Travelling is exciting and enriching, but at some point, everyone starts to long for their own bed. When you own a caravan, you can wave goodbye to expensive holidays where you have to pay for pricey accommodation and expensive restaurants. Instead, you can enjoy a budget caravan holiday in comfort, where you can cook in your own kitchen and sleep in your own bed.
If you choose a static caravan, you can return to your favourite location year after year, knowing you have a second home to go to. Or if you opt for a touring caravan, you can explore and travel at your leisure, knowing that you have your own bed and luxuries in tow.
If this all sounds appealing, then here are some tips for buying a caravan.
Size Really Does Matter
When it comes to purchasing a touring caravan, you must choose a model that can be pulled by your car. While larger caravans give you extra space and offer a higher level of luxury, you will need a much larger and more powerful car to tow. Generally speaking, the weight of the caravan should not exceed 85% of the weight of your vehicle.
Tip: If you require extra space, consider buying an awning. An awning is a tent-like structure that attaches to the side of your caravan and can double your space.
Finances
Whether you choose a brand-new caravan or a used model, the cost is key. The most expensive part will be your one-off investment. To make sure you are paying the correct price for your caravan, search the web for price comparisons.
However, you will also have to consider insurance and storage. There are secure storage facilities for touring caravans, or you can keep your static van in your favourite park, but both will charge a monthly fee.
Consider Layout
Just like a house, caravans come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are searching for a 2 or 6-berth, browse layouts and find out what will work best for you. You can look at layouts online, but nothing works as well as seeing them in the flesh. Visit local caravan showrooms and experience the space for yourself.
Figures show that the popularity of caravanning holidays is on the increase. During 2012, one in three people had been on a caravanning or camping trip, compared to one in five in 2009. So why not buy a caravan and follow the trend?