When our kids were young we used to tour with a trailer tent & then a folding camper, but our season always ran May to August BH because we found it too uncomfortable in colder weather. So, at October half term (my wife works at school & always gets this week off), we would always hire a chalet or static caravan for the week. But one particular year we booked our 6 berth static at Coombe Martin early in the year to get a discount but by the time October came our kids had either left school and got a job (18 year old) or just didn`t want to go (he was 16), so we went on our own. We thouroughly enjoyed our freedom but thought £170 for the week was abit much for just the two of us & decided then & there that we would sell our Pennine and return to caravanning and would buy a 2 berth caravan. The following February we went to the caravan show at the NEC and bought a caravan. Our kids were really upset because they realised how much they had enjoyed their camping holidays afterall !! Now we caravan all year round. Last year we had 19 trips away with total site fees of just £435. Petrol consumption is our main outlay but cars and caravans are there to be used and we love exploreing this wonderfully beautifull country.
Rick
------------- no matter where you go.........there you are
Hi all, never thought that tin tenting was for me especially been 6ft 7ins. tall, hate towing, get really stressed, usually end up exchanging verbals with she who must be obeyed & starting last year at the age of 45 I think WHY? ...... But once on site its a different story worth all stress, heated words etc. etc. LOVE IT.
Everyone seems to find a reason to give up caravanning, but then contradict themselves by finding more good reasons to continue. Yes, it does get a bit more expensive each year, but so do most alternatives. I have never flown (and won't!), so I have no practical experiences of what stresses are suffered by those who do. However, I know that my living accommodation will always be top class. I don't mind the preparation and towing. I enjoy erecting the awning, and collecting water, and emptying grey waste and toilet. The occasional get together at night in the awning with friends (some from previous hols, and some new), is as good as any local.
At 71 years old, I find caravanning an exercising relaxation, and I look forward to many more years of the same. The van has an end bathroom, so the shower/toilet facilities on site are not important, although they are excellent at most site these days.
As for increasing site regulations, these fall into two categories. (1)new laws have to be observed by site owners/wardens, particularly Health and Safety. (2)in recent years, some campers have become more rowdy (witness comments previously aired on this forum). I have seen incidents where a site owner/warden has good reason to feel peeved, dealing with characters who have already upset other campers. How many people have an enjoyable holiday, but never offer a "thank you" for the hospitality received? I wouldn't like the job.
I don't think anyone is criticising B&B's, Caroline but this is a camping site and most people are passionate about camping...just think how many camping holidays you could have had with £200,000
Quote: Originally posted by Caroline M on 07/11/2006
Well after reading so many negative things about B&B's let me tell you a thing or 2 about ours!!!! we have invested over £200,000 in ours over the last 9 years, we have king size spung edge divans, the rooms are re decorated every 2 years the carpets replaces every 3 we have jacuzzi baths and power showers, log fires, crystal glasses for the fruit juice, eyptian cotton sheets and bath sheets, velor robes, We have new tables and italian leather dining chairs, a huge conservatory . sitting room and raised italian garden with views over open fields. If you have had bad experiences at B&b always look for 4 and 5 star ones preferably with a Silver or Gold award. Please please don't tar us all with the same brush we work very hard to maintain ours and comments on here just make me see red!!
Clearly caravanning is not for everyone and perhaps you do need a break. We view our caravan not just as a means of enjoying breaks away but caravanning and caravan ownership is a hobby in it's own right....well, to us anyway.
If me and Mrs Ulti-Mate were to sit down and tot up the cost of caravanning I'm sure that it would fund many nights away and foriegn holidays, but that's not what we want.
I agree with Filk - it isnt cheap anymore and thats a shame. We love it but at times it seems the prices are getting silly. If you have kids and school holidays it can be cheaper getting a package deal. I hope you dont sell up - maybe looking at getting the van the night before like we do. We get it packed and shoot off as soon as I am back from work,
Of course there is a solution. Use your caravans as a mobile B&B. I bet nobody's ever thought of that before. After all...they've all got en suite loos. Pay for itself in no time...assuming the guests can stomach my greasy breakfasts!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: so whats the point?
