As the seasons change, you may feel the urge to take a road trip and enjoy the forests, coasts, beaches or countryside during the vibrant fall weather or cooler winter months. Touring in a caravan lets you choose where to go and when to stop, unfettered by a tour schedule or group itinerary. The word caravan comes from the Persian caravanserai, or a safe roadside station. The caravanserai provided food, water and shelter to travellers and their animals journeying along ancient highways throughout Asia and the Middle East. Today, people can transport their own food, water, shelter and pets with them in a motor home, attached trailer or van.
Off-season caravanning has several advantages. Motor home parks are less crowded and prices are lower. Tourist sites are more accessible and take on a different tenor. As seasons change, the countryside reveals hidden splendours that beckon both the adventurous and the retiring. Fall foliage displays colourful reds and yellows. The cool weather makes hiking and travelling more comfortable. Tourist areas are less crowded.
Caravanners may enjoy staying at any number of convenient parks or touring sites located throughout Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Parks usually have toilet and shower facilities, laundry rooms, electrical hook-ups and fresh water. Many sites are located near popular tourist attractions or national parks, so access to enjoyable outings is simple. You can park your portable home on the designated pitch and make short trips to take in the nearby sights. Some people enjoy cycling or trekking along trails and roads near the caravan park. Others may relish visiting the regional historic sites and touring the old homes and estates listed by the National Trust.
More than one million people in Britain enjoy caravanning, with many owning their own leisure vehicles. Caravanning used to be considered a popular activity for older travellers; today, however, caravan parks offer activities and facilities that appeal to all ages. Swimming pools, golf courses, hiking trails, horse-back riding and more fun activities are available that suit young and old. Because of the popularity of caravan travelling, even an off-season caravan journey may require advance bookings at motor home parks to be sure of a reserved pitch.
As you prepare your motor home for your journey, make sure that you have adequate insurance to cover your vehicle and belongings. If your insurance is out of date or isn’t adequate, caravan insurance quotes offer specific types of coverage as well as discounts for safety and security features on your caravan or motor home.
Caravan insurance quotes should include both off and on the road coverage for the caravan, the contents and equipment. Standard coverage would include liability and personal accident coverage. Some policies cover foreign use and use by family or friends. Some insurance even covers pets, veterinary services and kennel costs.
Your touring caravan will surely be more comfortable than the camels and horses used by travellers from long ago wending their way along the Silk Road. The caravanserai provided stables for animals, as well as animal fodder and water. Today, many touring caravan parks allow pets and have designated areas for dogs to exercise and run.
For those who are worried about their impact on the environment, studies have shown that travelling by vehicle with a towed caravan creates less CO2 emission than travelling by plane or train to the same destination. Get your touring van ready, make sure your caravan insurance is up-to-date, and have a great trip along your local version of the Silk Road.