Staycation not Vacation: Feel Inspired

Holiday

Four Tips For Your First Caravan Trip

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Many individuals prefer to plan caravan holidays instead of worrying about going abroad. It’s simple to drive to the mountains, lakes or the seaside, and you won’t have to worry about airports. The UK is an attractive place to visit, with enough to offer families and individuals seeking a getaway from contemporary life. You may spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon on a mountain hike. The options are numerous, which is why more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays here.

Photo credit – Unsplash

Organising a caravan holiday in the UK is simple if you follow the advice below: 

Pick The Right Caravan Park

You will need to do some study to choose the ideal static or touring caravan park. Consider what you want to gain from the experience and who you want to join you. Some parks are not suited for families with young children. Some family vacation parks don’t allow pets, which could be a problem. So, gather all pertinent information ahead of time. In general, you will find most caravan sites are fine, but you may want to read the fine print if you want to take pets, children, or have an open fire or BBQ. 

Buy A GPS System

Some of the most popular sea view caravan parks in Wales are difficult to find without modern technologies. Most people nowadays don’t practice map reading, so there’s a good risk you’ll get lost down those narrow country lanes. Thankfully, satellite navigation devices have become increasingly affordable in recent years. Caravan holidays in the UK should never be stressful, so buy your sat nav well before you depart and make sure that it can accept the measurements for your unit. You should also read the instructions and learn how to operate the equipment properly.

Pack The Essentials

Most family holiday parks are near shops selling walking boots and other outdoor gear. While it is important to support the economy, it is not wise to spend money on items you already own. Do yourself a favour and make a list of everything you’ll need for your staycation. You may thus prepare your suitcase in advance and save money when you arrive at one of your chosen caravan parks. Even if the weather is wonderful, you should dress warmly. You should make sure you take caravan gas bottles as not all sites are able to refill them. 

Relax

Whether you choose family holiday parks or caravan parks with sea views, remember to relax. That’s not always possible when the workplace calls every couple of hours. Don’t forget to tie up any loose ends so you may turn off your phone for the length of your visit. Make a note of potential disruptions to your quiet time and plan to address them before you leave.

This short guide should assist you in making plans for your first caravan vacation for the following year. Do you have any further suggestions based on what you’ve learned? Or do you have any queries you’d want to ask? Please share them with us in the comments box below.

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Top Destinations In The UK for Summer Visits

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Top Destinations In The UK for Summer Visits

Summer is a perfect season to enjoy the best holidays. Fortunately, the UK offers a plethora of places to visit for the best holiday experience. Moreover, you can take a road trip to these destinations with your car and caravan, motorhome, or any vehicle of your choice.
Here are some top summer destinations to visit in 2021. 

The Cotswolds 

Here We Tow - Top Destinations In The UK for Summer Visits
Image Credit – Pexels

The Cotswolds cover nearly 800 square miles and runs through Worcestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire. Famous for its beautiful honey-coloured villages and towns, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view as you drive through the area. You can take a scenic supper in a bespoke glasshouse at the Todenham Manor Farm restaurant. Why not sample the best sparkling wine or Cotswolds Gold brandy at the Little Oak Vineyard.

After that you can visit its designated capital, Cirencester, on a guided walk to the New Brewery Arts Centre or the Corinium Museum. 

Scotland 

Scotland - Here We Tow
Image Credit – Pexels

If you’re seeking the most satisfactory road trip experience this summer, then you may consider Scotland. With its versatile scenery, welcoming towns and villages, and fun attractions, this country will give you memories to last you a lifetime. The conspicuous mountains of Glen Coe are a treat for avid nature lovers.
At the same time, the eastern coastline of Dunnottar Castle and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond offer incredible culture and island views. Moreover, the North Coast 500 route offers you a pleasant drive along winding country tracks and breathtaking natural landscapes. What’s more, the Clyde Valley tourist route and Borders historic route are scenic routes to consider. 

Lake District

Your holiday trip list wouldn’t be complete without the Lake District, as it boasts of unique landscapes and glistening lakes. You may visit the impressive Lowther Castle for a beautiful picnic or appreciate nature’s power and beauty as you explore the Aira Force waterfall & Ullswater steamer. You may drive through the quaint town of Keswick for tasty meals or bike through the scenic Whinlatter Forest Park. Finally, if you’re a literature lover, you can visit the cottage of the famous poet William Wordsworth or enjoy a tasking hike to Scafell Pike, which is England’s highest mountain. 

Festival trips in choice destinations

 Few things sound more exciting than enjoying a weekend at a festival. Fortunately, the UK hosts fun-filled festivals in choice destinations for your pleasure. The Isle of Wight festival in September hosts top acts from Liam Gallagher and Tom Jones and offers unique boutique camping options for the ultimate experience.

You can also visit the Latitude Festival in Suffolk, held in July.
The Green Man Festival offers live comedy, music and theatre, and the outstanding natural beauty of Wales.
Thankfully, you  can pre book to arrange a camper van hire for festivals and other events, for the best camping experience. 

