California, here we come – why campervan is an option

Maybe, just maybe, there is a way around the spiralling cost of holidaying in Ireland (and Europe for that matter) this year.

Instead of paying through the nose for hotel rooms, car rentals, dining out and all that goes with it, maybe a camper van gives you options and freedoms you hadn’t thought about.

Yes, it requires a change of mindset, something we acquired in double-quick time, but it could be worth the effort. There are a lot of plusses. However, there is one huge deterrent – I’ll come to that later.

Against the backdrop of news and reports about incessant price rises, we took to the road in the Volkswagen Grand California 600.

Hidden benefits of electrified cars: getting your children off to sleep

I’ve only ever had one of the camper-on-wheels on the road before and that was something of a disaster (no, it wasn’t a Volkswagen). I had a fearful flashback or two.

The Grand California is a big vehicle. It’s disproportionally tall and some people might find that a bit daunting. I can tell you, I was a bit apprehensive for a few minutes. But as soon as I began driving, that dissipated.

Even around the narrow heavenly-scented roads of south Co Wexford the exceptional driving position, excellent wing mirrors and parking aids meant I was never bothered.

So don’t let initial perceptions put you off. My version had an 8spd automatic transmission. I shudder to think how often I would have had to change gears in a manual.

Our model could sleep four. It’s got a shower, toilet, two-ring gas cooker, awning, loads of storage; you can even carry bikes on the back.

The 2-litre diesel engine was not hard on the juice, considering the vehicle weighs around 3.5 tonnes. As a holiday vehicle, its interior was a little clinical but highly efficient (myriad stowage points, clever use of space) and comfortable.  

All of a sudden this new way of spending time away took on a totally different perspective. Downloading a helpful app before we left also made us feel part of the campervan fraternity. 

We got a lovely spot for €15 a night near Fethard, strolled a bit – heck I even went for a dip. It is such a wonderful part of the country. Hook lighthouse was a particular favourite. It was all too brief a visit to a quietly magical hinterland.

At 5.30 the other morning I opened the little aperture of blinds from my bed to watch the day’s new light bathe the bay and its surroundings in golden green – a sight worth the trip on its own.

The practicalities are a bit less aesthetic but you quickly get accustomed to using facilities at close quarters. Yes, I mean the bathroom, toilet etc. And you’ve got to be careful you don’t bang your head or someone else’s; you really need the awning and chairs so you can sit outside reading, turning your face to the sun.

We learned as we went along, finding solutions to little problems such as checking the obvious: that the gas was turned on at the source.

Despite having to climb into bed under the duress of a rebellious lower back, I had a peaceful sleep when really, given I couldn’t fully stretch my legs, I shouldn’t have. An extra bit of space would have been great, though.

The big sliding door had a habit of not quite closing so it required an extra heavy hoosh, at which point the step automatically tucked back in underneath.

You can certainly cook meals or barbecue, as most of the other campers were doing. It takes a bit of time but isn’t that part of the charm of the whole experience?

Overlooking the sea and breakfasting in the fresh air (including Wexford strawberries) was refreshing too. And as we sipped in the sunshine we thought about how much you’d pay for the privilege in a hotel, for example.

Indeed, have you any idea how costly even a couple of overnights would be? That’s where the likes of the California win hands down because nearly everything is first cost and not madly inflated as in: a cup of coffee (€3.50), burger and chips to sit down (€15), a glass of wine (€11). You can see where ‘home cooking’ in the camper begins to make economic sense.

On one level that is. The big, big problem remains the price of purchase. Our test model costs around €96,000. Of course, you can buy second-hand but you are still talking a lot of money for something decent.

Yet it could be a solution for some people with accommodation, catering and travel needs all wrapped up in one package, largely protected from the madness of price increases, not least extortionate car rental quotes.

When you think about it, you’d buy a good second-hand camper that would last for years for the money some are asking for 10 days car hire​​​​​​.​ 

Fact File

Grand California 600 camper van, 2-litre diesel 177hp, 8spd DSG, 10.9 l/100km. Tax €102, 4 seats, gross weight 3,500kg, wheelbase 3,640mm.

Standard spec: parking sensors, auto headlamp, cruise control, multi-function display plus, wireless App-Connect, rear-view camera, 2 USB interfaces; 8ins touchscreen.

Options, accessories: side marker lights, additional water heater, awning on right side, two-bike carrier on rear, solar panels. Basic model €89,665; on test €96,014.

Hidden benefits of electrified cars: getting your children off to sleep