Caravan Club site booking survey

[DavidKlyne]

Some of you may have seen this already but the Caravan Club are conducting a survey of members views of the current site booking operation. Members need to log on to the Caravan Club website and the survey is in the Club-Matters section. Its quite a comprehensive survey and an ideal opportunity for members to voice their views.

David

 

[Heethers]

Saw it yesterday David agree that you can air your views but l think possibly we will have to be paying a deposit next year has you are ask how much would you think should be a fair deposit.

NigelH

 

[Parksy]

In the latest issue of the Practical Caravan magazine a readers letter has been published (p14) which mentions the perceived difficulty in booking Caravan Club pitches in which the author advances the argument for deposits to be required.

Emma Cosby the CC head of sites marketing is quoted as saying that despite initial technical difficulties on 2nd December owing to the volume of users this flow was carefully managed to ensure members were dealt with fairly in turn, and the reply went on to say that pitches on all sites including Rowntree Park are booked first come, first served.

Ms Cosby is further quoted as saying Analysis shows cancellations and no shows have not increased since we stopped taking deposits and that They amount to less than 1% of all bookings and most cancellations are made by those booking within 20 days of their planned arrival rather than those who book in advance.

Perhaps the CC have finally begun to realise that despite what they say to the contrary there is a widespread perception amongst CC members that the online booking system needs attention if forum posts over the past 2 years are anything to go by.

 

[DavidKlyne]

Parksy

It seems such a shame that the CC did not think to publish that sort of information with members in the Club magazine. One of my big gripes with the CC is that they don't share information and this just, of course, leads to torrid uninformed debate. I have always been against taking deposits but would not be against a retrospective charge for those that either don't turn up or cancel within 48 hours of date booked. No doubt this is exactly what the Club are trying to make a judgement on. We all have our pet things we would like them to do but what ever they change makes the system more complicated and of course slows it down. I await the results of the survey with baited breath!

David

 

[Parksy]

Hi David

At least the survey will enable club members to air many of the grievances commonly seen on this and other forums but I don't know if the quotes from the Practical Caravan letters page were obtained directly from the CC or from other sources.

The quotes were given as part of the reply from Practical Caravan to the letter writer.

As far as I can tell as an outsider (My loyalties are with the 'other lot') the biggest problem of all seems to be the sheer popularity of sites such as York or Chatsworth with members who are working understandably wanting to go at weekends, holidays etc.

Maybe the CC ought to consider opening more sites in popular areas or helping to upgrade some CL's to create more full facility pitches?

I hope that the survey will at least address some of the issues and the CC are to be commended for trying to find out what members think.

 

[Rioja]

This information has been made available to CC members previously because I have argued against the need for a booking fee on that basis.

Couldn't agree more though that no showers should be made to pay a penalty of some description, as should late cancellations because they deprive others of the use of those pitches.

Every year since online booking has been made available we have had a rush of complaints from a small minority of members who say they can't get in at such and such a site. In reality only a tiny proportion of site nights are involved and how would those involved like to see those pitches allocated ? First come first served is the only fair way. It doesn't matter if it's on the internet or by phone there will be an element of luck getting through. Surely no one would really think it's a viable option to have postal applications where the first drawn are the winners ? Firstly there would be the usual complaints that it was rigged, secondly think of the work involved in replying to the unsuccessful applicants.

 

[Guest]

Whilke a 'first come first served' policy seems the best, it may not necessarily be the correct way forward in all circumstances

As mentioned certain sites have a popularity that far exceeds availability and in these specific sites a limitation on the number of nights booked per year should be imposed. This would defeat the situation where certain members book every weekend for the season in December, and often brag about how they ALWAYS go there and ALWAYS try to get the same pitch beside their friends. Great for them, not so great for anyone else who would maybe like to try that site for a look see. Yes, it could be argued that anyone can book what they like in December, but not everyone is that self centered in outlook that early in a season. If the suggested practice of last season visitors getting first pick on these sites, is true, then that makes a bad situation even moe unacceptable

I always believed that one of the founding ambitions of the CC and the C&CC was to encourage people to travel and visit many different parts of the UK, not to just use the local sites as a form of static holiday home.