Somerset 

Here We Tow - Top Destinations In The UK for Summer Visits
Image Credit – Pexels

If you’re looking for beautiful south west countryside, then Somerset is the place to go. This destination boasts of open marshlands, limestone gorges and rolling hills that make your visit a memorable one. You may drive through the scenic Mendip Hills for a relaxed feel while appreciating nature’s beauty, or over Exmoor to see the stunning views. Weston-Super-Mare offers a lively and bustling seaside town. The Grand Pier comprises various rides, attractions, cafes and restaurants to make your trip more enjoyable.

Where will you choose to holiday in 2021?

RVfeature

5 Reasons To Choose A Motorhome Over A Caravan

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5 Reasons To Choose A Motorhome Over A Caravan

For people who love to spend time outdoors camping, motorhomes, or caravans present them the opportunity to enjoy some form of home comforts. For some time there has been a debate concerning which of the these is the better option. Here are five reasons why you should consider a motorhome over a caravan.

Convenience

Here We Tow - 5 Reasons To Choose A Motorhome Over A Caravan
Image Credit : Pixaby

After a long and tiring drive to the campsite, you can just park up on your pitch on a fantastic campsite or touring park. On the other hand, with a caravan, it takes some skill and patience to pitch it in the desired spot. Then you will need to unhitch the caravan, legs down and levelling, connect the electric hook up, and seek out a water tap. Pitching up is certainly much easier, but there is always a compromise. It is fair to say that having your car available makes leaving site easier. This is probably why so many motorhomes still take a small car with them when touring. If you need to quickly get a few groceries from the nearest store, it’s certainly much more convenient to have a small vehicle such as VW used cars from a second-hand car dealer.

Easy driving

Driving a motorhome is as easy as driving any regular van, an automatic gearbox will make it much easier too. Most motorhomes are built on a Fiat, Mercedes or Ford. Depending on the size of motorhome, country lanes and narrow roads shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Driving with a caravan in tow can be a more challenging experience, especially your first few times. You will also have reduced visibility around and will have to consider the extra length when towing a caravan. You must account for the extra length when negotiating roundabouts and tight bends. If you buy an 8ft wide caravan then those narrow lanes will not be your friend.

Initial cost

Though caravans are cheaper to buy than motorhomes, you have to consider the extra cost of the car to tow it. If you own a small vehicle, it may not be able to tow a caravan. In this case, you may need to rent or buy a more powerful car that will be capable of towing the caravan. If you can tow the caravan with your current car, it will put a lot of strain on it and may affect its resale value. When you compare the overall costs of purchasing a motorhome with a caravan, you will notice that the difference is not much. Motorhomes have a better resale value than caravans, and some people choose to rent out when not in use. This might generate some income but consider damage that may be caused to your pride and joy.

Depreciation

As stated in the point above, motorhomes experience a far lesser depreciation than a caravan. Arguably, a 20-year-old motorhome has a higher resale value than that of a 20-year-old caravan. A motorhome can be used for decades and still be resold at a good price to offset the cost of an upgraded one. On the other hand, after you have used a caravan for ten years, you will have to spend the same price or more to get a new one. A motorhome will hold its value due to demand, but you must maintain and service it to maintain its condition.

Versatility

Here We Tow - Campervanning
Image Credit ; Pixaby

Touring in a motorhome makes it much easier to move around from one campsite to the next. More people are beginning to use motorhomes for their hobbies, such as cycling, fishing, motor-racing and traveling across countries. Caravans cannot just match the versatility of motorhomes in this regard. A motorhome makes a great mobile home office for those that work remotely and can travel at the same time.

If you are wondering which choice to make, these reasons should be considered when thinking caravan or motorhome.

RV-Van

Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons!

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Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons!

Why Holiday In Your own Caravan Or Motorhome? 3 Top Reasons! Here we tow
Image Credit;- Pixabay

Whenever you are setting off on a great holiday, there will no doubt be all sorts of things that you want to achieve. Usually, the goals for the trip will include a combination of relaxation, excitement and adventure. We all want to create a collection of new memories and interesting stories.

While there are many ways to have a great a holiday, there are certain specific benefits to adventuring with a motorhome or caravan. If you are considering holidaying in a caravan or motorhome this blog will help you.

Here are a few benefits to adventuring with a motorhome or caravan.

The ability to get off road, and get close to nature, while still having temperature control and conveniences at hand

There are all sorts of beautiful, scenic, but inaccessible natural locations that you might be interested in exploring on your holiday.

All the same, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are in a position where you can disappear into the wilderness for a week with a tent and a rucksack. Many of us love the idea of remoteness but still like our home comforts. This is certainly true if you have children who need to be entertained.

Travelling with a motorhome, or a caravan, allows you to get off grid, get close to nature, and explore those destinations which would otherwise be inaccessible. The benefit is you still have temperature control and conveniences at hand. Modern leisure vehicles are fitted with fridge freezers, heating, kitchens, showers and very comfy beds. You certainly wont be ‘roughing it’ for your holiday.

