have all been lovingly restored to their original glory, and contain period furnishings and appliances, as well as old films, magazines and vinyl. The neon-lit Dot's Diner . . . an art deco burger bar imported from Los Angeles . . . is the perfect place to fuel up before hitting the antique shops of Bisbee.

Shady Dell, Old Douglas Road, Bisbee, Arizona, US (001 520 432 3567; www. theshadydell. com).

Trailers start at $49 ( 36), excluding breakfast.

2 Saint Cerise, France Roulottes de Campagne has dozens of colourful, newly-built wooden caravans dotted all over the French countryside. Built in the style of old-fashioned Romany wagons but equipped with all mod-cons, the charming caravans can house up to five people comfortably. Each has a built-in bathroom and kitchen. The Saint Cerise site in the Ardeche is open year-round and has an outdoor pool and a tennis court. Hosts can advise on activities in the area, such as canoeing in the Ardeche Gorge.

Saint Cerise, Vogue, France (00 33 4 75 37 08 66;

www. roulottesdecampagne. com).

Caravans start at 89, excluding breakfast

3 Witmoskloof Oxwagon Camp, South Africa When it comes to choosing your neighbours, you could do worse than zebra, wildebeest and impala. Witmoskloof Oxwagon Camp, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, has five canvas-covered wagons on the edge of its farm, some of which date back 200 years. The wagons contain little more than a double bed, but you won't be spending much time inside. By day, there are game drives, trout fishing and walks in the bushveld; and by night, guests can stargaze in the outdoor boma, or gather round the open fire to hear stories about settler days.

Witmoskloof Oxwagon Camp, Witmos, Eastern Cape, South Africa (00 27 48 886 0630;

www. oxwagoncamp. co. za).

Wagons start at R400 ( 42), half board

4 La Rosa, UK Situated in the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors National Park, eight miles from Whitby, this environmentally sensitive campsite is the height of British seaside kitsch. Nine individually themed caravans, with names such as Vegas Vice and Viva Espania, are theatrically decked out in '70s wallpaper, chintz bedspreads and flea-market finds. A large circus tent and central tepee hold afternoon tea parties and cocktail evenings, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam trains pass nearby.

La Rosa Campsite, Murk Esk Cottage, Egton Bridge, Whitby, Yorkshire (07786 072866;

www. larosa. co. uk). Caravans start at �48 ( 70) room only, including fuel. Open April to September

5 Belrepayre, France Perched on the edge of a forest, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Belrepayre has seven sleek Airstream caravans parked in the grounds of its 17th-century farmhouse. Each van has its own garden with sun-beds and a barbecue, and is decorated in authentic '60s and '70s style, with black-andwhite televisions and retro crockery. On-site facilities include the Appollo Lounge bar and restaurant (housed in a customised Airstream), a hot tub and garden.

Belrepayre Airstream & Retro Trailer Park, Manses, Mirepoix, Midi-Pyrenees, France 00 33 5 61 68 11 99; www. belrepayre. com.

Caravans start at 60, excluding breakfast. Open May to September