Family time on holidays ‘is important’

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Holidays are an important way of spending time with your family and friends, it has been suggested.

Whether caravanning in the UK or jetting off abroad, Brits should value the chance to get away with their partners, children or parents, according to holidaylettings.co.uk.

The firm claimed that quality family time is becoming a rare commodity due to the fast-paced life most people live nowadays.

A large proportion (65 per cent) of Brits believe that a holiday is the most important thing that they spend their disposable income on.

Holidaylettings.co.uk head of communication Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies added that travel websites now help families research and book budget breaks.

“As a reflective of the sensitivity surrounding cash and the economy, most travel sites enable people to refine their holiday search by budget,” she said.

Meanwhile, caravan owners could be tempted to head to the continent after the Post Office Travel Money Monitor reported favourable exchange rates for Brits heading to the eurozone and eastern Europe.

Park Holidays UK suggest how to avoid VAT increase on caravan holidays

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by Chris Malone

The news that January 2011 will bring with it a new VAT level of 20 per cent has led Park Holidays UK to advise caravanners to book up for next year’s vacation now.

According to the firm, sorting out a break in advance of the tax rise could help Brits save a penny or two.

It is also offering those who enjoy a holiday in 2010 and book up for next year a further £40 off a week-long stay or £20 off a short break.

With new chancellor George Osborne’s first budget hitting almost everyone in the pocket, any holiday savings could come in useful.

The Conservative cabinet member has cut public spending, reduced benefits and increased a number of taxes in a bid to reduce the deficit.

“Financially speaking the time to act is now,” Park Holidays UK said.

“You’ll get the same fantastic holiday, accommodation and service but minus that impending extra VAT cost.”

The company recently revealed that Brits buying a caravan can now get up to a 20-year guaranteed licence at its sites.

Caravanners should use doctor for travel health advice

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Many Brits travelling abroad take pointers from friends and colleagues rather than their GP, it has been claimed.

Caravanners planning a trip abroad should seek out professional health advice instead of relying on what their associates tell them, TV doctor Pixie McKenna stated.

The expert is backing the 8 Weeks To Go campaign, which encourages holidaymakers to visit their GP prior to departure to get reliable advice.

Dr McKenna revealed that one in two Brits will experience some sort of holiday injury or illness in their lifetime.

She noted that many people are taken in by myths that circulate among friends and colleagues, such as the belief that gin and tonic can help ward off malaria.

Another common misconception is that rabid dogs are never friendly – which could be costly to unsuspecting caravanners who are bitten by one.

“People are misinformed about many things and if you hear something from a friend or a colleague you are probably going to think that it is the correct information instead of trying to verify it yourself with a healthcare professional,” Dr McKenna explained.

Surf’s up in Newquay

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Caravanners spending Midsummer Night in Newquay this year could be in for a treat, according to site operator Parkdean.

The firm noted that the town is set to host the tenth annual Midsummer Night Surf, which will see some of the UK’s best surfers battle it out in the late twilight.

Taking place tomorrow and on Saturday (June18th and 19th), the event is held at Lusty Glaze in the heart of Newquay.

Now one of the UK’s most popular surfing dates, Midsummer Night Surf attracts huge crowds and features a festival atmosphere.

“As well as top class surfing there will be day and night entertainment, a beach barbeque and a spectacular firework display to finish off the event after Saturday night’s surfing,” the holiday firm added.

Parkdean has four holiday parks nearby – Newquay, White Acres, Holywell Bay and Crantock Beach – all of which welcome families.

The company recently suggested that those caravanning in the Cornwall area check out some of the region’s beautiful coastal walks during their stay.

Plenty of activities in Bath

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Caravan enthusiasts heading to Bath for a summer holiday will have no shortage of activities, it has been suggested.

As well as its usual attractions, the city is set to host a number of special events this summer, Bath Tourism Plus explained.

The Roman Baths By Torchlight will take place throughout July and August and should be a “very unique experience”, according to PR and communications executive Lucy Weaver.

According to the expert, this is just one of a number of summer attractions that caravanners could take advantage of over the coming weeks and months.

She suggested that Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey are also likely to be popular attractions.

Recent figures from Hotels.com show that more people are interested in holidaying in the UK, with the number of accommodation searches up on previous years.

One of the more popular destinations was Bath, with the online resource recording a 73 per cent increase in searches to the city.

Kia Sedona awarded MPV Best In Class title at 2010 Towcar Awards

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Kia Sedona awarded MPV Best In Class title at 2010 Towcar Awards

Kia Motors will be celebrating this week after their 2.2 diesel Sedona was crowned champion in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) category at the 2010 Towcar awards.

The judging panel run by What Car?, Practical Caravan and the Camping and Caravanning Club were impressed by the models 6-speed automatic transmission, and remarkable towing capabilities.

Michael Cole is the Managing Director for Kia Motors and is delighted at the recognition: “We at Kia and our customers have always known what a good workhorse the Sedona is – without compromising comfort – so we are delighted that Practical Caravan and What Car? have endorsed that view!”