In many places, “wild camping sites” will have space for motorhomes. During summer months, small pop-up sites become available which offer great value. These are usually a farmers field set off the beaten track. They may not offer any facilities but that is the bonus of having your own onboard.

If you’re going off-road with a caravan, you might want to investigate the New Jaguar Range. A suitable tow car for your caravan is a must for safe towing. Campsites with grass pitches can prove a challenge if you suffer a downpour of rain during your holiday.

Being able to turn a single holiday into a series of multiple destinations with ease

On a typical holiday, logistics will need to be planned out carefully. Most people can’t afford to jump from location to location. Instead of booking several hotels we arrange for a stay in one resort for a week or two. Most of us can relate to a package holiday to Spain or Italy, for example.

With a motorhome or caravan you can wake up in one location and go to sleep in another, every day. The only extra expense, other than fuel, will be the cost of a pitch at a local campsite. Typically a pitch is far more affordable than a hotel room. Pitches at certified sites start from around £8 per night. A pitch at an adults only site will start at around £20 and a luxury site in high season could be as much as £50 a night. There is something for every budget, we know as we have tried various types or sites around the UK and Europe.

If you like the idea of your holiday encompassing a number of destinations, a motorhome or caravan might be just the thing.

Having a familiar environment with you at all times

There’s something to be said for having a familiar environment with you at all times while travelling. It offers reassurance, privacy and familiarity. With your own caravan or motorhome, you know you have a fully stocked kitchen of utensils. Your toiletries are ready to use in the bathroom. The wardrobe is hanging with your clothes before you even set off.
The great thing is you don’t need to sit in an airport lounge waiting for your delayed flight. Once you hit the road your holiday has begun.

You can find your own routine with your leisure vehicle. It is nice to go to sleep in the same bed every night, your bed. Knowing no-one else has slept on your mattress and in your fresh bedding. A motorhome or a caravan can change the way you experience your holidays.

There are many more benefits of holidaying with a motorhome or caravan. It certainly offers a unique way to explore the countryside and coastal destinations. Will 2021 be another year of the Staycation? Quite possibly.

staycation

Staycation not Vacation: Feel Inspired

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Staycation not Vacation: Feel Inspired

Travelling is everything to many people, us included. But with everything that has gone on recently, you may find that holidaying abroad, or seeing different countries, just might not be an option for you this summer. We all need that essential break away from mundane routine, which is why a staycation could be the perfect thing to consider. With that in mind, here are all the best possible staycation ideas to have you feeling inspired. 

Staycation not Vacation: Feel Inspired
Image source – pixabay – cco license

Enjoying the great British holiday

When you think of the ultimate British seaside holiday, you may imagine ice creams on the beach, penny arcades, donkey rides and walks along the pier. Blackpool and Southport tend to be two of the most iconic British seaside holiday destinations, and even today, you can feel the nostalgia of it. There are, of course, a few modern updates with the Pleasure beach at Blackpool, for example. But it could certainly be a great staycation to consider this year. Most seaside resorts offer the chance to walk for miles along the seafront, ideal if you have a dog. Children and adults are equally entertained with amusements and food stalls. Seaside destinations are very busy right now but with careful planning you will find your own patch for sand.

Taking a city break

Maybe you enjoy exploring cities when you book a break away, and while Europe has a lot to offer, so does the U.K. London is a real hustle and bustle of a city, but there are also the likes of Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle. If you like history then York and Salisbury offer cultural site seeing. Wales can offer Cardiff or Anglesey, great for combining with a beach visit too. You can head further North to Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Glasgow. 

Enjoying a camping trip

Anyone with a young family will know that there are some experiences that a child will see as a real adventure, and camping is one of them. Camping can be an affordable choice of holiday, especially if you already have the gear. It only takes one investment and you have years of holidays ahead of you. You could consider looking for a camper van for sale in the UK to make an alternative type of investment and camping holiday option. Places like the Peak District, the Lake District or further south in destinations like Devon or Cornwall could be ideal places to holiday. Set up camp and have your own adventure sleeping under the stars.

Go on a UK road trip

Staycation not Vacation: Feel Inspired : Scotland

We know people have road trips on their bucket lists but some destinations for these probably include the likes of Australia or America. But what is stopping you taking a road trip here in the UK? There are many amazing road trip options to consider including the NC500 in Scotland. Hiring a car or motorhome could be a great option allowing you to have a larger vehicle to store everything you need. 

Creating a bucket list of fabulous places

Finally, don’t be afraid to spend some time creating a bucket list for this country. We all have those faraway places we want to see but there are some amazing locations right here to explore. The Jurassic coast is full of fossils of prehistoric creatures. The White Cliffs of Dover. Lands End and John O’Groats. When you start looking there will be an endless list of places to see. 

Let’s hope that this has given you some inspiration on destinations to see here in the UK.