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3 Benefits Of Caravan Holidays

A recent study from the Institute of Advanced Motorists and Nissan shows that 20% of Britons are planning a caravan or camping holiday this year. In these hard times, caravanning may prove to be the best way to holiday as it offers an enjoyable, convenient and affordable way to travel. Read on to find the 3 benefits of caravan holidays:

It’s affordable

Caravanning is far cheaper than foreign breaks with their ever-rising airfares, expensive hotels and restaurant meals. However, cheap doesn’t always mean bad. On a caravan holiday, you’re your own boss as you can plan your budget and schedule, taking into consideration your family’s needs and preferences.

It allows flexibility

While on a caravan holiday, you eat when and what you want. Unlike other types of holidays, you don’t have to pay for expensive restaurant meals and stick to fixed eating hours. Instead you can prepare your own meals within a budget that you can afford. This is especially ideal for families with children (as they can be fussy eaters at times) and people who have certain food allergies or dietary requirements. You can take control over foods they eat and make sure they eat safely.

It keeps everyone engaged

Modern caravan parks can be true paradise points for the entire family as they offer a wide scope of facilities to use. Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts and other sports facilities are readily available for caravanners who lead an active lifestyle. There are plenty of walking routes to be explored if you’re looking for something more relaxing. For children, there are arcades, playgrounds and games rooms – to put all that bursting energy to good use.

As you can see, caravan holidays are cheap, fun, flexible and suitable for the entire family. No wonder that 10.3 million Brits are planning to discover the British Isles in a caravan this year, with about 8.9 million heading to England.

Before leaving on holiday find out more about caravan insurance.

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Caravan Security, Or How To Deter Thieves

You must live on another planet if you haven’t heard all those stories about July caravan raids near the Scottish borders. First, thieves broke in into six caravans at the Lilliardsedge site situated near the serene village of Ancrum; then, three more homes-on-wheels were raided at the Jedwater park site. Whilst last month the thieves attempted to steal TV sets according to the officials, next time they might set their sights on stealing your caravan. Below are the security measures you can take to protect your temporary home.

WHEEL CLAMPS

Every time you leave your vehicle unattended, whether outside your house or at a camp site, these user-friendly devices can help deter thieves and even increase the chances of them being caught. It will take you a few seconds to install them but thieves will find them hard and time-consuming to remove.

CARAVAN ALARMS

People tend to install high-technology alarm systems in their cars but caravans are often overlooked. Just like car alarms, caravan alarm systems have the same effect of startling opportunist thieves and stopping them from stealing your caravan. Even if you’re not around when the alarm’s going off, your neighbours or random passers-by can be there to call the police or catch the thief.

CARAVAN TRACKERS

Having a GPS tracker installed is what can help find your caravan if it gets stolen. Whilst wheel clamps and burglar alarms may not deter professional thieves, a caravan tracker can tell the exact location of your stolen vehicle and increase the chances of you having it back intact and fast.

NOTE: Car trackers are not suitable for caravans!

Though the expenses might seem quite high at first glance, these smart anti-theft devices can help improve the security of your caravan and possessions and save you money on caravan insurance. As an added bonus, insurers will likely recognise your efforts and might offer a premium at a reduced price.

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Petrol Price Warning To Fuel Retailers

The government has made a move towards fuel price regulation. Either fuel retailers get prices down faster or legislation will be introduced.

The government has recently taken action to encourage fuel retailers to make sure prices at the pumps match wholesale petrol prices. Transport Secretary Justine Greening pointed out that petrol companies should develop their own code of practice for motorists to monitor rises and falls in prices daily.

Unfair petrol prices

In recent times, there have been increasing concerns among motorists that it takes petrol companies too long to pass on petrol price falls to the consumer. A lot of UK motoring groups and campaigners have long complained about the situation with pump prices that are supposed to drop once the world petrol prices fall. Justine Greening commented, “Petrol prices go up instantly when wholesale prices rise, but when wholesale prices fall, it can take weeks for them to come down again”. AA president Edmund King said, “Over the past seven years we have asked governments to act against the blurred world of UK pump prices, which every driver knows shoot up like a rocket and fall like a feather”.

