It’s the time of year when everyone begins to look forward to their annual summer holiday, but that also means making sure you have all the practicalities covered. If you’re planning a trip to one or more of the other EU countries this year, there are a number of things you need to consider before setting off.

Check Your Insurance

Don’t automatically assume that because you belong to an EU member country, that you have the same insurance cover as you have here in the UK.

Check with your insurer as many premiums only cover you in your home country, which means that you may need an additional EU cover for the duration of your trip. This is especially the case for caravan owners. Although your insurance will allow European travel, there may be restrictions in place, such as the length of a journey. GoCompare provide more advice on caravan insurance.

Drive On The Correct Side Of The Road

If you have never driven in the EU before, you may need reminding that in the majority of EU countries people drive on the right hand side of the road. It may seem a bit confusing at first, but you’ll soon get used to the idea.

Check Your Driving Licence

Whether you plan on taking your own vehicle or you intend to hire a car when you reach your destination, you need to ensure that you take both parts of your driving licence with you when you travel.

If you are looking to hire a car once you hit the continent, be aware that you will now need to obtain a special code from the DVLA prior to travelling. This new measure is set to replace the paper part of your licence and it will show hire companies any previous driving offences that you may have, such as speeding.

It is also worth bearing in mind that the code will only last for 72 hours, so if you intend to hire a car later on in your trip you will need to generate a new code while you are away.

Know The Rules Of The Road

Countries such as Spain have stricter laws on speeding, particularly in the towns and cities, so make sure you watch out for speed limit notices. Speeds limits vary across Europe. Caravan Talk provide a useful guide to speed limits for cars with and without caravans.

It’s advisable to check out the rules of the road in whichever country you’ll be driving in as some things are different. It’s also advisable to check out any other rules that pertain locally – and remember if you are travelling with a child under the age of twelve, you still need a dedicated car seat.

What Should You Carry?

Countries have different rules on the extra things that drivers need to carry with them. If you are planning to drive through France, for example, then all drivers have to carry with them a portable breathalyser. You could be liable for a fine if you don’t carry this equipment with you. Read more about driving through France here. In Spain, Belgium and France, you must carry a high visibility jacket, and in some countries you must carry a fire extinguisher.

Make Sure Your Car Is In Top Condition

If you do plan on taking your own vehicle with you then it’s wise to have your car serviced before your holiday.

Be Prepared In Case Of Breakdown

The same thing applies to breakdown cover as it does to the rest of your insurance policy. While you may have cover for a breakdown in the UK, you may need extra cover if you are driving abroad.

Health Insurance

Remember to take your EU health card. It will cover you for minor ailments, so it’s well worth taking it with you.

Specialist Travel Insurance

If you suffer from a chronic health condition then it’s sensible to get cover from a specialist firm like Avanti Travel Insurance. Your health card will cover minor conditions, but if you need treating in hospital it could be very expensive without the right travel insurance.

Sort Your Sat-Nav

If you have satellite navigation in your vehicle then you need to check whether it will cover the country you are going to. Getting lost is a nuisance, but getting lost in a foreign country could be dangerous.

Being aware of these things before you set off will help you to get the most out of your trip and keep your time on the road stress-free. Happy caravanning!

‘Extreme’ weather conditions are something we often take for granted in the UK, and although we don’t quite have US-style hurricanes knocking on our door, we still occasionally get enough gusto to do some serious property damage.

The eastern part of the UK is currently being battered by the second biggest storm of this winter. Accompanying the gale force winds, snow and driving rain is an expected storm surge that could cause widespread flooding and damage across coastal towns and villages along the North Sea coast.

Storm surges happen during high tides. Swell, wind and incoming water amplify what would usually happen – at worse these volumes of water will breach sea defences, burst river/estuary banks and engulf low lying land.

Unfortunately many of our caravan and camping parks are located in these susceptible areas and there are certain times of year your holiday home could be at risk from flood damage or extreme weather breakages.

If you leave your caravan parked up during the off season or own a static that’s permanently anchored to a pitch its’ always worth following a few tips for the winter in the event of harsh weather – leaving your caravan exposed and prone to Mother Nature’s moods is never a wise choice.

• Make sure all fly away objects are secure and tidied away. If you can, move outdoor furniture indoors or lock it away in a storage unit.
• Unplug all electrical devices and raise them up off the floor.
• Turn all electricity and gas supplies off.
• Bed linen should be stored in overhead cupboards, as should blankets and any other fabric garments.
• Make sure things like TV aerials are secure or take them down and move inside.
• Uncouple gas bottles and lock away in a safe place.
• Secure you caravan with tethers to avoid it tipping over in strong winds.
• Remove anything valuable and take home.
• Monitor severe weather warnings during bouts of harsh conditions. If your area is affected then heed advice and take precautionary action.