 

[Heethers]

Well said Scotch lad l agree but l bet the CC move back to a deposit situation, it would be the easier solution for them, plus financial benefits if their are cancellations, unless they credit you on your next booking.

 

[Rioja]

Scotch Lad, I agree with your views on regular visitors to specific sites if indeed they are in such large numbers that they make it difficult to get into certain sites but do you have any facts and figures to back this theory up ?

My own experience has been that you can get into most sites if you have booked well in advance but my major gripe would be that if you decided to take a caravan holiday at shorter notice you find that weekends are booked up but there are plenty of mid week places available, Not a lot of use if you are planning a long journey to distance places.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

My experiences are the same as Rioja's.

I've never had any problems booking the sites I've wanted when for my initial trips out. Where I do sometimes have a problem is in booking a week later in the season when there are vacancies for Sunday to Thursday but the weekend is booked. I really don't know the answer because as I'm retired I can book whole weeks but for those who work a weekend is mainly the only time they can get away apart from their annual leave. Even so, I still manage to get in somewhere by using CLs.

I also use CLs on Bank Holidays because not only are the sites busy but it gives those working with families chance to get away.

Whatever the club does it will please some but not others, they are in a no win position.

Despite the complaints about December 2nd it was only for a few hours. I managed to book my first trip out (3 weeks) by 11am and I booked my second trip (4 weeks) the following day, the 3rd, giving others a chance. Even so, friends of ours told us this week they want to do a six site trip next June that we did to the Lakes & Scotland and checking this week there are places available on all of the sites.

I've done the survey and don't mind paying deposits if people really do book sites and cancel on a regular basis and I'm sure the club would know who these are so the club should penalise them. If they introduce a non refundable deposit for cancellations it's a bit tough on the genuine cases but it's the cost we have to pay for the thoughtless and selfish among the membership.

 

[machighlander]

wow, have never seen or heard of anything that can upset folks an make them vent their anger on a forum all because they can't get a booking or specific pitch on their chosen site through others being in there first. whats it all about ?, is the idea of having a caravan ( tourer ) not all about a bit of variety and visiting plenty of sites, im new to the game but thats my intention. if one site is booked, then go to next one, job done, stop whining.

 

[DeliDave]

its not quite like that,many book loads of weekends then see what the weathers like to make their final decision,there is rarely a problem booking with C&CC who I am now with due mainly to them requiring a deposit imho.It is easy to get a weekday pitch with CC but then have to hope there is a cancellation to see if you can stay for the weekend or hope ther is a site near to move to.If members were allowed a limited number of bookings it would give more members the opportunity to get equal usage.I prefer five van type sites anyway so I am not too disappointed but people with families often need more facilities than we do.

 

[DJM65]

We always try & plan our holidays well in advance & we have never had a problem with booking any club sites, but I agree with Highlander, it is our intention to try out varoius sites, if one is fully booked we will move onto the next one on our list.

 

[ShadySadie]

The survey isn't very fair as the questions assume that all members are in the position to book months in advance. The questions are quite one sided.

The odd time that we can get a pitch it is mainly due to a no show. We got fed up long ago with finding all weekends booked leaving days free mid week, not a lot of good when you want a full week.

A 50% deposit or more preferably is long over due!

 

[SteveW77]

it is our intention to try out varoius sites, if one is fully booked we will move onto the next one on our list.

The problem comes at the weekends, when every CC site is fully booked. If I have got to move on Friday morning to make way for someone who only books the weekends and then only turns up when they feel like it, then I might just as well stay on a commercial for the whole 7-10 days of my holiday. Under those circumstances there seems little point in being a member. For me the whole point in caravanning is just getting up and going on the spur of the momement, after all they arecalled "Touring" caravans.

Steve W

 

[machighlander]

take this the right way here folks, but remember there are plenty of us who are not in retirement and have still to work all week, not having the liberty some folks do with midweek travels. the weekend is precious to me, thats my opportunity for escapism, whether its away on my bike or nowadays looking forward to my next opportunity to get away with the family in the caravan, no need for the weekend warrior labels.

 

[DeliDave]

I am still working as well so I like my weekends but I dont think I can book them all through the season 'just in case its nice'If they paid a deposit they might be a bit more selective leaving more room for others.

