A Gypsy Caravan Vacation

The way of the Gypsy has been one of the most romanticized life styles for centuries. Colorful, free, ever on the edge of "proper" society, the Gypsy life speaks to us of freedoms we can imagine but never seem to touch.

Whether it is the lure of the simple life or the ideal of a carefree existence where there are not mortgages, rules, or utility bills, many people have at some time dreamed of living and traveling in a horse drawn Vardo, the Romany name for a Gypsy wagon. While this dream may not be practical in our society, throughout the world there are places where for a short time you can fulfill the fantasy. Travel the country roads of Ireland, France, Spain, Norway, Australia and Scotland or rent a Caravan just for camping in private, peaceful surroundings.

Traveling caravan vacations can be booked through travel agencies or hiring agencies. You will be taught to harness and care for the horse and a route will be set up for you on low traffic roads.

Wicklow, Ireland

Clissman Horse Caravans

Phone: +353-404-46920

Clissman.com

Clissman Horse Caravans offer a four berth, horse drawn caravan for self drive tours of Wicklow, one of the most scenic coastal destinations in Ireland. Emphasis is placed on the simple joys of developing a relationship with your horse and discovering the countryside in a relaxed, traditional method. Several routes are designed depending on the attractions you want to explore in your itinerary. Visitors are supplied with a marked map and information on locations, along with selected farmers, bed & breakfasts, and hotels who provide "over night" places to stay for a fee.

Your first night will be spent in your caravan in their field and in the morning you will be given instructions on caring for your horse, harnessing, hooking up to wagon, and driving. No horse experience is needed, just a desire and ability to form a bond with your horse. Horses are carefully selected and matched up to each persons experience or lack of experience.

Clissman's caravans provide seating for four to six and sleeping for four, with extra bedding available to accommodate two adults and up to three children.

Riding horses can also be hired in addition to your horse drawn caravan for rides along the beaches and through the countryside of Wicklow.

Normandy, France

Coast to Coast Roulottes

Haras Du Marais, La Croix Picard

50500 Meautis, France

Phone: 0033-233-444-615

coast2coastroulottes.com

Located in the midst of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshlands regional National Park, along the vivid coastlines of Normandy, France, Coast to Coast Roulottes offer horse drawn caravan vacations along quiet, peaceful country lanes where few cars travel, through beautiful fields and orchards, and into small towns and villages. The colorful, compact caravans sleep four to five people and are equipped with all the linens and a cook stove, sink, and kitchen utensils. Children and even the family dog are welcome. Stops are provided in selected villages with shower facilities and other amenities.

Coast to Coast provides Normandy Cobs to pull your wagon. Normandy cobs are known for their sweet, docile personalities and sociable behavior. Your first day will be spent with instruction and lessons in guiding your horse drawn vacation home. This first day is not included in your three day journey as it is for instruction only.

Wherever your travels take you, if you want to experience an unusual, simplified, exciting and tranquil vacation, look for those renting horse drawn or stationary Vardos. Remember to also simplify your luggage as these caravans were not meant to carry large amounts of personal belongings. Your treasures will be starry nights, the sound of bubbling rivers, meadow larks, and beautiful scenery seen in vivid detail as you travel slow enough to truly feel and experience the land around you.

Sources:

IHA
Clissman
Coast2Coast