More and more Australian retirees are now seeking an active retirement that involves new adventures and travelling around our beautiful country. If you're about to join the ranks of the 'grey nomads' then you may be considering downsizing your family home and purchasing a new home on wheels in the form of a caravan or motor home.

The caravan and motor home industry is huge, with over half a million vehicles on the road. This means that there's a huge variety of models to choose from, which can be daunting. Here are some questions to ask yourself to narrow your selection choice down.

Caravan or motor home?

The big difference between caravans and motor homes is that caravans require towing by a car, while motor homes are all-in-one. Motor homes generally offer more space than a caravan, but cost more in fuel to operate. They are also more expensive to buy.

The benefit of caravans is that you can unhitch your car and leave the caravan behind at the camp ground if you want to explore the local area. Therefore, a caravan is a better option if you are planning to spend substantial amounts of time in places that you visit.

How many berths?

Both caravans and motor homes generally offer from two to six berths. The difference in price from a small two berth up to a large family sized six berth is considerable. Therefore, it's important to really consider your needs before you make a final decision.

If you're going to regularly have extra people staying with you then it's worth considering four or more berths. If, however, you will only have visitors very occasionally then you can probably get away with a smaller two berth, and a small annexe that can be put up when you have company.

Do you need an onboard bathroom?

The more expensive models of caravans and motor homes include onboard bathrooms. These generally include hand basins, a toilet, and a shower. A small washing machine can also be included. Truly luxurious motor homes can sometimes include a spa bath as well. You can determine how many features they can have by talking to caravan providers such as The Caravan Company Pty Ltd.

Most camping parks have excellent bathroom and laundry amenities, so if you're happy with communal spaces then you may not feel the need to pay the premium for an onboard bathroom. If you're not keen on sharing a shower and toilet with other people, or if you're planning on spending most of your time in more remote areas that don't provide amenities, then an onboard bathroom is probably a good idea.

With the enormous amount of options available, you're certain to find a caravan or motor home model that will fit your needs perfectly. Then all that's left to do is to hit the road in your new home-away-from-home, and begin your new adventures.