Motorhomers and campers - is it approximately the same thing, or is there a world of difference? First of all, it is clear that the term 'camper' is broader, as it also includes caravans and tents. But maybe it's not just about that...?
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Who is a 'camper'?
Google the word "camper" and you'll get a mix of images of tents, LPG tanks, 80s tracksuits and vector graphics of everything from backpacks to campfires and headlamps. Unexpectedly, there's also a picture of Peter (from FREEDOMtravel) drinking rosé wine at a campsite in Poland a decade or so ago.
According to Wikipedia, camping is the type of tourism where people stay in tents, caravans, motor homes or holiday villages, but not in hotels, hostels or under the open sky. Furthermore, Wikipedia describes that the camper usually travels by motor vehicle, bicycle or boat, while those who go on foot or paddle, and then spend the night under the open sky, are instead considered to be engaged in hike.
Who is a 'motorhome driver'?
If you instead image-google "camper" or "campervanner", you will mainly find pictures of various campervans, flatbeds and vans. The words are by definition a little more restrictive and, for obvious reasons, do not include those travelling with caravans or tents. Then again, it may be that those travelling with self-built vans prefer to call themselves "vanlifers" rather than motorhome owners ...?
Can someone travelling by motorhome be a camper?
On the one hand, it feels like the distinction between the words is obvious. 'Camper' includes anyone living in a motorhome, caravan or tent (and maybe even a holiday village, according to Wikipedia). Motorhome and campervan users include a smaller proportion of these, i.e. those travelling in a motorhome, caravan or van.
MenSo why do motorhome owners quickly recoil when they hear the word 'camper'? Some even get a little uncomfortable when the word "camping" is heard in the same room.
No no, we are not camping. We just stand on pitches. Or we go caravanning.
It's like some people don't want to deal with the word "camping" or "camper". Maybe because they think they are a bit better? Or maybe not better, maybe just different from those who go camping?
What image comes to mind when you hear the word 'camping'?
Sometimes we get the feeling that 'camping' is a very loaded word, which can bring many different images to mind. Some might picture crowded campsites, filled with screaming children and adults in identical tracksuits? Others might picture a grove of trees, with a campfire and a pair of muddy boots... Today, the word might also be associated with nature-based holidays and sustainable travel.
What image comes to mind when you hear camping?
Not easy to find the right words...
When we started blogging, we used the word 'motorhome' on the homepage, as we ourselves travelled by motorhome. Over time, we got a lot of readers who travelled in other ways, and because we often focus on the destinations, rather than the vehicle you use to get there, we broadened our scope and started using the word 'camping'. Then we realised that some motorhome owners would rather not be anywhere near that word...
Now it just says "Sweden's most travelling magazine" under FREEDOMtravel. Easiest we think ... We love travelling! Mainly by motorhome, but sometimes in other ways. If you follow our journeys, or read our travel guides, you will get around in the way that suits you best.
But, back to the question! Camper or motorhome driver - is it important what you call yourself? Do you like camping, and if so, is it something you do with a motorhome, or in a completely different way?
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bmlarstravellingblog says:
Now we have been thinking about these concepts during the day and since we by definition have both been "real campers" with caravans and really far back even tents on campsites, it is not a concept we in any way look down on. I have even been a seasonal camper in Kungshamn for several years. Now we don't feel like campers at all, but motorhome drivers, regardless of whether we live on a pitch, camping or on a free campsite, why we probably can't explain. Even during our motorhome meeting at Böda Sands Camping, we could not really define ourselves as campers. There were some thoughts about the concepts, always fun to think a little.....
15 May 2024 - 16:07
Helena says:
Interesting thoughts! Some others (commenting on Facebook) thought the difference was whether you are camping or pitching, or whether you are travelling more "primitive" or more comfortably .... Alternatively, that you can use both words. We may also see ourselves first and foremost as motorhomers / caravanners, but can probably be comfortable with the word camper too ... Certainly it is interesting to think about!
15 May 2024 - 16:18
BP says:
Hahaha! Dear child has many names, it is said;-) Camping for me is tents, caravans and motorhomes, no matter where if you say so. Absolutely not a cottage, it is "glamping" for me.
15 May 2024 - 22:21
Helena says:
Of course it is! Interesting to hear your reflection! When I hear the word "glamping", I think of exclusive and comfortable tents, beautifully situated in nature 😉
16 May 2024 - 8:44