Most of these tips are common sense and owners will carry them out as a par for the course. If you’re faced with a situation such as the one today – the biggest storm surge in the last 60 years – then you should prepare for the worst.

• Make sure your insurance cover is up to date.
• Understand the details of your documentation and change your policy in advance if you can.
• Try not to leave things until the last minute.

If your caravan and belongings are affected during fierce weather then you’ll need to assess damage as soon as conditions allow and act accordingly – let your insurance companies know as soon as possible. Getting the ball moving quickly will mean you’re (hopefully) out of pockets for less time.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any further tips for how to protect and/or minimise problems caused by severe weather.

(Images via Daily Mail/ABACA, BBC/Andrew Smith and ITV)

All that remains now is to shoot off along that long and winding road to your destination of choice. But children are restless beings and after the initial excitement of being somewhere new. What’s to do?

The usual board games have been done to death, the Wii console has been left back at the ranch and near-6 weeks off school means the DS has been played to death. It’s time to think outside the box, get back to what it was like in days gone by and utilise your natural surroundings of the campsite and outdoors.

The National Trust recently ran a poll of 1,700 children and asked them to vote for their favourite outdoors holiday activities. So if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to keep your offspring amused then read on for the 50 things to do before you’re 11 and three quarters*.

*If you’re older than this then don’t let this stop you either!

• Climb a tree
• Camp out in the wild
• Build a den
• Skim a stone
• Run around in the rain
• Fly a kite
• Catch a fish with a net
• Eat an apple off the tree
• Play conkers
• Go on a really long bike ride
• Make a trail with sticks
• Make a mud pie
• Dam a stream
• Play in the snow (you might have some trouble in the Summer with this one, mind you, this is British weather…)
• Make a daisy chain
• Set up a snail race
• Create some wild art
• Play Pooh Sticks
• Jump over waves
• Pick wild blackberries
• Explore inside a tree
• Visit a farm
• Go on a barefoot walk
• Make a grass trumpet
• Hunt for fossils
• Star gaze
• Climb a huge hill
• Roll down  really big hill
• Explore a cave
• Hold a scary beast (spiders, etc)
• Hunt for bugs
• Find frogspawn
• Catch a falling leaf
• Track wild animals
• Discover what’s in a pond
• Make a wild animal home (more spiders)
• Go rock pooling
• Bring up a butterfly
• Catch a crab
• Go on a night nature walk
• Plant something, grow it and eat it (this takes time… maybe start now and finish next year?)
• Swim in the sea
• Build a raft (and stay safe when using it!)
• Go bird watching
• Find your way with a map and compass
• Rock climb (under supervision)
• Cook on a campfire (also under supervision)
• Go horse riding
• Find a geocache
• Go river canoeing/kayking

And if you’re feeling really brave, you can download the whole check list from the National Trust website and do the lot in one weekend!

There are of course plenty more things that you can get up to while away on your annual caravanning holiday. With a little imagination who knows what adventures you and your kids will have. Enjoy the bank holiday!

The Camping and Caravanning Club have published figures suggesting there’s been a 25% increase of visitors at caravan and campsites. With WiFi widely available it’s now possible for people on holiday to watch live streaming TV and keep up to date with their favourite shows from the comfort of various portable gadgets and technology. However, viewers on caravan and camping sites need to be wary as they could still fall foul of the law.

If you’re watching live TV, at any time, then you need to have an up to date TV license. Anyone watching programmes on their device (tablet, smart phone or laptop) whilst on site will be covered if they have a license for their residential home. Static caravans, mobile homes and moveable chalets will only be covered by a home licence if the TV in the main place of residence is not being used at the same time.

Ian Hewlet from the Camping and Caravnning Club commented: “Many holidaymakers use televisions in their camping units so it’s important to highlight the importance of purchasing a TV Licence. We urge all campers and caravanners to check the licensing requirements if they plan to watch television whilst they’re away.”

Those caught foul of the law will recieve a £1000 fine, which we’re sure is the last thing anyone wants whilst on holiday. You can find out whether you’re covered by your existing TV license by following this link – http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/

1. What to pack

First things first, let’s look at what items should always be packed for a camping holiday:

- A dual skinned tent, tarp and a good quality sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you will encounter.
- Cooking utensils and fire-starting materials.
- Plenty of warm clothing and waterproofs, plus shorts in case you’re lucky.
- Lots of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
- A utility knife, rope and zip-lock plastic bags.
- Duct tape!
- Hiking and fishing equipment.
- A way to lock your tent e.g. combination lock for zip.
- A torch & lamps to light up the tent at night.
- A little bucket to save venturing far during the night. Perhaps this should be a No. 1 tip!