Price warning

To change the current situation, the government has warned fuel retailers that they are going to introduce legislation unless fuel companies reconsider their price policies. Ms Greening suggested that “the big companies started playing fair with the motorist”. “I am giving them one last chance”, she added. Edmund King emphasized that despite MPs joining the struggle against unfair petrol price policies of certain fuel retailers, changes are not yet visible. He added, “At last, we have a Transport Secretary who is prepared to act to win a better deal on fuel prices for consumers”.

Perspectives

Shield caravan and motorhome insurance owners may be glad to find out that the government has taken steps in the direction of transparency on fuel prices. Ms Greening said to the Press Association, “For fuel companies not to pass on cuts in the wholesale price of fuel is not fair and not acceptable. There should be more transparency and it should not take a price war to get prices down for everyone”.

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Caravanners And Manufacturers Are Celebrating The Tax U-Turn

The government has taken a partial U-turn on pasty and caravan taxes though it might still mean increased VAT for food outlet owners and caravanners later in 2012.

The Treasury isn’t going to charge VAT on hot pasties and static caravans, which was originally supposed to help remove anomalies from the VAT system. Shield Total Insurance hopes the government’s U-turn on the controversial taxes will ease the situation for Shield caravan insurance owners as well as caravan manufacturers and buyers who opt for UK caravan holidays because of limited travel budgets.

Possible tax outcomes

The controversial pasty and caravan tax proposals were really unpopular with UK food outlet holders, static caravan buyers, caravan manufacturers, holiday park owners and their employees. After Chancellor George Osborne had announced the government’s plans to introduce a 20% VAT on freshly-baked takeaway foods and static holiday homes, it was assumed by experts that the taxes would impose larger burdens on UK businesses and consumers in these uncertain economic times. According to the National Caravan Council, the tax was likely to cause 4,340 job losses at UK holiday parks as well as 1,446 job losses in the manufacturing industry and 1,500 at suppliers.

Dealing with VAT system anomalies

Under the pressure from both MPs and members of the general public, pasty and caravan taxes are being reconsidered by the government. Although the tax proposals were unpopular, experts at PwC welcomed the fact that VAT system anomalies were finally highlighted. They pointed out that further steps should be taken to create a more efficient tax system in the UK. Stephen Coleclough from PwC suggested that “a single rate of VAT should be introduced on food”, for instance.

For better or for worse?

The government’s partial U-turn isn’t considered good news by some people. According to George Bull, senior tax partner at Baker Tilly, “this could mean that the UK faces a further VAT increase later this year” as “VAT is one of the ‘Big Three’ revenue-raisers for the UK Exchequer”. Chris and Helen Brown running the popular Drovers Way Holiday Caravan Park think that “manufacturers might be able to do something to ease those margins” due to the tax U-turn, though.

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3 Gadgets You Need On A Caravan Holiday

Gadgets for motorhomes are an absolute necessity intended to make your caravanning holiday more comfortable and enjoyable. This motorhome insurance blog post is aimed at everyone who considers them a waste of money.

Awnings

If you have never used awnings before, you will be amazed to discover how handy they are on holiday. Available from under £100, they nearly double the living space and provide shelter from the sun, rain and wind. For a comfortable indoor climate, look for awnings with ventilation panels. Also, consider their weight as you will have to load and unload them into your motorhome.

Solar chargers

With environmental awareness on the up, lots of motorhome owners tend to arrange eco-friendly holidays these days. Solar panels are ideal for homes on wheels which require lots of energy to power fridges and other electric appliances, and for extended touring. Unlike electric generators, solar panels are quiet, green and impose no ongoing costs.

Compact vacuum cleaners

Stuffing lots of things into small space means there are plenty of cracks which are difficult to clean. With hand-held vacuum cleaners, you can easily reach those places to keep your motorhome spotlessly clean. These smart gadgets are easy to store, operate and manoeuvre. From a great variety of models available in high street and online shops, opt for a high voltage gadget designed to suck dirt, leaves and bugs effectively.

Gadgets have become a part of your life, so why go on a caravan holiday without them? The best place to see all of the smart devices under the same roof is at a motorhome show. The National Motorhome Show is scheduled for April 26-29 and will be held near Peterborough, at the East of England Showground. About 4,000 vehicles will be displayed and 350 trade stands will be available for the general public. Why not see what’s new in the industry?

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First-Time Caravanners On The Roads

If you can’t afford foreign breaks and hotels like thousands of other Britons whose finances have been fiercely squeezed by the recession, consider travelling around the country in a caravan. This touring caravan insurance blog post is aimed at first-timers.