The new Sedona 2.2 CRDi comes with an industry leading seven year warranty and is competitively priced for it’s specification; the automatic is priced at £25,995 on the road. With seven full sized seats, leg room hasn’t been compromised and the cavernous interior has led to the MPV becoming a firm favourite with caravanners.

The vehicle is capable of towing loads of up to two thousand kilos. Towcar editor for Practical Caravan, David Motton commented: “The Sedona with its new, more powerful engine mated to a six-speed gearbox represents a lot of car for the money and there is little it cannot tow.”

In other news, the Land Rover Discovery 4 has been awarded top spot for ‘Britain’s Best Towcar 2010’.

Report calls for lower drink-drive limit

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by Holly Tribe

Caravanners may want to leave the keys behind if recommendations for a new lower drink-drive limit are put in place.

The review by Sir Peter North has advised the limit be taken down to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood from the current level of 80mg.

The cutback would translate to drivers being able to imbibe just one alcoholic drink before driving.

Commissioned by the former Labour Transport Secretary Lord Adonis, the report has gone to the new incumbent Philip Hammond for consideration.

“Our priority will be to tackle drink and drug-driving in the most effective way possible to protect law-abiding road users. We will respond to Sir Peter in due course” Mr Hammond commented in a statement to the press.

Despite recommending the reduction, Sir North commented that a zero limit would be impractical and says a total ban would be a step too far.

The lower limit would bring British legislation in line with most of Europe.

Have your say on this story in our forums

England a ‘world-class all-weather destination’

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by Chris Malone

Caravan enthusiasts may already know that England is a great destination for a family summer holiday.

However, one tourism expert has claimed that the nation is great for a break even if the sun is not shining.

VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford praised the country for its ability to offer holidaymakers something to do whatever the weather is like.

Last weekend saw holidaymakers in the UK enjoy soaring temperatures, with the 30.9 degrees C experienced in Gravesend in Kent the highest seen in Britain this year.

Mr Berresford explained that many Brits enjoy nothing more than relaxing outside on a sunny day.

“Seaside resorts up and down the country benefit from the sunshine and we’re delighted that the predictions for an ice-cream summer seem to be coming true,” he noted.

However, the expert was keen to point out that the country offers plenty of attractions that accept visitors even if the weather is not at its best.

Land Rover Discovery 4 wins Best Towcar 2010

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by Holly Tribe

The all-new Discovery from off-road specialists Land Rover beat forty rival vehicles for the title of “Britain’s Best Towcar 2010”. The annual awards are overseen by industry leaders What Car?, Practical Caravan and The Camping & Caravanning Club.

Judges tested the popular TDV6 model which now sports the Jaguar Land Rover 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Testing was divided into categories, with each vehicle being marked on towing ability, driving and handling, space and practicality, running costs and value.

Practical Caravan’s Towcar Editor is David Motton and he was full of praise for the off-roader. “The Land Rover Discovery 4 is an exceptional car. It’s hard to say whether the 3.0-litre engine or the superb ride and handling deserve top billing.”

Marketing director for Land Rover Anthony Bradbury expressed his delight over the recognition, saying: “This is a hugely significant award for the Discovery 4 – and a true testament of the vehicle’s overall capability, package and refinement.”

The UK-made Discovery beat stiff competition from the likes of the Kia Sedona and Volvo SE Geartronic. Judges remarked upon the range of features that led to the model taking the top spot.

Mr Motton explains “With its full-size spare, self-levelling suspension, Trailer Stability Programme, huge boot and many more practical features, the Discovery 4 ticks more boxes than just about any other car”

Click here to read our road test feature on the award-winning Land Rover Discovery 4

Caravan Times test drives the Towcar of the Year: Land Rover Discovery 4

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By Holly Tribe

The trophy cabinet at Land Rover HQ must be looking healthy these days. In recent times the Land Rover Discovery has dominated its class at caravan towcar awards, and this year walked away with the top prize: Britain’s Best Towcar 2010. The Disco (as it is affectionately known) has regularly impressed due to an untold number of gizmos which make the towing and off-roading experience safer.

But despite this I was concerned as I stood waiting to test drive the award winner at the Land Rover Experience. I’m used to driving an archaic campervan, with only the most rudimentary controls (a column shift and leaky sunroof). I was wondering how I’d cope trying to decide which settings were correct, which dials to turn. Is it really sensible to rely on camera playback beamed to the driver from the dashboard when reversing? Would the urge to check my blind spot overwhelm me?


As I sat in the driver’s seat with the nose pointed skywards and the bonnet rising steeply in front of me, I could just make out a ribbon of grey cloud through the top corner of the windscreen. Suddenly the answers to my questions became very clear. Without these ‘gadgets’, I couldn’t imagine feeling as safe and secure as I did at that moment.

Urban jungle

At the Canary Wharf MotorExpo 2010, Land Rover recreated their off-road experience around the steel buildings of the London financial district. The course incorporated a 200 meter silicone strip watered down to simulate icy conditions, followed by the steepest of ramps to elevate you high above the streets.

Next up, a rock simulator where the driver must crawl over small asymmetric ramps, at times using only two wheels in contact with the road. A sharp bank would then pitch the car sideways at an angle before the final challenge, an up-and-over on a typically steep ramp. Sound easy enough?