2. Choosing a campsite

Whether you’re pitching a tent in the wilderness or within the grounds of a campsite, it’s imperative to always look for the best spot possible. Target soft and flat soil or grass, avoiding slopes and valleys. Remeber your physics, water doesn’t flow uphill. Use the tarp under the tent to avoid flooding too!

3. Pitching a tent

Aim to pitch up two hours before you thought you would. Two hours disappears very quickly whilst wrestling with a tent. Avoid late-night pitching, and make sure you practice or at least have a test run at home in the safely of your garden first. A rubber mallet saves ruining your shoes banging in tent pegs.

4. Too much water ruins camping

Be prepared for the sometimes-inevitable curse of waterlogged campsites and muddy fields. Bring lots of waterproof clothing, and a dry sealed container of sorts to store your clothes in. Wellington boots are a must & can be a fashion accessory.

5. Duct Tape mends absolutely everything

It’s true! Duct tape can be used to repair most items on a camping trip from patching up a hole in the tent to mending supporting poles, patching up shoes and fishing rods.

6. Zip-lock bags help keep food fresh

Whether it’s for keeping leftovers fresh, storing herbs and spices or marinating meat; the zip-lock bag is a camper’s best friend in the ‘kitchen’. These bags are so useful; they can even be used to hold fragile liquid containers such as toothpastes and insect repellents.

7. Don’t be wasteful

There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to camping, as seasoned veterans will know. Things like cutting empty soft drink bottles to make DIY cups and bowls, using Frisbees as plates and saving cardboard tubes from kitchen roll for firewood helps cut down on waste, and saves precious space.

8. Always dress in layers

No matter what time of year or whatever the weather; it’s always a good idea to at least carry an extra set of clothing. Dressing in layers is the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature. If it’s not too hot, you could always wear said extra layers to and from the tip away too to save on bag space.

9. Keep the bugs at bay!

Bring repellents and sprays to sooth stings and bites, and repel nasty bugs away. Rub the inside of an orange peel or any other citrus fruit on your face, arms and legs to keep mosquitoes from biting.

10. Bring some playing cards!

Whether it’s a game of Go Fish, Spoons or Crazy Eights; playing cards can provide up to 12 players with hours of evening and in-tent entertainment, especially when it’s raining and miserable outside.

Thank you again to Nick at Silver Travel Advisor for this contribution to the blog.

The UK’s weather is such an unpredictable beast, the only thing that is definite is you won’t know what it’s going to do.

Harsh weather though needn’t be a thorn in your side. It actually gives you and your offspring the chance to switch off, unplug yourself from the computer, unglue yourself from the ‘goggle box’, relax and enjoy some good old fashioned fun and games.

Embrace the gales, the rain and cloudy skies, and no doubt if you take some of this advice on board, your Easter weekend will still be a successful one!

Board games

In an age of a PlayBox, XStation and other such consoles, board games have fallen slightly by the wayside. Gone are the days when the whole family would sit around the table to try and fathom out whether Miss Scarlet did actually ‘do it’  with a candlestick in the library…or was that the butler?

Classics such as Monopoly, Cluedo, Trivial Pursuit, Uno* and Scrabble are just some of the ‘unplugged’ games that are still available, and after the initial ‘hurumphs’ from your kids, they’ll probably find they quite enjoy the whole thing.

Before long, the hours will have flown by, the bad weather will be inconsequential and hey presto. What could have been a nightmare scenario for Mum and Dad is now a distant memory. Just don’t get stroppy if your kids beat you!

Walking

At first taking a stroll in bad weather may appear to be a dismal prospect. But as one wise individual once declared “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. Make sure you pack a bag of weather proof clothing, hats, gloves and scarves and then it’s off into the wild outdoors you go.

At first there may be resistance to the idea – let’s be honest, heading outside when it’s miserable isn’t exactly a promising prospect. It may take some coaxing – usually the prospect of a treat at the end of the day is enough to entice even the most reluctant of child out of the caravan door.

Once on your walk, the whole situation will become much more manageable. The breeze may be hoofing, the rain horizontal and the wind chill biting, but keep moving, have a flask of something warm close to hand and don’t undertake too serious a route and in no time at all your family will be spent.

Exercise, fresh air and a sense of achievement at the end of any harsh weather hike will be enough to send your kids soundly off to sleep. Chances are they may want to do it again the following day!

Just relax

If you’re lucky enough to not have kids in tow during Easter weekend then this is the perfect opportunity to just relax.

Modern life is full of stress and rushing around so why not use this time of year to unwind from it all and catch up on some much needed chill out sessions.

