A possible misconception about life in a caravan is that you have to forego or, at a minimum, compromise on your usual menu. That foodies have to skip their gourmet creations when you hit the road due to the limited galley (for newbies that's kitchen in the caravan world) space and cooking amenities. Well, we’re calling out to all those who are under that impression and are missing out on the enjoyment of caravan life because they think it means roughing it in regards to food options.
We’re giving you a range of ideas on maintaining your foodie ways while on the road and once convinced, some very sweet caravan financing deals to either upgrade to a better equipped model or purchase your first caravan.
As a major caravan finance broker in the leisure market, we try to stay across developments in the caravan manufacturing industry. There have been many significant innovations and improvements but one of note has been the upgrade in the cooking facilities.
Fully-Equipped Caravan Kitchens
Many of today’s caravans offer amenities, built-ins, facilities and appliances of a quality that would not be out of place in a contemporary apartment. These include in some models 2 door fridges with generous capacities. For example, the Jayco Starcraft has a 164 litre fridge and the larger size Millard Toura models have a 190 litre Dometic 3 way fridge. Full-sized ovens have become quite standard as well as microwaves in addition to up to 4 burner cook tops. All neatly installed with good storage space for crockery, utensils and your own benchtop appliances. All set and ready for you to whip up that gourmet meal while on the road. Many models also include an external BBQ as standard.
Some camper trailers and hybrids have exterior cooking options only, but they usually include awnings so you are cooking under cover. You don’t necessarily have to go big to get great cooking facilities. The new entry level caravan from New Age, the Red Owl, which is a pop-top has a functional and well-equipped galley.
If you’re staying in a holiday park, you’ll probably also have access to their communal cooking facilities. Remember to use these facilities in a COVID-safe manner and always clean up after yourself.
If you’re wondering how upgrading to a caravan with a fully-equipped kitchen compares price-wise to a smaller model, use our Caravan Repayment calculator to generate a rough repayments estimate on different models.
Inspiration for Cooking on the Road
Stir fries, roasts, pasta dishes, cakes, biscuits, seafood…there are a multitude of caravan and camping recipe ideas available online. Ideas for all dietary preferences so you shouldn’t have to compromise.
How about cooking your own catch? Selecting the right destination and location can provide inspiration and ingredients for a great on-the-road menu. Top fishing spots can give you access to fresh fish every daily. We’ve posted a couple of articles on free camping sites around QLD & SA, some of which are located adjacent or close to great lakes and rivers.
When you’re travelling through regional areas, through Australia’s food bowl, what better place to source the freshest produce, often available right at the farm gate.
Follow the Foodie Trail
Australia has an abundance of food producers in every state and territory. The Hunter in NSW; much of Tasmania; the Barossa in SA and fabulous seafood at the fishing mecca in Port Lincoln; the south-west of WA; north Queensland is abundant with fresh produce and the Yarra Valley in Victoria.
If you don’t want to cook every night, and who does, plan your caravan holiday or travelling around following the foodie trails in your state. Refer to the relevant state tourism website for ideas, maps and locations. Here’s some suggestions https://www.visitvictoria.com/Things-to-do/Tours/Food-and-wine-tours https://www.visitnsw.com/ https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/food-tours-queensland.html
Need a Better-Equipped Caravan?
So yes, you can create Instagram-worthy dishes while enjoying the caravan life. If we’ve inspired you to get out on the road and cook up a storm or perhaps you have a small van and think it’s time to upgrade to a better equipped model, then speak with Jade Caravan Finance about a great caravan finance deal.
Your Jade consultant will discuss your personal requirements and preferences and source you the cheapest deal available for our most popular caravan finance product - Secured Caravan Loan.
The ‘ingredients’ in our Secured Caravan Loans include:
- We start with Jade’s signature cheapest caravan interest rates.
- The loan term is negotiated to best suit your preferences.
- This creates fixed monthly repayments which your consultant negotiates ‘to your taste’.
- You can make additional payments if you choose – adding your own touch – and if you pay out the loan prior the end of the loan term, minimal break fees apply.
So if you’ve discounted the idea of caravanning because you thought you had to compromise on your foodie lifestyle, perhaps it’s time to rethink. Having your own caravan opens up a myriad of options in lifestyle and with a cheap loan from Jade Caravan Finance, you may be able to enjoy a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget.
To discuss a loan on a caravan with a fully-equipped kitchen to suit your foodie ways, speak with a Jade Caravan Finance consultant at 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIVE PURPOSES AND NOT INTENDED AS FINANCE ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD REFER TO THEIR FINANCIAL ADVISOR OR ACCOUNTANT FOR ADVICE IN REGARD TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL DECISIONS AND SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES. DETAILS IN REGARD TO GOODS, SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT OFFERS AND POLICIES HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM PUBLIC MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER WEBSITES AND GOVERNMENT RESOURCES. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS OR MISREPRESENTATION OF INFORMATION AND DATA OBTAINED FROM THESE SOURCES.
