Choosing between a static and a touring caravan depends on how adventurous you are. New caravan sales are expected to soar, as people opt for staycations, due to rising travel costs. If you want to travel around the country or Europe, a touring caravan is best for you. You can enjoy a 'wherever I lay my hat is my home' kind of abandon, which is very liberating. You can visit various dealers to check out new caravan sales. It's always better to see a local dealer, in case of problems, it's also easier for yearly servicing. Choose wisely, it will be a large investment. There are varying degrees of luxury, depending on your budget. Facilities vary from camp site to camp site. Most have a laundry room, battery charging facilities and wifi. Some have a swimming pool, and recreation areas.
The advantage of a static caravan is that you can put it in a location of your choice and it can be a comfortable home from home for weekends and holidays. It can sleep up to 8 or 10 people, so you could have extended family round for a visit. You have comfortable seating, a fully fitted kitchen with all the mod cons. You can install a plasma TV and connect it to a satellite dish. You also have normal bathroom and toilet facilities, plumbed in to the caravan site. You get your electricity and water from the site, too. You can always rent out your static caravan to help pay the yearly fees.
The disadvantages are that once it is in place, you can't just up and leave without the major hassle of getting it moved professionally, and for a high price. Static fees can be very high in certain places and you have to take into account that the site closes down for 5- 6 months in the winter period, so you won't be able to stay then. You need to have insurance cover all year round, subject to weather damage, also possible vandalism. General maintenance is required, including the updating of gas and electricity safety certificates. Some parks don't allow older static caravans on their sites and ask for them to be removed when they age. Some don't allow pets.
The advantage of a touring caravan is that you can enjoy the changing scenery. It offers the excitement of visiting a different place whenever you feel like it, then staying in a place a bit longer if you prefer. Pets can travel with you. You can insure the caravan just for the time period it will actually be on the road. You can put up an awning, to create extra space.
The disadvantages are that you are confined to a much smaller space, and living in a cramped environment on a rainy day can be frustrating. There is more of a risk of accidents while touring, not to mention soaring petrol prices. In the high season you have to book in advance to get a suitable camping place, which curtails the freedom of roaming around. When you get to your destination there is a risk that you may be disappointed by lack of facilities, or the conditions may not as described on the website.
Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in New Caravan Sales
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