At the dealer’s

When choosing a caravan, make sure its weight together with the contents doesn’t exceed 85% of the unladen weight of the car which will be towing it. Take time sitting and lying in different models to ensure they are comfortable enough to travel in around the country for days or even weeks. As for prices, be prepared to shell out from £8,500 for brand new vehicles. If you’re on a tight budget, consider investing in used two-berth models in good condition of about £2,500.     

Taking a towing course

Before you hit the road, learn how to load, set up and, crucially, manoeuvre the caravan in small spaces. There is a range of caravanning courses for first-timers across the UK, some available at a friendly cost.

Getting ready for a trip

You’ll need a long list of stuff to take with you, including crockery, cutlery, all the kitchen equipment to cook on the move, waste bins and water containers. The hardest thing about driving a caravan is manoeuvring it, so invest in towing mirrors, tow bars and a purpose-built electric device that manoeuvres the vehicle into confined spots via a hand-help remote control. And remember to purchase caravan insurance to travel with peace of mind.     

Storing your home-on-wheels

You’ve got 2 options: either to park your caravan outside your home (your garage is probably too small to fit the bulky vehicle in) or rent a secure space at storage facilities. If you choose the first alternative, be sure to cover your caravan against theft as there’s a thriving trade in stolen caravans across Britain these days.

Arabs say who lives sees much, who travels sees more. But before you head off on a well-deserved summer break in a caravan, find out where the best campsites are located.

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Top 5 Caravanning Trends In 2012

Holidaying in the UK is more popular than ever as fewer Britons are travelling abroad in these difficult times. Last year spending on camping and caravanning at home went up by 11%, with the tendency being expected to become stronger this year. Read on this caravan insurance blog post to find out what is trendy in the industry today.

Trend 1 – Shorter trips

Gone are the days of fortnight breaks when the British would leave for faraway spots to enjoy themselves amid the wilderness. As the pace of life has quickened, caravan holidays have become shorter. An average stay at a campsite is now three nights, with some holidaymakers being able to make it just for a weekend.

Trend 2 – Later bookings

Over 40% of reservations last year were made within one week before the departure. Unlike foreign breaks where flights, accommodation and tours need to be booked well in advance, caravanning involves no fuss and planning. Basically, you can hit the road anytime you want.

Trend 3 – Staying close to home

Since caravan breaks have become shorter, holidaymakers tend to choose campsites located within one or two hours away from home. Travelling for 10 hours only to spend a weekend at a campsite is a waste of time.

Trend 4 – Going green

Last year green campsites were among the most popular destinations in Britain and Ireland. The environment has already benefited from the increase in domestic tourism as travel to campsites produces 95% less carbon emissions than a break in the Mediterranean. Some caravan owners use solar powered water and electric systems, cut water consumption and experiment with bio fuel.

Trend 5 – Adult-only trips

The number of trips without children increased from 44% in 2006 to 50% in 2010, and so did the number of adult-only campsites. Now there are about 200 destinations across the UK, with some being dog-friendly.

A 2011 report from Mintel shows that one in three UK holidaymakers took a caravanning or camping holiday in the last 3 years, a considerable rise comparing to 2009 when only 20% went caravanning. The rise is partly due to the economic crisis and partly due to improved infrastructure at most campsites. Whichever reason it is, domestic tourism seems to be on the increase.

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Static Caravans: To Tax Or Not To Tax?

From October 1, 2012 a 20% sales tax will be imposed on UK static caravans that are now tax-free. Manufacturers and travel agents fear that this can lead to negative economic consequences whist the government considers it a smart step towards economic recovery. This static caravan insurance blog post features different viewpoints on the proposed VAT tax.

Opinion 1 – It can help cut the budget deficit

The government expects to make about £45 million during the next 5 years from this tax. Mr Cameron finds the new tax fair as mobile caravans were always taxed while stationary ones weren’t. Under the proposed Budget plan, all static caravans will be taxed at the standard rate of 20%, except for caravans designed and manufactured for continuous year-round occupation.

Opinion 2 – It is a threat for manufacturers

Manufacturers fear that the proposed tax will lead to about 2,000 job losses in the industry. As 95% of all static caravans are produced in East Yorkshire, the economy of the region is predicted to be the first to bear the brunt. According to the National Caravan Council, over 1,000 workers in the manufacturing industry could become unemployed in the first year, plus almost the same number of suppliers may lose their jobs.