Put the kettle on and grab a book, listen to music, watch a movie or just do absolutely nothing. There’s sometimes nothing better than just watching the lashing rain beat against the windows of you caravan knowing you don’t have to go out and brave the weather.

Emptying your head of all the usual everyday clutter is good for recharging your enthusiasm levels, so when you do have to eventually go back to work, you’re refreshed and ready for whatever challenges are bowled your way.

Socialise

Catching up with friends is a great thing to do if the weather is looking dubious for your annual Easter caravan trip. Sharing a ‘vanning holiday with mates is the easiest way to enjoy some fun times.

Get some nibbles in, a tipple or two, and have a natter, share stories, divulge those special plans you have for the year and maybe a bit of friendly banter.

You could also choose to take some family members with you this year and make it a family gathering. Sheltering from the inclement weather with a brew, while having a gossip is a great way to get in the good books.

Local attractions

If bad weather has halted play with regard to your outdoor plans then why not see what local attractions are on offer in the area.

During sunny weather there’s nothing worse than being stuck inside, but when rain, wind, snow and cold temperatures hit, this is the best time to check out museums, galleries, zoos and other similar places.

If you are looking to entertain your kids then aim for attractions that have interactive elements if possible. Being able to see, touch and play with displays will keep your children entertained for hours. Petting zoos are a good choice as kids are usually enthralled by live animals.

In a lot of cases kids’ pricing structures may be offered which should go some way to easing the strain on parents’ wallets.

Most Importantly, have a good one!

Whatever you get up to during your Easter caravan trip, make it a good one. The weather may not be playing ball but with a bit of thought and planning, you should still be able to make the weekend one to remember.

Happy Easter from C4Caravans!

*We have a theory at C4C that all caravans have to come with a deck of Uno cards by law. Not a single Caravan seems to be without some Uno cards kicking around!

If you want to experience Kernow (Cornwall) to its full then you could do a lot worse than book yourself onto one of the many campsites that litter this part of Britain. Al fresco living is Cornwall’s forte through summer, with camping and touring sites in plentiful supply.

But which to choose? Here are five of the best to consider next time you’re planning your trip.

Trevelgue Campsite

Trevelgue Holiday Park, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4AS, 01637 851851

www.trevelgue.co.uk

Trevelgue is famous among ‘Bug Heads’ (VW enthusiasts) as being the place that hosts the annual Run To The Sun Festival. Featuring some of the UKs best DJs, bands and some amazingly tricked out V – Dubz, this is a weekend that goes off!

With fantastic onsite facilities, nightly entertainment and free kid’s spaces at certain times of year, Trevelgue is a good choice for those seeking Newquay fun in the sun.

Facilities – Herbies Diner (onsite) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner favourites with speciality theme nights during peak periods. Waves Bar kicks off from 7pm nightly. Costcutter is open every day so you can stock up on the essentials. A surf shop is available for those wanting H2O action and a large indoor pool and heated outdoor pool is available for those wanting a more sedate watery experience.

Open – All year.

Cost – Camping prices start at £4.85 per night per adult, £6.40 for electric hook up.

Trenance Holiday Park

Trenance Holiday Park, Edgcumbe Avenue, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2 JY, 01637 873447

www.trenanceholidaypark.co.uk

Trenance Holiday Park is the closest camping/touring site to the centre of Newquay and the town’s great beaches.

Spread across five different sites, the holiday park offers everything from tent pitches, caravan areas, static mobile home options and chalet packages.

Being based in the heart of all the action gives plenty of options for seeking activities to keep your family happy. All through the year Newquay is buzzing with events, festivals and things to help keep you entertained.

Facilities – Featuring a mini market and off licence with clean and ample washroom and toilet facilities, Trenance Holiday Park is a good option for those looking to stay in the heart of ‘Surf City UK’.

Open – April – October.

Cost – Touring and camping starts at £8 for a basic pitch and £9 for a pitch with electric. Static caravans and chalets cost more – give them a call for options.

Higher Trevaskis

14, Gwinear Road, Connor Downs, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 5JQ, 01209 831736

www.highertrevaskiscaravanpark.co.uk

Just a few miles away from the glorious golden sands of Gwithian beach, Higher Trevaskis is a family orientated campsite that welcomes visitors with all types of accommodation offered – be that tents, camper vans, caravans or motor homes.

A sleepy atmosphere with the rural village of Carnhell Green a short hop away, Higher Trevaskis is perfect when seeking a tranquil retreat.

For those fancying a trip into St Ives, this buzzing Cornish seaside town is a short drive away with plenty of pubs, restaurants and entertainment all along the harbour front.

