I know that caravan owners are foul mouthed by most other people on the road but with a young family the idea is quite appealing to us.

Just the freedom of taking a break anytime, going wherever the mood took us with very little planning seems attractive.

Can anybody offer any advice. What are the pitfalls? Is it expensive to keep (maintenance) a caravan? Is it risky buying second-hand? Are there any by-laws saying that you can't keep a caravan on your property?

I cannot give you any practical advice - but the idea would appeal to us also if we could drive.

We stayed in a static caravan last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids found it novel too, but I couldn't buy a static caravan, seems like a waste of money to me unless you really really love the place.

Will look with interest at this one.

Moon

Between ages of 7 & 14 we used to go carvanning every year, loved it. Mainly in Devon and Cornwall. BBQs a bonus if weather OK.

3 years ago went again but didn't like it much: small caravan, cramped, crap beds, having to use chemical toilet (no no. 2s), having to empty said chemical toilet, daily trek to showers etc.

1st rule of caravanning:
You must have new potatoes out of tins (aka "Caravan Potatoes") with at least one meal whilst in the caravan.

2nd rule of caravanning:
You must have a cup of tea first thing in the morning and slurp it each time you take a sip.

3rd rule of caravanning:
You will have a good time, no matter what the weather.

...

Can't remember the rest - but I'll let you know if I remember them.

BTW, we made these up last time we went caravanning in the Isle Of Wight. Not proper caravanning though - it was more a mobile home...

We use a family caravan that's my cousin's, it's in good old Skeggy and we enjoy it every time we go! Last time we went was May last year, as it was only time we could get off work, and it was a loads of rubbish, no one about even though everything was open. Just be careful when you go to some places and you should be fine. We always enjoy it, mind you, as I get older I don't want to go.
Chloé

Caravanning - oh dear, oh dear.

Originally posted by Classic Rock
Caravanning - oh dear, oh dear.

Please expand Classic.

Why not try camping instead? We have no money and a dog, so we bought a tent. Bonus: it folds up and doesn't take up masses of space. We bought one that sleeps 8 even tho there's only two of us (and dog) so that we could have masses of room.
It's a bit more of a challenge than a caravan, but that's part of the fun...you're actually outside more. BBQs every night, you can get up and go at the drop of a hat, new tents go up and come down in less than ten minutes, it's great.

Of course, if I could stay in a swanky hotel whenever I wanted to, I might never look back...:P

Cosy

Just 'oh dear', a strange culture of the British, pulling a mini house along behind a car to put it in a field somewhere and pay a similar amount to a cheap B&B for the night. Annoying other motorists as the drivers tend to either speed or go too slowly and worry other drivers. Uncool, unhip and untrendy. Not exactly the great outdoors..... It's camping for those who don't want to kneel down to get into a tent and want to take more stuff than they really need on holiday.

Static caravans are almost passable (locked away by the seaside), but I do laugh at people who maintain gardens around them!

Not my style of holiday I'm afraid. I've been a 'passenger' and have stayed in a caravan and a static caravan in the past.....give me an ordinary tent or a B&B any time. Dunno, there's just something about them that makes me feel like a sitting target and certainly more vulnerable on the road.

I have been put off caravans ever since my Uncle took me "Caravan shopping"..... he was shopping on a budget and when going into some of the caravans I literally had to put my hand over my mouth and nose because it smelt rotten! So erm, nope!

I guess some caravans are ok, if you have tons of money to spend on a brand new one... But thats not always the case...

A family friend stayed in a caravan at Tuxford and she had to go and buy toilet cleaner before she dare even use the toilet.... Now thats not on is it? Cleaning a loo on what is meant to be your holiday?! I think not!

Give me hotels anyday! :D



Sorry if I sound like a total snob....guess I am really... :P

Best place for a caravan is upside down at the side of the motorway just after it's been blown over :)

If I was contemplating owning a caravan then it would have to be a static one. I feel it's too much hassle towing them around not to mention the dangers.

Originally posted by Mike
Best place for a caravan is upside down at the side of the motorway just after it's been blown over :)

I have to admit, that is a very funny site!

Someone was telling me just before Christmas, that they bought a seven year old 27ft carvan for 9000 pounds.

Nobody has used it since they gained ownership of there part of a Great British institution.

Plus it has cost 180ppm to rent a plot; of which I might add the trailer has not been taken to yet.

Sounds like a great idea, yes?

Camping is fun, but if you like comfort and hassle free, sounds like hotels can also work out cheaper!