Opinion 3 – It is a threat for domestic tourism

The holiday industry has become a great contributor to domestic tourism in recent years. Fewer Britons can afford foreign breaks today and choose to holiday at home. In January sales of static caravans soared by about 40% but the new tax is predicted to lead to a 30% drop in sales.

The proposal to impose VAT on static caravans from October 1 has caused lots of debate. The major concern is that the tax may do more harm than good to the struggling economy.

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The prime minister has said plans announced in the Budget to introduce 20% VAT on static caravans are fair.

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Why is caravanning in its accendency nowadays? Some

substantial points on what makes people love their caravans for, rather than making excuses to not having one.

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Motorhome Price Comparison

If you’re in the process of researching motorhomes and comparing their specifications, we’ve picked two current models to price compare and help you on your way.

Dethleffs Eighty II T6700

To commemorate 80 years in the business, German leisure vehicle company Dethleffs have released the special Eighty II T6700 motorhome, equipped to suit your needs with an added hint of luxury and comfort. This slick and stylish motorhome boasts a tasteful interior full of rich, brown hues and modern fittings.

While the layout of the fixed French bed is in keeping with previous models, its design is current and practical. Next to the bed is the bathroom, with the kitchen fitting snugly on both sides of the central walkway, followed by acomfortable lounge that faces the half-dinette.

3 berth

Cab air-conditioning

CD player

Swivel seats

Hob, oven & fridge freezer

Toilet, hand basin & shower

Available from Alan Kerr Leisure at £60,995

Value for money and great cover are important factors to consider when buying Dethleffs Eighty II T670, so consider affordable Motorhome Insurance companies

  Bailey Approach SE 620

For a less pricey alternative (without compromising on style and comfort), look to the Approach SE 620. This motorhome is based on a Peugeot, with a powerful 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine that will get you to your holiday destination with ease.

As with the Dethleffs Eighty, the Approach offers plenty of driver extras, such as:

Twin airbags

Cab air-conditioning

Radio/CD player

Cruise control

The interior of the Approach 620SE motorhome is well-equipped and deceptively spacious, featuring a Dometic fridge and 700-watt microwave in the kitchen, while the bathroom boasts a separate shower cubicle complete with folding Perspex door and independent showerhead.

The bed is comprised of two inward-facing settees that are extra wide for added comfort and easy to fold out, allowing you more space during the day and a big, comfortable bed when it’s time for sleep.

If you need insurance for your motorhome, consider Shield Total Insurance, as they offer insurance cover for the Bailey Approach SE 620.

Available at Lowdhams from £41,000

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Caravan Price Comparison

As with buying any vehicle or home, you need to research your options and compare prices in order to know that you’re not only getting the best deal, but also investing in something that suits your needs. To help you choose that perfect caravan for your budget, we’ve picked two best-selling 2012 caravans to compare their prices and perks.

As our more expensive choice, the Concordia Harmony offers superior comfort for couples hoping for a romantic getaway. With its cleverly engineered bed system, you can easily slide out the front seats to make up a super-king sized bed or use them as 2 single beds, should you be travelling with a friend. It provides adequate space for your belongings and also space to entertain guests.

But the perks don’t stop there. The Concordia Harmony caravan offers a roomy seating and dining area, lots of storage space, a hidden cooler and a spacious washroom complete with a wardrobe for your clothes.

This 2-berth single axle caravan is available for £17,995 from http://dhcaravans.co.uk

Next in our caravan price comparison, we have the middle of the range Adria Altea 432 PX. This fully functional caravan offers a comfortable and tasteful design, complete with LED and halogen lighting to provide a homely feel without breaking the bank. Compared to the Concordia Harmony, the 4-berth single axle Adria Altea feels more like a family caravan, with its deceptively spacious interior and large storage space.

If you’re interested in the Concordia Harmony or Adria Altea 432, you should also consider caravan insurance and make sure you get the right cover. There are many UK caravan insurance companies to go with if you’re purchasing a caravan.

The Adria Altea 432 PX is priced as £11,490 on the Adria Caravans website.

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Top 5 Caravan Maintenance Checks

Modern caravans are often perceived by first-time owners as all-weather robust vehicles that require little servicing, but those who have toured for years know that regular caravan maintenance is a must before you hit the road. Here are the top 5 checks to perform.

