1. You meet people When you pitch your caravan on a campsite, you become part of a community of independent travelers who are generally eager to mingle. You can step straight from your front door into nature, so you will spend the majority of your time soaking up the fresh air. It’s not uncommon for campsites to have swimming pools, tennis courts or a bar and restaurant area. You will chat to people as you wash up your plastic plates and do your laundry at the communal washrooms. Sometimes, there are organised events, from discos to karaoke or live bands. The amount of social interaction you experience will be vastly greater than in a hotel, but you still have the option to remove yourself from all the commotion when you need some solitude – something which can be tricky in hostels.

2. You can pitch in some of the most serene locations Some of the most stunning places I’ve ever stayed were campsites. By their very nature, they tend to be out in the wilderness. I imagine it’s much easier to turn a patch of pristine land into a camping and caravanning park than it is to get planning permission to erect a hotel or holiday resort, which might be why many of the campsites I’ve stayed were right by the beach or surrounded by woodland or rolling hills.

3. It’s environmentally friendly Since you spend most of your time outdoors or getting back to basics with books and board games, you don’t drain energy using electrical appliances. Most sites have garbage and recycling areas for you to easily dispose of waste in a sustainable way. And while the idea of a portaloo isn’t exactly glamorous, it saves a surprising amount of water.

4. It’s relatively cheap Not only is the cost of a camping space much more reasonable than a hotel room, you also have everything you need at your disposal. You can stock up on groceries and cook your own meals, saving a fortune on restaurant bills.

5. You hear some interesting things Caravans and tents aren’t particularly sound proof, which sounds like a negative, but there were so many times when I really enjoyed being able to hear what was going on around me. From the interesting conversations of fellow campers to the hum of cicadas or the trickle of a nearby stream or crashing of waves on a beach, the surrounding noises were a welcome intrusion.