Is the end of caravanning in sight?

[emmerson]

Interesting comments, as always, but I think I have the answer to some of them. Ref Martins horror of the fuel cost for his 800 mile trip: I use LPG at half the diesel cost.Ref the £1000 pa depreciation, I use a 32-year old van, which is actually appreciating.
As for site costs, see Dustydogs comment. We also rally eight times a year with the Royale Owners Club, and so get reduced site fees, and we use ACSI for European sites.
Aren't I a smug

 

[weejock]

No your not smug just being sensible and living within your means while at the same time gaining maximum pleasure.

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

I don't think it's as bleak as some may think.
Last week I had a choice on a CL. Ordinary CL pitch with EHU £10.00 per night. Lakeside , beautiful view , EHU ,£12.00.

LAKESIDE for £12 flipping eck DD were was it, that one must have slipped though my net.

 

[Dustydog]

Sir Chunky
See this earlier thread.
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/uk-parks-touring/lower-heathcote-farm-cl-warwick

 

[emmerson]

Dusty, that's the last time I'll tell you a secret!!

 

[Dustydog]

Dusty, that's the last time I'll tell you a secret!!

Trouble is Sir Emmerson it's already on the other part of the Forum. I asked.

What is important is that CLs get used as much as possible especially out of season otherwise they will not survive nor have cash for upgrades.
Ok I promise not to say anymore how good it is other than to the Woosies on here

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I don't think it's as bleak as some may think.
Last week I had a choice on a CL. Ordinary CL pitch with EHU £10.00 per night. Lakeside , beautiful view , EHU ,£12.00.

LAKESIDE for £12 flipping eck DD were was it, that one must have slipped though my net.

See ya ol' tyke, you're a crap fisherman. You might be able to hook 'em but you can't land 'em

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Aren't I a smug

 

[lgvdriver]

just bought a new clubman sb last week, im 62 in a fortnight
o,h, is recently retired and on pension so we intend (god willing)
to be touring for a lonnnnng time,we don,t travel to far from home
for w/ends so its not to expensive for fuel,but we both love this
great hobby and remember folks!theres no pockets in a shroud
so get out and enjoy while your still healthy n able to do so.

 

[emmerson]

My largestcost is probably the depreciation on the tow car, which ordinarily is larger than I would have if I did not have the caravan. I did consider a large 'old' 4x4 just for towing but that would have ruled out long solo journeys eg this year it's Poland, Czech Reublic and Germany, and nice though our second car is the thought of autobahns in a Nissan Note does not appeal that much. But our second holiday in northern Scotland in the van will cost us more than 3 weeks solo in europe, where hotels in Prague, Krakow and Dresden are quite cheap if booked early. Ie 5 nights in krakow at £124 inc breakfast for two is a bargain and not much more expensive than staying on a caravan site.

Other clive, I've just read your post (been away - again!), and cannot accept that using an "old" 4x4 precludes long journies. Our Range Rover is 19 years old, 130,000 miles, and we tour Europe every year. Last year we did Denmark and Sweden, and would have done Czech and Austria if we hadn't been called home because of a bereavement. You just need to look after an old vehicle.

 

[slowsod]

Why do we need vans with Hot water runnig in the heating system or drinks cabinet that would put the Rovers Return to shame caravans are getting lighter look at the new Venus, ok its only 6foot wide, the two single bed are only 6foot long no microwave but its light and can be towed by Focus. People are still spending 2or 3 thousand on their 2 week breaks in the summer. My brother is retired and is off on anouther 10 day cruise again, but that's not cheap.

 

[otherclive]

I don't see caravanning dying out but it will no doubt change. As cars change and the makers strive for reduced weight then the caravan industry will respond further. We are already seeing this in the new lightweight ranges from Xplore, Lunar and Bailey. So caravanners will have choice ranging from lighter vans or heavier more highly specified vans that require a heavier car. Sites are responding and certainly the two clubs are becoming more price aware. We are booked at C&CC Tavistock with delightful views of Dartmoor and washrooms that put some hotels to shame. With the over 55 concession and the 7 nights for the price of 5 the cost is about £73, which at around £10.50 per night is within CL/CS prices.