Check 1 – Tyres

These come into direct contact with the road and thus wear out faster than other parts. To check the depth of your tyres, use a 20p coin. Insert it in between the tread and pay attention to its outer band. If it’s showing, then the tyres are worn out and need to be replaced.

Tyre pressure is another important check and optimum pressure is a great way to save fuel.  

Check 2 – Handbrake

Can you picture your caravan rolling down a hill on its own? This is what can happen if your handbrake is out of order. Pull it up and down a few times to ensure it moves freely. If it doesn’t, apply a bit of general purpose oil to lubricate it or have it checked at your local maintenance service.

Check 3 – Brakes

Safety on the road is a big issue, especially if you are travelling with the entire family. Emergencies happen, and you should be able to stop your caravan in time to avoid accidents. If you hear some unusual noise when putting on the brakes, it means there are some parts to be replaced before you embark on your next journey.

Check 4 – Water systems

Onboard systems are often the last thing that comes to mind during a maintenance check but the first thing that can spoil the trip if out of order. Make sure the toilet flushes and the shower drains well. If needed, replace water filters and use cleansing agents to sterilise the system.

Check 5 – Gas and electrics safety

Just like your house, your caravan should be a safe place to live in, even if it is just for a few days. Ensure your refrigerator, gas system and mains electricity are checked and serviced by a certified engineer.

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How Secure is your Caravan?

Demand for caravans has rocketed, with 25,000 caravans sold each year in the UK alone; opening an opportunity for illegally purchased black market caravans. Criminals are taking advantage of this increased demand and more thefts are taking place overseas, with stolen units entering the UK without suspicion.

How to improve caravan security

When buying a caravan, ensure that it isn’t stolen property. Often thieves destroy the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and import stolen caravans into the UK to sell on to unsuspecting holidaymakers.

Although the Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) is working to provide caravans with more vigilant documentation (identification marks, identity tags, etc.), there are a number of things you can do to avoid buying stolen units:

·         Review the chassis stamp to see if it isn’t removed or completely altered

·         Ask for the original registration document

·         Ask for photographic evidence

Caravan insurance

As soon as you’ve made sure your caravan is being sold to you legally, purchase caravan insurance to secure it against any loss. To get the best and the cheapest insurance, you might need to do the following:

1.      Compare prices

Prices can vary greatly depending on an insurance company, so doing market research can help find the best one for your needs.

2.      Learn what’s covered

It’s important to understand what your insurance will cover and what’s excluded. Higher deductibles can lower your rates but avoid them being too high or you might have a difficult time coming up with the money in case of an accident.

3.      Look for discounts

Some insurance companies may offer a no claims discount if you didn’t make claims in the previous years. It’s possible to get as much as a 50% or 60% discount if you file no claims for the maximum number of years (usually five or six years).   

Make sure you have the right type of insurance to improve your caravan security and guarantee your holiday is safe and fun. It can help protect you against financial losses in the event of accident or theft.

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Guide to Caravan Care and Maintenance

An increasing number of people are choosing caravan holidays in the UK on account of the rising cost of air travel, restrictions at airports and expensive prices of accommodation abroad. To ensure your caravan is ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice, it’s important to keep it clean and well looked after. Below is a handy caravan care and maintenance guide for caravan owners.

Water systems

When you’re going to keep your caravan off the road for quite a long time, remember to empty all water tanks as any residual water left inside may freeze and cause pipes to crack. Before embarking on a journey, you can flush out the system and use sterilising agents to fight mildew, bugs and dust.

Lighting

Keeping your vehicle out of use for a few months can cause rust to form on plugs that connect the lighting and supplementary power systems. A moisture repellent is the best way to combat this and prevent a major breakdown. When you connect the plugs back before a well-deserved summer break, ensure all internal and external lights work properly, including the brakes and indicator lights, as some of them might need to be replaced.

Tyres

You may discover some UV damage or sidewall cracking on the caravan tyres if you leave them uncovered for a long period of time. Before putting the vehicle back on the road, remember to check the tyre pressure and tread depth.

Cleanliness

One of the most effective ways to keep your caravan in good condition is to clean it thoroughly inside and out. By doing spring cleaning regularly, you can find parts that need replacing or fixing and avoid expensive major repairs. Use only quality cleansing agents to keep your vehicle shining all year long.

Regular care and maintenance checks by certified professionals will keep your home on wheels in good shape.