This is a stunning part of Cornwall offering visitors some great coastal scenery, stunning beaches and Caribbean blue coloured water – for those that fancy dipping their toes in!

Facilities – Ample spaced shower and washroom facilities with new family rooms available. Children’s play area and sports field. Laundry room, onsite shop and 82 spacious pitches.

Open – April – October.

Cost – £20 per night, £4 for electric hook up, £2.50 per extra child.

Treen Farm Campsite

Treen, St Levan, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6LF, 01736 810273

www.treenfarmcampsite.co.uk

Treen Farm is a site placed right next to one of Cornwall’s best beaches. Perched right on the cliff next to Pedn Vounder, which during spring low tides can link to Porthcurno, the views on a summer’s day can be stunning.

Onsite facilities are pretty basic but the vistas more than make up for this and, as much as the camping experience is an unflowery version, what’s available is clean and perfectly adequate.

Campers have the option of pitching in one of two fields, with the real draw to this area being the tranquil isolation – that and the Tribute ale takeaway option from the local pub!

Facilities – Onsite shower, washroom and toilets with ample hot running water. Superb campsite shop.

Open – 30 March – 30 September.

Cost – Tents £2.50 – £4, campervans £3 – £4, car £1, Adult £4.50, child £2 – £3.

Beacon Cottage Farm

Beacon Drive, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR NU, 01872 552347

www.beaconcottagefarmholidays.co.uk

Sitting on the lower slopes of St Agnes Beacon and featuring stunning views of the Cornish coastline, Beacon Cottage Farm is one of those fabulous finds amongst campsites.

Totally unspoilt by the rampant commercialism that seems prevalent amongst much of Cornwall’s tourist industry, the owners of the site provide a well organised and cared for camping experience that also happens to be a working arable and beef farm.

The slight downside is the site is very exposed to the inclement weather sweeping in from the Atlantic – a sturdy tent is a must. Obviously ‘vanners won’t have this problem and during harsh conditions a static caravan could be the best place to ride out the storm?

Facilities – Spacious and immaculate washroom, toilet and showering facilities. Family washroom available with baby bath and changer. Onsite laundry room. Campsite shop. Dog exercise field, children’s play area, electric hook ups and chemical disposal point.

Open – Easter – September.

Cost – £22 for 2 people, £4.50 extra adult. Cottages £300 – £780 per week.

For those who are already winter caravanning converts they will tell you there is nothing like it. However, the fun quickly disappears if you are not prepared for keeping cosy should the temperatures plummet. The following offers some information on how to heat a caravan as well as a few hints and tips. These will hopefully help you decide which choices are best for you and your needs so that your winter caravanning experience is snug instead of being an endurance exercise.

Factory fit heating options

All caravans will have some form of heating as part of their fixtures and fittings but depending on the age of your caravan and the type of heating offered, this may not be entirely suitable on its own to meet your winter caravanning needs. Most caravans offer either gas powered heaters or those that can use either gas or electric.

Gas only – this may get rather expensive. Your consumption will be high due to the fact that you will have your heating running more frequently and also that gas is utilised less efficiently in lower temperatures. Butane is not suitable at all for very low temperatures as it will not perform. Gas alone is rather impractical for winter usage as you will need to constantly replace used up cylinders and, depending on your set-up, even risk running out completely.

Gas with electric option heaters – these can be powered by gas alone, electric alone or a combination of the two and are generally better than the gas only option if you are on a camp-site which offers electric hook-up. The ability of the factory-fit heaters to keep you cosy will depend entirely on their output and efficiency which may vary considerably.

Some very new caravans are incorporating alternative heating systems to the traditional ones listed above, due in part to manufacturer’s recognising the rising popularity of off-season caravanning and the need for better caravan heating in lower temperatures. Such new designs are also available as retro-fits and accessories (see below).

Retro fit options

Unless you are lucky enough to have a shiny new top of the range caravan which incorporates the latest in heating innovations, then most winter caravanners opt for some kind of retro-fit heating device or accessory.

Free standing halogen heaters– these heaters, which come in a wide range of sizes, are very popular as they are safe (automatically cut-off if knocked over), have an immediate heating output, are typically energy efficient and are usually small and unobtrusive.  Additionally, of all the options, they are the cheapest to buy and easiest to use with no installation required.

Gas or gas with electric option – many older model caravan owners invest in these either to upgrade their original factory-fitted heater or to replace a unit which has failed a safety test/ceased working. Alternatively they are bought as an additional heating source to supplement the fitted heating appliance.  Again, as mentioned previously, they are not always the most suitable option for winter caravanning but it will depend on the model you buy.