Starting with the icy conditions, my Land Rover instructor Derek Moore turned off the driver aids so I could experience normal braking on ice. Picking up speed to around 25mph and then applying the brakes with some force, the wheels locked and we skidded about five metres.


Now Derek switched to the Terrain Response system for loose gravel and ice and I accelerated again. The braking response felt much more solid and efficient, making the Discovery’s line stay truer with zero snaking.

Another clever addition to the braking system which benefits caravan towers is the new Trailer Stability Assist. It detects sway movements that occur when the trailer snakes at speeds over 50mph, and counters this by applying brakes symmetrically then asymmetrically – slowing the vehicle and smoothing it out.

Up in the air


While up on the ramp with the bonnet pointing towards the sky Derek took me through the screen at the heart of the Discovery. From the dash mounted touch-screen you have an almost 360° view of the car from five external cameras. One below each wing mirror, two in the front bumper and a fifth widescreen camera mounted in the rear: perfect for parking or hitching up a caravan. Using the Hitch and Reverse system via the viewing panel, trajectory lines are over-laid on live footage from the rear camera projecting the paths of the vehicle and trailer to get an accurate line when reversing. You can further enhance precision, with the option to input trailer details onto the Disco’s computer, including trailer type, length and number of axles.


Once you’ve unhitched the caravan, the Discovery 4 is an incredibly capable off road vehicle. The pre-set programmes deliver greater control for sand, gravel, snow, rocks, mud and ruts and an impressive hill descent assist. The next in our simulated challenges was to try was a staggered undulation; two steep ramps, the right hand side set five metres back from the left. Even with two wheels off the road, the Disco feels balanced and steady, and there’s never any question its two and a half tonnes will get the better of the traction control.

Fear is not an optional extra

As with the previous Discovery there are seven seats, with all five rear seats independently fitted and collapsible, offering great flexibility for storage/passenger combinations. The interior is nothing short of luxurious with room for the family, the dog, a couple of bikes, an awning, food for an army. I won’t go on, suffice to say, it is very spacious.

Controlling a two and a half tonne vehicle with a caravan in tow can be pretty difficult on slippery and rough conditions. There’s no doubt that using a towcar with reactive automatic settings has its advantages. And if I (a total novice with no off-road experience) can master the controls after just 20 minutes, it would seem Land Rover are on to a winner.

So, if you’re looking for a high-end, well-equipped off-road vehicle set up with exceptional towing capabilities, then your search is over.

Caravan site operator calls in administrators

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by Chris Malone

The future of caravan site operator Green Parcs looks uncertain after the company’s directors called in administrators.

According to accountancyage.com, the firm, which owns three sites near Inverness in Scotland, is to continue to trade during the summer.

It will look to sell off its assets to help address its financial problems and Deloitte administrators Dominic Wong, John Reid and Matt Cowlishaw will be responsible for the emergency action.

“These are well established and popular sites which were caught out by the current economic environment,” explained Mr Cowlishaw.

He added that the parks will continue to welcome caravanners while they look for a buyer who can take the business forward.

Mr Cowlishaw was quick to add that any new buyer would have to demonstrate that their ownership would benefit existing residents at the sites and have the ability to attract new customers.

Meanwhile, the Hackney Gazette has reported that a special Irish traveller barrel-topped caravan is on display in Stoke Newington.

COMPETITION: Win a complete Caravan and Motorhome care kit from Autoglym

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For those new to caravanning (but used to the chore of washing the car) there is the fear that products we use on cars may not be suitable for caravans. What’s clear though is that regular cleaning is highly recommended – as when left dirty the exterior finish can soon deteriorate. Routine washing, polishing and waxing all helps to maintaining the external appearance of your caravan and preserving its value for future resale.

There is a wide range of products offered for this purpose, but one of the most popular and highly rated is the Caravan & Motorhome Care Kit from Autoglym. The six-piece kit contains an all-purpose caravan cleaner which is complimented by Fast Glass, a product developed specifically for the windows. Vinyl and Rubber Care helps condition and protect the exterior, while the Super Resin Polish finishes the job.

This week we’re giving away one of these superb kits from Autoglym to readers who can offer tips on how to clean the caravan. What do you use to clean yours, and do you have any tricks or tips you’ve discovered over the years?

Post your advice for cleaning the caravan in our forum topic by clicking the link below:

Take me to the Caravan Times forum topic

If you’re not yet a member of Caravan Times, signing up is easy to do and membership is free.

The closing date is midnight on Sunday 18 July. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. To enter a Caravan Times competition you must be:

(a) UK resident; and

(b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.

2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of Caravan Times, or any subsidiary of Adfero.

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Only one entry per person.

5. If you want to enter this competition you must enter via the Caravan Times community forums.

6. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason in our forum.

7. The winning entry will be selected by the Caravan Times Editorial Team, whose decision is final.

8. The closing date is as specified in each competition, and we reserve the right to amend the competition details at any time.

9. If you win a competition, we will notify you by e-mail and/or through our community. The organiser’s decision will be final, and no other correspondence will be entered into.

10. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

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