Caravan holidays are one of the greatest cultural traditions that the UK has to boast about. Sunny summer days spent on the beach or out exploring the countryside, followed by fish and chips and an ice cream, not to mention plenty of family time and fun and games!
Regardless of whether you went on your first caravan holiday as a child, an adult or later in life, once you’ve been bitten by the caravan bug, it’s impossible to ignore! There’s something extra special about arriving to spend a glorious week relaxing in your home away from home, but if you’re looking to make this dream a reality, there are plenty of things which need to be taken into consideration.
Although some consider a touring caravan to be a cheaper option, many people aren’t comfortable with the idea of towing and don’t want the hassle of setting up every time you move sites. This is where static caravans come in. Providing the best of both worlds, you get all the benefits of a traditional caravan holiday without the bother that towing can bring. What could be better?
Of course, buying a static caravan is a considerable investment and accordingly, there is plenty which needs to be considered. Regardless of whether you are buying a caravan on site or off site, one of the most important factors to bear in mind is the location. There are numerous static caravan sites dotted all around the UK, so make sure to do plenty of research before you commit yourself to one specific area!
However, this is just one thing to be considered – if you are seriously thinking about purchasing a static caravan, here are some important factors to bear in mind.
While it may seem dull and uninteresting, the reality is that the financial aspect remains one of the most important questions you should be asking yourself. The first step is to decide on your budget. Don’t be tempted to stretch your budget or go significantly over budget just because a particular caravan or location catches your eye. This will only lead to further financial complications later down the line when you should be relaxing in your new holiday home! Your budget should fit into your existing income and lifestyle, not detract from it.
Once you have set yourself a realistically affordable budget, the next logical step is to consider your financing options. Realistically speaking, many people will be unable to afford the cost of purchasing a static caravan upfront, so it’s important to consider the options that are available to you and work out which is best suited to your individual requirements.
Once the financial specifics have been dealt with, you can then move onto the fun part – deciding on the perfect static caravan site! There are numerous static caravan parks in the UK, ranging from the tip of Cornwall to the wilderness of Scotland, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that suits your unique needs. If you are struggling, it may be easier to try and pinpoint a location before you get into the specifics of comparing individual parks. For instance, if you are thinking of static caravan parks in North Wales, you may wish to consider taking a look at our Sunbeach holiday caravan park to discover the perfect holiday destination for you and your family to enjoy together.
Although it can be easy to get carried away when you are searching for the perfect holiday park or static caravan site, the reality is that you should always keep your pre-arranged budget firmly in mind to avoid any disappointment. It is probably easiest to find a site that suits you before opening up any discussion about caravan or plot availability – that way, you are undoubtedly sure that the park and area are right for you. You should consider the local area, transport links, attractions and amenities, as well as any on-site facilities or entertainment that you require.
Once you have progressed to this stage of the process, you will have already passed the majority of the most difficult decisions facing you. All that is left to do is to pick the perfect home away from home!
The process will differ depending on if you are purchasing a static caravan on site or off site, but it’s still important to make sure that you are happy with the caravan you are purchasing. After all, it is a big investment and you will be spending many happy days there, so it’s important to get it right! Some people prefer certain caravan brands or manufacturers, but for many, it’s simply finding the right caravan at the right price to suit their needs. If you are struggling, you may find it beneficial to go to a showroom or possibly even look at some of the existing caravans on your chosen site to get inspiration and see what works best for you.
Similarly, don’t forget to double check everything and look at the details of your chosen caravan home! It’s important to get the right size static caravan, but you will also need to consider the presence (or lack of) additional fittings, features and fixings like heating, paintwork, kitchen and bathroom fittings and the layout of the interior rooms. While fancy, state-of-the-art models may initially seem appealing, the reality is that they might just not be practical on a daily basis. Try to go for a good balance between style and functionality – especially if you have children or pets who will be coming with you on your holidays.
While it’s easy to get bogged down in the details and specifics of sales terminology and financing options, you should do your best not to lose sight of the real reason why you are buying a static caravan. There is something truly special about caravan holidays, and the desire to share summer getaways with our loved ones is a British institution that certainly seems to be remaining as popular as ever.
Allens Caravans Estates Ltd is registered in England and Wales - Reg No. 525635