Diesel powered heaters – many of these heaters which store the fuel in the caravan’s usual gas cylinder compartment, have the useful option of switching to power by electric. This option is gaining some popularity and there is some talk of certain new caravan makes factory fitting such systems. One major bonus of a diesel powered heater is that it can be operated while the caravan is being towed meaning you arrive with a toasty caravan.

Under floor space heaters – the latest of the caravan heating technologies to hit the market, under floor space heating is now being incorporated into several new build models. The heater itself is fitted beneath the caravan in a weather-proof cover, can be powered by either gas (propane or butane) or electricity and claims to reduce caravan heating costs by 25% due to its innovative energy efficiency design. However, these heaters currently come with a rather hefty price tag – around the £550 mark – so, although they are convenient, efficient and ideal for winter caravanning, they are not an option for everyone.

Bedding

This may sound obvious but the bedding you require for winter caravanning will be very different to what is used the rest of the year.

The superior thermal properties of wool make it an excellent choice for keeping cosy (paradoxically wool is also able to keep you cool in hot temperatures) so investing in a high quality wool blanket or two is a good idea.

You may also want to swap your traditional bedding for a good quality sleeping bag(s). This is a vast subject in itself but with the right sleeping bag you will find it far easier to keep warm in bed than with sheets and blankets or duvets, even if these are winter strength.

Preventing heat loss

There are many places through which air and therefore heat can escape in a caravan. It doesn’t help that the shells themselves are often paper thin and don’t conserve heat well (some newer models have better insulation). It is of course vitally important that your caravan has adequate ventilation and this becomes even more essential depending on how you are heating your caravan and powering such things as your fridge.

However, not all of the places through which heat can escape are made that way on purpose and you may be able to take some steps to raise your caravan’s ability to hold the heat which in turn helps with fuel efficiency.

Check door and window seals – these do perish over time and may need replacing.

Check roof light seals – as for windows

Caravan doors – these are notoriously bad for inexact fitting and inadequate seals. It can help to put up a thick curtain over the inside of a caravan door.

Keep doors closed – if you have separate ‘rooms’ in your caravan and each is independently heated then do keep the doors closed at all times to help with heat conservation.

This is by no means an exhaustive list for caravan heating and a quick browse round any caravan accessory shop will show you a few of the options you have. Additionally, new innovations and products are being introduced all the time, each aiming to make the caravanner’s life a little more comfortable.

The decision you make for how best to equip your caravan for winter warmth will be up to you and will depend on when and how you use your caravan, the age of your unit and the budget you have available to make any improvements.

Many cater for the whole range of campers – tent, caravan, motorhome, trailer tent – while others are more specialised. The following gives a brief description of some of the more known clubs, listing their advantages and benefits so that you can decide whether taking out membership will be beneficial for you, and if so which caravan club to join…

The Caravan Club

Now 105 years old, the ‘Caravan Club’ is still perhaps the most familiar club of its kind to most people and is certainly the largest of those on offer in the UK. The club has a vast range of benefits, offers and discounts exclusive to members only which can mean easily and quickly recouping the cost of annual membership as well as genuine and substantial savings elsewhere. All members receive a large full colour sites directory, a monthly club magazine and access to the on-line member’s forum and discussion groups.

The club’s website also allows extensive site searches and on-line bookings.

The essentials:

Cost – £42 per year based on 2 adults at the same address + £10 joining fee (waived if payment by direct debit).

Club sites – 200+ sites where members can take advantage of reduced pitch fees

Certificated locations (CLs) – 2500+ member only sites which can take a maximum of 5 caravans or motor-homes at any one time.

Special offers – includes such things as pitches for £1, 50% off pitch fees, kids for £1 and midweek booking discounts.

Member exclusive discounts/offers – updated monthly and include such things as reduced rates for M6 toll. Discounts and offers on more than 300 attractions and days out. Searchable by relevance to destination and site choice.

Access to dedicated breakdown and recovery service for caravans/motor-homes – operated by Green Flag – cover from £34 per year for caravans, motorhomes, cars and trailer tents.

Reduced rate ferry bookings – only available to members.

Overseas travel service – which includes information on recommended European sites.

Storage pitches – members only access to thousands of options.

Insurance reductions – the club have their own insurance schemes which members can take advantage of or alternatively many caravan and motor-home insurers offer reduced premiums where club membership can be shown.

Technical advice – instant access to the club’s own professional caravan advisers as well as on-line information leaflets and technical pages.

Legal advice – with relation to motoring and caravanning.

Sites directory – 704 page full colour handbook, updated every two years, with photographs and individual site fees.

Caravan Club credit card – holders can earn points which entitle them to claim pitches for free at UK club sites.

