There’s nothing quite like a holiday in a tent or caravan. You don’t have to worry about room service, check-in times or hiding things away from nosey maids; you’re self-contained, free to eat when and where you like, and aren’t (usually) bothered by fellow guests stomping past your room at all hours.
Breaks in a caravan or tent are usually cheaper than a stay in a hotel, especially if you go regularly. Over time you can build up a collection of campfire cookware, picnic items, camping stove or barbecue, sleeping bags and various other things which come in useful on a camping trip.
The actual shelter is of course the most important thing. If you choose a tent, it’s always best to buy for more persons than you need; i.e. if there are just two of you, buy a 4-man model and so on. This will ensure you have adequate space within the tent - if you are too cramped your breath could cause condensation on the inside and make your belongings damp. Look for a tent which has an inner layer and an outer layer; the double layers provide insulation and protection in case of rain. A higher hydrostatic head (around 2000mm) is recommended as it will provide greater waterproofing.
When purchasing a tent, it’s always advised to see it assembled first, not only to see what the size is like, but also so you can check the stitching on the seams, and whether all the zips work smoothly - though this shouldn’t be an issue on brand-new tents. If you unfold your tent before your trip, ensure you don’t get it wet. Packing a damp tent up can cause it to go mouldy or rot, and you don’t want to arrive at your holiday park only to find huge holes in your shelter.
Of course, camping doesn’t always have to be in a tent. Many people choose caravans as they require little or no assembly, provide more shelter and comfort, and are accepted at more holiday parks than tents. Touring caravans are the type that are towed with a car, and this means you need a large enough car with enough power to pull the extra weight. If you buy a tourer, try and have a ‘test pull’ to make sure your car can manage. Alternatively, a camper van combines vehicle and caravan in one, although it does mean you will have to secure your belongings if you want to go for day trips - unless you take a second car.
Then there’s the option of buying a static caravan on a holiday park. These caravans tend to be larger, more spacious, and have fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms. The holiday parks usually have on-site facilities such as a grocery shop, launderette, entertainment venue and play park for the children. The larger parks may even have a swimming pool and leisure centre.
There are many holiday parks throughout the UK and Europe, so the variety is endless. Search online for camping holidays for all the family, to find the right one for you. Investing in a tent or caravan can provide you with fun, cheap holidays for years to come.Tags: parks, cheap, Portable Holidays