Are you dreaming of exploring a new destination but don’t want to miss the comforts of home? How about a static caravan holiday? Planning a single parent vacation, though exciting, can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding suitable accommodation for you and the kids. Staying in a spacious caravan based at a campsite offers a home-from-home type of holiday at an affordable price. Here is how to go about finding the right one for you and your family:
1. Determine Your Needs
Consider what your family needs before you begin your search for the perfect caravan. Are you looking to stay regularly? In that case buying might be a viable option and more economical long term. If you prefer to stay somewhere different every time you go on a family holiday, you should look for a static caravan for hire. Next, you need to consider living space and amenities needed and where you would like to holiday. You will be surprised by the choice available of sites available in both the UK and abroad.
2. Location Matters
First things first: Location matters, so do a little research to find the perfect spot for your adventure. Are you looking for rolling hills and lush countryside? Or would you like to be greeted by the soft lapping of waves against the shore every morning? How far are you prepared to travel? Whether you go for holiday lodges for sale by the sea or a static caravan in the Cotswolds, there will be plenty of choice for everyone’s budget. Consider how you and your family would enjoy spending time. This might be out in the sticks or near some of the more popular attractions or theme parks, or close to a vibrant UK city, with excellent day trip opportunities.
The facilities available at static caravan sites can vary vastly, so once you have chosen an area, you will need to do a little research. There will undoubtedly be various caravan parks around which fit your family’s needs and preferences when it comes to amenities and facilities, such as playgrounds, swimming pools, entertainment complexes, or sports facilities. It is however equally important to check for convenient access to nearby shops and restaurants, as well as transport links if needed.
3. Size and Layout
The size and layout of your static caravan will likely affect the comfort and enjoyment your family will experience during their stay, especially if you have older children or take friends, parents or pets along. So, you need to consider the number of people in your group. How many bathrooms, what type of kitchen facilities, and how much living space will you need?
If you have teenagers, a multi-bedroomed caravan may work best whilst small families with young children might be happy with something more compact. As an example, a single parent with two children would be comfortable in a cosy two-bedroom caravan, but if needed, you can rent or hire caravans with as many as three or four bedrooms.
4. Modern Amenities in Static Caravans
The many modern amenities they offer are among the most significant benefits of static caravans. Whilst some parents prefer not to cook on holiday, others will relish the convenience of having a fully equipped kitchen with all the necessary appliances to cook tasty family meals on holiday. Many of these holiday homes also have living areas with comfortable seating and entertainment systems and even fireplaces for cooler evenings.
Consider appraising the amenities to reflect your clan’s needs and likings. If you are travelling with babies, look for caravans with child-friendly features like safety gates on the stairs, soft-close drawers, and child-proof locks. If one of your family members has limited mobility, look for accessible options like wider open doorways, ramps, and bathrooms.
5. Park Facilities and Services
Some of the facilities and services provided by the campsite can impact your holiday experience in a positive or a negative way. Make sure to read site reviews before you rent or buy and do your research.
Facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, sports courts, and entertainment complexes, can massively influence your family holiday. Don’t forget to check out on-site services like laundry facilities, shops, and restaurants inside the park. They can enhance your comfort especially if you have young children. You don’t want to have to leave the park and drive a fair distance to the nearest pharmacy or supermarket for every small purchase or meal out. If you have pets, check what the rules are around keeping and walking them on site to make sure this is in line with your expectations.
6. Age and Condition of the Caravan
Although new static caravans boast the latest mod cons and modern designs, you might want to consider older models if saving money on your holiday is important to you. If you are considering buying, make sure to inspect the caravan inside out, watching out for dampness, mould, structural issues, or even outdated appliances and fixtures in the caravan’s interior. Feel free to ask the owner or the park management about the maintenance history of the holiday home, the dates of any renovations carried out, etc. An older, well-maintained caravan can make for a comfortable and cheap family holiday.
7. Reading Reviews
Finally, take time to read reviews from previous guests. Many online platforms and caravan park websites will publish the holiday reviews from families who have stayed at the park or even in specific caravans in the past. Such testimonials often contain invaluable tips and insights and can give you a feeling of whether the caravan site might be for you. There is also no harm in asking around to see if friends, family, or colleagues have stayed at any of the sites you are looking at.
8. Budget Considerations
A static caravan can cost anything from £10,000 up to £250,000 or more depending on size, location, site, condition, etc. If you love going to the same place many times in one year, want to stay for several weeks or months at a time, or have other family members who would use the caravan, then buying may be something you wish to consider.
For those single parent families who prefer holidaying in different places every year, renting is no doubt the best option. Most caravan parks offer very competitive letting rates, particularly during off-peak weeks or for longer-term lets, so do a little research and consider travelling outside peak season if your children’s school holidays allow this.
Remember to factor in extras when budgeting for your static caravan holiday, such as site fees, utilities, and maintenance.
Conclusion
The quest for that perfect static caravan for your family can become an exciting journey itself. With so many static caravan sites around the UK, you are no doubt going to find the perfect home-away-from-home for your family. Now you know what to look out for, you can make a list of your family’s preferences and needs and start searching! Enjoy the journey!