The Camping and Caravanning Club

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

As the second largest club and self-titled as the ‘friendly club’, the ‘Camping and Caravanning Club’ has typically a  rather more informal feel than the ‘Caravan Club’ and gives equal emphasis to tent campers, caravanners, motor-homers and trailer tent owners.

The club, which has been operating for more than 100 years, has very similar benefits, offers and discounts to the ‘Caravan Club’ and also produces a comprehensive site directory every two years, called the ‘Big Sites Book’ and a monthly club magazine.

The club’s website allows site searches and on-line bookings and has a wealth of information on all things camping and caravanning.

The essentials:

Cost – £40 per year based on 2 adults and up to 4 children (under 18) at the same address + £10 joining fee (waived if payment by direct debit.

Club sites – 110+ sites where members can take advantage of reduced pitch fees. Extra specific reductions also apply and include:

Over 55s – save up to 30% (not applicable in high season)

Children go free – under 6s are free year round and 6 to 17 year olds are free in low season

Backpackers – tent backpackers’ rates start at only £2.35 per person per night.

Certificated sites (CS) – 1500+ member only sites which can take a maximum of 5 caravans or motor-homes at any one time and up to 10 tents.

Special offers – includes such things as 4 nights for the price of 3 as well as all the club site discounts some of which are listed above.

Member exclusive discounts/offers – offered on both UK and worldwide destinations and include discounts on theme parks, free adult entry to Disneyland Paris, discounted hotel breaks and ‘members marketplace’ where savings on a range of products are listed and updated constantly.

Access to dedicated breakdown and recovery service for caravans/motor-homes/trailer tents and campers vehicles – operated by the RAC – cover from £41 per year.

Reduced rate ferry bookings – only available to members.

international travel service – called ‘Carefree’, this service includes on-line e-brochures, camp site listings from more than 20 countries and on-line booking.

Storage and seasonal pitches – members only access to many options.

Insurance reductions – the club have their own insurance schemes (including caravan/motor-home, car and home) which members can take advantage of or alternatively many caravan and motor-home insurers offer reduced premiums where club membership can be shown.

Club classifieds – which allows members to offer items for sale or buy from other members.

Technical advice – instant access to the club’s own professional help desk advisers as well as on-line information leaflets, articles and data sheets.

Legal advice – with relation to motoring and caravanning.

Independent financial advice – service exclusive to club members.

Sites directory – full colour handbook, updated every two years, with photographs and individual site fees.

Motor Caravanners Club

www.motorcaravanners.eu

Established in 1960, the MCC are an organisation which co-ordinates meets for motor-homers and have a small range of member exclusive benefits. The club welcomes motor-homers of every category whether factory build, self-build or conversion.

The essentials:

Cost – £28.50 per year + £5 one- off joining fee

Sites – offers a network of small privately owned sites which allow a maximum of 5 units at any one time. Additionally, there are around 500 organised meets and venues which cost approximately £8 per unit per night.

Other benefits -insurance discounts, ferry booking savings, exclusive members’ offers and discounts, reduced rate recovery service, monthly club magazine

The Auto Camping Club

www.acceastmidlands.co.uk

This club has been running for almost 50 years now and is essentially about getting camping, caravanning and motor-home enthusiasts together regionally at all kinds of social gatherings, rallies and parties and organising budget pitches for those events.

The essentials:

Cost – £25 per year

Benefits – reduced insurance rates and discounted equipment.

The Touring Caravan Club

www.touringcaravanclub.com

Open to trailer tent owners, caravanners and motor-homers, the Touring Caravan Club has existed in one form or another since 1937, organising rallies and events for enthusiasts.

The essentials:

Cost – £27 per year

Benefits – UK and continental breakdown and recovery at concessionary rates, discounted ferry bookings, club magazine produced 6 times a year.

The Historic Camping Club

www.historiccaravanclub.com

Formed in 1993, the aim of this club is to bring together owners of vintage, classic and historic caravans which pre-date 1961 through organising rallies and sharing information and expertise.

The essentials:

Cost – £17 per year

Benefits – co-ordinates a ‘caravan hire register’ for members who are happy for their caravans to be available for film, TV and media hire. Also produce a news sheet for members every 6 weeks which includes offered/wanted items.

The Coast and Countryside Camping Club

www.coastandcountrysidecampingclub.info

Established in 2005 and with only 100 members the ACC’s aim is to bring together campers, caravanners, trailer tenters and motor-homers who enjoy greenfield camping around the south coast area of Britain.

The essentials:

Cost – £5 per year

Benefits – organises meets at various venues which start at around £4 per unit per night.

