We got back into caravanning after we retired. We had one years ago when we had our 3 kids at home, mainly because in those days most sites charged per pitch however many people you had onboard. All they insisted on was that you didn't exceed the number your unit was made for. Things are very different now though.
These days when we go away for a short break we tend to go on a Monday, avoiding the weekends. That gives us a much better choice of pitches as most of the weekenders have gone home. It probably helps the sites too, as we take a pitch that would otherwise be empty.
We wouldn't be without our caravan now. It costs us nothing when we are not using it, apart from insurance, as it is an "oldie" bought for cash, and we store it on our drive.
It doesn't really matter how much you use it, what is more important is that when you do get away you have a nice time and if you do, it was worth the expence of the ownership. My advice would be not to spend an absolute fortune on your first one but don't buy the cheapest you can find either. What I can tell you is your circumstances will change all the time and a caravan that's suits you perfectly now may not suit in a few years time,when I say this I refer to layouts mainly.
Whatever you get I hope you enjoy it as much as we do
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
Like yourselves we tented, TTd and now caravan. When starting we visited one of our local dealers and he showed us some trade ins he had. Ended up first van, a 2 birth, cost £1200 and came with a years guarantee. By the end of the year we had traded up, bigger and newer. Now we have fixed bed, end wash room, all mods and cons. Last year 13 trips, 2 long ones the rest weekends. One site we go to is only 20 minutes from the house. When the granddaughter visits the ipad is hardly ever out. Must admit now we are retired going away is not a problem and we are now members of the SKI club
We bought our first caravan this year. Its been a really hectic year with GCSEs, ferrying children around, etc. We've still managed a couple of long weekends, 2.5 weeks down to cornwall stopping on the way and we're going to yorkshire next week for 6 nights.
It's been a steep learning curve - every trip is an opportunity for us to try and break something - the most dramatic being the jockey wheel clamp that came loose on the M4 - making a lovely noise and destroying the wheel. We now bungee our new wheel in place!
We bought the smallest camera we could and still be comfortable which was the right choice for us - 2 berth with the kids in the awning. We are now on our 2nd awning as the first didnt fit because of the position of our windows.
For me its about booking something ahead of time - if we left it to being spontaneous we wouldnt go anywhere!
Also just because we have invested in the caravan doesnt mean we have to use it for oour main holiday - next year I fancy the Azores !!
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: Potential caravanner....
via mobile 14/8/2019 at 10:59pm
