If the thought of a big family road trip is tempting but a Winnebago is simply not hip enough, read on.

Last year I put together a post on caravans – it turns out there’s a lot of love for retro vans. A couple of UK companies are letting people live the cool caravan dream by hiring vintage vans.

First up is Vintage Vacations. Vintage Vacations have a range of “off-beat accommodation” options – from an old church and scout hall to a full sixties-kitsch beachside bungalow. But it is the superb Airstream caravans that will stop you in your tracks.

There are thirteen American vintage caravans, three British vans and one French van located at what is without question the coolest caravan park in the world (a field on the Isle of Wight). The caravans have been sensitively fitted with all the necessary mod-cons (air-conditioning, full-sized ovens, showers) but retain their authentic charm with the use of retro fabrics and accessories and games cupboards stocked with Frisbees and Fuzzy Felts. Most of the caravans sleep four people. Contact Vintage Vacations directly for bookings.

For those that want to actually hit the road, check out O’Connor’s Campers. O’Connor’s Campers hire out Volkswagen campervans so that you can travel the UK at your leisure.

There are fifteen vans in the fleet, including the stunning six-berth ‘Mr Orange‘ (all the vans are named!). The vans come fully equipped with everything you need including an awning, sink, cooker, fridge or cool box, gas, cycle rack, extra outdoor table and chairs and more. Contact O’Connor’s Campers directly for availability and bookings.

Ready to hit the road? Book flights to the UK online through Flight Centre.