 

[Guest]

Rioja,

I cannot give facts and figures as I have no input to the collection of the data. That is purely a matter for the Clubs themselves. They can easily see who makes what bookings to which site, and the frequency.

I only make comment that people in the past have stated their frequent visits to sites which seem to be unavailable to others. One does wonder how this is achieved. I am sure some will state it is merely a matter of preparation and determination.

The weekend issue is another matter which is possibly even more of a problem, but is probably unsolvable. I do agree there is nothing more frustrating than to decide to visit an area, which may be distant from home, only to be told you are 'unwanted' for Saturday so locals can enjoy their short break. We have experienced it on occasions. Planning so far ahead as to mitigate that issue is not always a realistic option, especially from 250 miles away as is the case of York. Booking from 10 miles or so down the road is obviously a much simpler thing to do with little commitment, and also not to do as the whim takes.

Again, it will be up to the Clubs to decide what action, if any to take. They may decide that as long as pitches are filled, and they get revenues, then they will not care if that leads to others being disappointed. Alternatively they may feel that the opportunites offered on all their sites should be made available to as wide an audience as possible. The deposit scheme has advantages and disadvantages but it does appear to work quite well for the C&CC so it will remain to be seen if the CC decide to follow suit.

Not my decision, and fortunately not really relevant to me as i now spend almost 100% of my time in the van outside the UK. Having been 'burned' I made other arrangements, but I also fully admit that the weather and lifestyle are also major influencing factors to hibernating in the Med.

 

[machighlander]

wee bit toungue in cheek here scotch lad, ye are lamenting on the virtues of living elsewhere and can still cast aspersions on the "weekend warriors " and the allegedly problems that comes with the package. sorry buddy, but get real here, there are plenty of folk who still live and work here and the weekend is our time out. you have a chance to do what you do, good stuff, bet there are thousands of us who would like to be in the same boat.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I really think the fairest system is a significant deposit, for example 50% non-refundable (et al Shady Sadie) . This would I hope be sufficiently large to discourage the oft quoted practice of multiple booking.

Some package holiday companies who operate holidays in the UK, offer holiday insurance which can cover you if you for some good reason you cannot take the holiday you planned. Perhaps caravanners should consider something similar, then if you can't make the site and your forfeit your deposit, you can claim it back through the insurance.

If you want to continue to be selfish and multiple book, then it will cost you, or you can take out holiday insurance. You can bet that insurance companies will keep track of people who persistently make claims and ramp up their premiums accordingly.

 

[ShadySadie]

There's quite a few of us in our family and friends Caravanning circle. We all belong to the Club and make use of travel booking etc.

We feel that we should get a fair crack at using the main club sites and that doesn't happen, none of us are in a position to book months and months ahead. I can hop on a ferry and get a site in France with ease, but can hardly ever get a pitch at the odd times I want one on my own Clubs sites and pay the membership the same as every other member.

 

[JeffandDi]

We booked a CC site for the week after Christmas about a month in advance. We were pleased to see that during the next two weeks the site became fully booked (40ish pitches) so we were congratulating ourselves on our foresight. During the week we were there that fully booked site was not even half full. It's a shame for the wardens who may have geared themselves up for a busy time and for anyone else who was disappointed when they saw on the system they couldn't get a pitch. The only reason we could think of the weather was not too good but that doesn't put off real caravanners does it ) ...

 

[Dustydog]

This is the very subject that got Valerie's goat. Infact LB's last sentence is almost deja vu that finished off Valerie.

Apart from Chatsworth and Rowntree Park I've never had a problem securing a booking.

I'm surprised cancellations only form 1% of bookings but that clearly proves "first come first served "works.

I will not be dragged into the december bun fights and say again there are terrific alternatives out there with prices to match.

Caravanning doesn't stop at CC sites!

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[DavidKlyne]

As always an interesting debate but I am not sure how many of you have filled in the survey. Its quite possible that this will be the definitive information that the Club bases its policies on for the the next 5 years.

David

 

[Guest]

Highlander,

You will note from my post that I mentioned 'having been burned'. Therefore part of the reasoning to go abroad was to not having to experience it again, unless necesary.

Look on the bright side, as I am out of UK there is one less punter booking.