It's official: caravanning makes us happy

Do you turn your nose up at the idea of a holiday in a caravan? Then you're missing out on some of life's most wonderful sensory experiences. So says the The Caravan Club which has surveyed 2,000 of its members to find out just what a caravan holiday does for the senses.

And it's enough to tempt even the most ardent anti-caravanner.

Respondents voted sunsets the top sight, while the number one favourite sound was birdsong. Bacon and sausages cooking was voted the best smell and barbecues the best taste.

Caravan convert and TV personality Rowland Rivron, concurs with the findings. 'For me, the sights, smells, sounds and tastes I experience on holiday stay with me and evoke memories of enjoying the great outdoors and the adventure of caravanning," he says. 'There is nothing better than a cold beer, while a steak sizzles on the barbecue and the children are playing in the fields – total bliss!'

The Caravan Club, which represents more than a million caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tent owners, reports that a record number of bookings were taken when lines opened for the new season. More than 66,000 sites bookings across the UK were taken on the first day, up 19 per cent on last year.

The Club will be offering free towing and manoeuvring taster sessions at the The Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham, 22-27 February.

Love it or hate it? We want your opinions and experiences of caravan holidays.