holidays including hotel packages in Europe, self booked tours in Usa and a time share in Malta. We are 4 years into caravanning and really enjoy it (unless something breaks!!) We are debating buying a new van and realise we need to use it for a good few years to make it worthwhile. However I doubt we will still be caravanning in another 10 years. It's all about what works for you at each stage of life.
You see similar with campers - worn down by how long it takes to set up & pack away. There's a lot to be said for it keeping it simple but that's not to everyone's taste.
Something wrong with me?? Been caravanning since 1966 - cant beat it - especially if you have a dog. Even thinking about a change of 'van, hope the thought passes quickly.
We had a small caravan for 8 years and loved it. We changed to a motorhome and love it even more, setup time is nonexistent and the French Aires make traveling long distances a breeze.
Well Vic its obviously the right choice for you and thats what matters. You have all the good memories to look back on.
I bought my first caravan when I was 21 yrs old and will be 64 this year, had a break for about two years due to both my wife and I working 12 hr shifts and not using the van enough.
Now retired we still enjoy it but I think having the caravan stored at home ( as we always have had) really makes a difference for us.
You can just nip out and do small jobs and give it a clean.load up etc without any hassle.
I am sure you will enjoy your life without a caravan and will get a lot more sunshine on your breaks than we all do in our caravan breaks
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.