Why you should do vanlife with kids
Vanlife is more than a trendy hashtag on Instagram. It’s a fulfilling and fun way to explore the world with kids in tow. Here’s why:
1. It’s a hoot
When it comes to family holidays, nothing beats throwing your favourite toys in the car, hitting play on a summer soundtrack and heading somewhere you haven’t ventured before. It’s what Australian childhood memories are made of. Whether you’re chasing waves and salty sunsets or red-dirt routes to Kakadu swimming holes, vanlife is a hoot for the whole family. Just be willing to switch off Nirvana for something a little more PG, and pack plenty of driving-day snacks.
2. It’s fuss-free holidaying
Hiring a motorhome is an easy and cheap holiday option for adventurous families. You won’t have to buy a family-sized tent, portable toilet, kitchen and cooking supplies, or multiple mattresses because your van will be completely kitted out with all the creature comforts. All you’ll need is your child’s favourite plush toy, pencils and a colouring-in book, and a few books, and off you go.
3. The world is your classroom
There is no right age to embrace #vanlife with a child. Motorhome holidays are the perfect way to explore the great outdoors and they also present a fantastic educational opportunity! Mixing with new people every day teaches children confidence, while seeing how others live helps to humble them and foster a greater understanding of the world, even if you’re just heading an hour up the road.
4. You’ll discover new places, together
Vanlife is about following roads less travelled, as the beauty of a motorhome is that you can park them almost anywhere, especially if you opt for a compact model. This means that you’ll pull over when the view is so breathtaking you have to stop to take it in and take the scenic route to a quiet fishing village you’ve never heard of. And isn’t that what modern-day exploring is all about?
5. Campsites are fun
There’s no doubt about it, camping is fun, and even better when you don’t have to pitch a tent. One of the best things about vanlife is having the ability to overnight at a huge range of places, from holiday parks to farm stays. Many Australian holiday parks have splash parks, pools, movie nights and even petting zoos. All of this will keep kids and parents smiling, and makes for great #vanlife happy snaps. By booking an Apollo motorhome you receive 10% off BIG4 family caravan parks when booking directly. Check out Big4 family-friendly parks here.
If your family is all about escaping to quiet campsites, you’ll love staying in a National Park. Park under gums, wake to the laughing of kookaburras and watch for shooting stars as you teach the kids about the Milky Way. National Parks are also great for the budget, with some in Australia costing as little as $6.25 per adult.
6. Family bonding is out of this world
Living and travelling in a motorhome is a sure-fire way to grow closer as a family. Not only does vanlife mean you share close quarters, but it also translates to more conversations and special memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing beats bedtime stories under a blanket of Outback stars, either.