Maybe there is a way to avoid the surge in vacation costs in Ireland (and Europe for that) this year.
Instead of paying for hotel rooms, car rentals, eating out, etc., campers may give you options and freedoms you never thought of.
Yes, it requires a change in thinking that we have learned twice as fast, but it may be worth the effort. There are many pluses. However, there is one major deterrent. We’ll talk about this later.
Against the backdrop of news and coverage of constant price increases, we have followed the path of the Volkswagen Grand California 600.
I used to have only one camper on the road, but that was some sort of disaster (no, it wasn’t a Volkswagen). I had one or two scary flashbacks.
Grand California is a big vehicle. It’s disproportionately tall and some people may find it a bit daunting. I can tell you, I was a little anxious for a few minutes. But as soon as I started driving, it disappeared.
Even around the narrow heavenly scented roads of southern Wexford, the extraordinary driving position, excellent door mirrors, and parking aids meant I never bothered.
So don’t let the first recognition put you off. My version had an 8spd automatic transmission. Given how often I had to change gears manually, I tremble.
Our model can sleep 4 people. There is a shower, toilet, 2 ring gas stove, sunshade, and plenty of storage space. You can also carry your bicycle on your back.
The 2-liter diesel engine wasn’t too difficult given that the vehicle weighs about 3.5 tons. As a holiday vehicle, its interior was a bit clinical, but very efficient (countless storage points, clever use of space) and comfortable.
Suddenly, this new way of spending time has taken a completely different perspective. Downloading a useful app before we left also made us feel part of the camper fraternity.
We got a nice place near the festoon for 15 euros per night and took a short walk. It’s a very nice part of the country. I especially liked the Hook Lighthouse. The quiet and magical visit to the hinterland was too short.
At 5.30 the other morning, I opened a small opening in the blinds from my bed and saw the new light of the day dye the bay and its surroundings golden. This is a spectacle worth traveling on its own.
Practicality is a bit unaesthetic, but you’ll soon get used to using nearby facilities. Yes, I mean bathroom, toilet, etc. And you need to be careful not to hit your head or someone else’s head. I really need a sunshade and a chair so that I can sit outside the book and turn my face to the sun.
As we progressed, we learned to find solutions to small problems such as obvious checks. That is, the gas is turned on at the source.
Even though I had to climb the bed under rebellious hip compulsions, I really couldn’t stretch my legs fully, so when I shouldn’t, I’m having a good night’s sleep I did. However, I wish I had extra space.
Large sliding doors had a habit of not closing completely, so an extra heavy foosh was needed. At that point, the step was automatically pushed down.
You can certainly cook meals and barbecues, as most other campers did. It will take some time, but isn’t it part of the overall appeal?
Overlooking the sea, breakfast in fresh air (including Wexford strawberries) was refreshing. Then, while bathing in the sun, I thought about how much I would pay for the benefits at the hotel, for example.
Sure, do you have any idea how much it will cost for a couple of nights? Like coffee (3.50 euros), burgers and sitting chips (15 euros), glass wine (11 euros), almost everything is the first cost and it’s not crazy inflated, so something like California to win. ). You can see the camper’s “home cooking” starting to make economic sense.
At a certain level. The big, big problem remains the purchase price. The cost of the test model is about 96,000 euros. Of course, you can buy second-hand goods, but you’re still talking a lot of money for something decent.
Still, accommodation, catering, and travel needs are all in one package, which is a solution for some people who are largely protected from the madness of price increases, especially the high-priced car rental quotes. There is a possibility.
When you think about it, you will buy a good used camper that will last for years for the money that some people are looking for a 10-day car rental.
Fact file
Grand California 600 camper, 2 liter diesel 177hp, 8spd DSG, 10.9 l / 100km. Tax 102 euros, 4 seats, total weight 3,500 kg, wheelbase 3,640 mm.
Standard specifications: parking sensor, automatic headlamp, cruise control, multifunction display plus, wireless App-Connect, rear view camera, two USB interfaces. 8-inch touch screen.
Options and accessories: side marker lights, additional water heater, right awning, two bike carriers on the back, solar panels. Basic model € 89,665; € 96,014 on test.