There are many more small clubs most of which offer similar benefits with comparable membership costs but differ as regards the areas in which they operate (such as the ‘Irish Camping and Caravanning Club’) and also the client groups they are targeting (such as the ‘Deaf Caravan and Camping Club’ or ‘Classic Camper Club’). Additionally new clubs are being formed all the time while some existing clubs cease operations. There are also exclusive area and caravan make clubs you can join too.

We also have a further list of caravan clubs in our directory.

For those who regularly use their caravans and motor-homes there is no doubt that the larger clubs usually offer the best deals with the largest range of fringe benefits. However, only you can decide which club will offer you personally the most financial advantage and holiday opportunities depending on what, how and when you use your unit.

Any clubs you’re in and would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Aires

‘Aires’ (the French word for areas or places) are incredibly varied in what they provide but all will offer at least a place to stop and camp overnight. Additionally, some may offer one or all of the following -

• fresh water
• electric hook-up
• grey waste disposal
• chemical toilet disposal point
• shower facilities

Much of the signage and instruction labelling at aires are done by pictures to make it more easily understood by non-French speakers. However, an English-French dictionary may come in handy for some translations.

Costs

Some of the aires are effectively free camping as they only charge if you wish to use the facilities.

Where their use attracts a fee this can usually be paid on site and most commonly by automated coin machines (costs vary considerably). In some cases you must purchase a ticket prior to parking up and camping which is usually obtained at local town council offices or tourist information centres.

Aire locations and how to find them

The location of aires is also highly variable. For example, some are spaced along auto-routes, some are on farms and some are a set aside area which is actually part of a designated camp ground. You may be staring at concrete or you may find yourself in the most stunningly beautiful locations – by a lake or riverside, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery or looking out at the ocean.

Some of the real gems are well tucked away and, although it is possible to come across aires as you go, you will often miss the best without something to help you. Many of the road maps of France have larger aires marked on them, particularly the auto-route ones but for comprehensive listings buy one of the many aire guide books which include maps and details of each and every aire’s facilities and costs. One of the best of these is ‘Aires de Services – Camping Cars’ by Martine Duparc and Collectif. Most of the aire guides also have a useful section on French words that you may come across at aires to help you follow any instructions for paying or using the facilities.

A word of warning on auto-route aires…..you may feel safer surrounded by other camper-vans and motorhomes but the crime rate at these sites is alarmingly high. You are highly visible and an easy target and statistics show that opportunistic thefts occur much more commonly in these circumstances. Many motorhomers have returned to their vans after using restaurants and shops to find them broken into and even more alarmingly break-ins do occur while the occupants sleep.

Other Camping Areas

Many French towns provide a set aside area for motorhomers to park up and camp overnight, often for free and with a rather different mentality towards this than you may be used to in the UK. The thinking is simple – get the tourists into town and they will spend money even if it just breakfast at the bakery and of course it works.

Wild Camping

Although this is somewhat of a grey area with regard to French law, there are many who wild camp (a term for camping away from official areas, also called freedom camping) and typically speaking there is a high tolerance to this practice. However, as with wild camping anywhere there are a few unwritten rules that should be observed which could all come under the umbrella of ‘respect’.

• Don’t park up on private property or where another’s privacy is likely to be invaded
• Take all your rubbish with you
• Don’t light fires or otherwise damage and disturb the area you are camped in
• Be sensitive to any environmental issues such as protected flora and fauna
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Observe any signage which expressly forbids overnight camping or gives directions on doing so

Perhaps most importantly of all you might need to question whether in a country that bends over backwards to provide a vast network of cheap (and often free) safe camping options, wild camping is appropriate at all. The decision is yours.

Road systems

These can feel like a breath of fresh air to the average Brit inured to traffic jams and poorly maintained roads. France has a highly efficient and superior quality road network which makes getting from A to B easy and quick.

The express routes or auto-routes will typically attract tolls unless they are near large towns or cities and if you plan to cover a lot of miles these fees can considerably add to your holiday costs. On the other hand they are super-fast and super-clear if not especially inspiring scenically.

There is always a free alternative to the fee paying roads and bizarrely these sometimes run completely parallel to the auto-routes for large sections of the journey. Generally speaking they are prettier routes and although they will usually take longer they are still by no means slow or heavily crowded.

Things can get a little chaotic around cities and trying to find the right road isn’t always simple especially if your French is a little rusty. This is where a Sat-Nav would come in especially useful to avoid taking your large unit into inappropriately small or tricky places.

Ferry Crossings

Depending on which company you sail with, your desired crossing route, the size of your motorhome and the times and dates you wish to sail, prices vary considerably. Paying for the ferry can be the most expensive part of your holiday by far. However, many caravan or camping clubs offer significant discounts and savings to members when making bookings through them. Additionally, some insurance companies also offer the same to their customers so do check with both before making any bookings to see if you can save money.