Bournemouth voted staycation capital of UK

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Caravan owners looking for somewhere to spend a late-season break may be interested to hear that Bournemouth has been voted the staycation capital of the UK.

A recent survey conducted by Virgin Money Travel Insurance looked at 66 of the country’s favourite holiday destinations and found the seaside resort to be the best.

Weather, price and quality of attractions were all taken into consideration and the Dorset coastal town scored highest, beating off competition from Brighton, Scarborough and London.

British Resorts and Destinations Association director Peter Hampton explained that the town has a lot to offer, with shows, theatres and other entertainment, as well as a seven-mile long sandy beach.

“There’s stuff for granny to do and there’s also stuff for the toddlers and stuff for the teenagers, because that’s what the UK holiday market’s about – it’s about providing what the customer wants,” he said.

Of the 66 destinations covered by the survey, Loch Ness came lowest, followed by the Shetland Islands, Southwold and Portrush.

Chris Malone

Caravan holidays could boost UK tourism long-term

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Caravan owners could contribute to a resurgence in the British domestic tourism industry after it was suggested the recession could give it a long-term boost.

The increased popularity of staycations brought on by the financial downturn could help build a lasting industry for UK travel, the British Resorts and Destinations Association (BRADA) said.

There was a 14 per cent rise in the number of Brits taking holidays in the UK during the first half of 2009, which came alongside a 17 per cent decline in international travel, VisitEngland figures show.

Commenting, BRADA director Peter Hampton said people are often pleasantly surprised when they take holidays in the UK.

“There are surveys that have said a significant number of people – despite allegedly poor weather this summer – [are] planning to go back to the UK next year,” he explained.

VisitEngland figures show UK attractions recording a 15 per cent increase in footfall during the second quarter of the year, while The Caravan Club recently revealed that it has seen a 40 per cent rise in advance bookings this season.

Chris Malone

Caravan Sales up by 40 per cent

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Caravan sales have increased by 40 per cent in the first half of the financial year, it has been claimed.

Park Resorts, which runs a number of camping sites, said the UK caravan industry has enjoyed a “record-breaking season” this year thanks to the number of Brits holidaying in the UK.

Commenting, The Caravan Club spokesperson Nikki Nichol explained the trend could continue for years to come.

She suggested that those who had chosen to holiday in a mobile home this year might decide to make it a regular occurrence.

Ms Nichol claimed the option of having your own mobile holiday home allows people to change their lifestyle.

“Who wouldn’t want a holiday every Friday night? If you have a caravan, you can do that,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, a recent poll from IM Financial Services discovered that almost nine in ten (89 per cent) of respondents would consider buying a caravan.

Chris Malone

Outdoor store notices caravan sales rise

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An Enfield outdoor store has noticed a large rise in demand for caravan equipment and cold weather gear over the past few weeks.

Outdoor Bits, which is located in Green Lanes, told the Enfield Independent that it has recorded a surge in sales of up to 30 per cent since the recent blizzard conditions descended on the UK.

Director David Burley explained that gas-related heating products have been selling well, while batteries for cars and motorhomes have proven popular due to the cold weather.

“Snowbelts, which are like snowchains, and shovels [have also been selling well],” he told the newspaper.

“We’re probably up 25 to 30 per cent on sales over what we would expect for this time of year.”

Mr Burley added that the recession has also boosted caravan-related sales as Brits look more at holidaying in the UK to save cash.

Tooled Up – another local store- also revealed that sales of heating products, flasks, torches, shovels and even chainsaws have almost doubled since the snowstorms began.

Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers has urged caravan owners to avoid leaving their motor with the engine running to defrost snow or ice on the windshield.

Touring Europe third place in ‘things to do before I die’ poll

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You’d be forgiven for thinking that cruises and bowls are the things old age pensioners look forward to when retiring, such are the stereotypes. However a new study commissioned by insurers Aviva higlights a growing band of ‘Go.A.Ps’ who describe the first year post-work as ‘brilliant’. And in a poll of pensioners asked about ‘things to do before you die’, touring Europe in a caravan was right up there in third place.

In first place 47% surveyed said they would love to visit some of the Seven Wonders of the World, while learning a language made second place. Meanwhile a few results from the top 10 will surprise some: 12% of pensioners said they would like to go out with a younger man or woman before they die, while 11% said they’d like to drive a Ferrari.

Todays new pensioners are more active than ever, with an average of eight social engagements a week. They’re not dragging their other halfs to functions either – many stressed that romance is a “top priority” while their relationships have never been so good. And the post-work buzz continues when they were questioned on the hoary old subject of age. Those asked believed society won’t consider them “old” before at least 68, and so ‘look forward to enjoying themselves for years’.

Twenty years ago those surveyed believed that they would spend retirement babysitting for their grandchildren, gardening and reading. Yet today’s retired are taking up photography (25%), going out with friends, and have a list of things to do that include starting their own business and skydiving.

As the ‘baby-boomer’ generation of the 1950s grows into the pensioners of today, Caravan Times is reminded of a quote from former prime minister Harold MacMillan in 1957: “You’ve never had it so good”.

Volkswagen Golf voted best towcar at caravan awards

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It is an often stated misconception that the best cars for towing caravans are the biggest. Granted, large 4Ã-4s and estates crop up in every list due to their impressive grip and power. However traits such as handling and acceleration are equally as important in towing. And when this is taken into account some surprises can occur.

This year the Caravan Club voted for the Towcar Of The Year, and the result threw up one of the most familar names in family motoring. The Volkswagen Golf particularly impressed the 10 judges with strong performances when towing in a variety of situations, practicality as a caravanning family car and high quality cabin.

28 cars tested in this year’s competition were put through their paces at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. Each car was tested for its towing ability, acceleration, braking, ability to cope with demanding hill starts and an assessment of usability in terms of everyday caravanning.

Explaining the judges’ decision to award the Golf the top accolade, driving judge Barry Williams commented: ‘Absolutely faultless stability made the Golf steadfast on the test track and when the punchy engine had whisked its way to 60 mph it was still ready to accelerate, even in sixth gear. Agile handling enables the car to tackle the most demanding route. The
Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS is a truly capable towing vehicle and a worthy winner.’

Below Caravan Times profiles the winners in each category from this year’s awards.

Under £16,000 Class
Shortlisted:
Kia Soul Shaker 1.6 CRDi
Renault Kangoo Expression dCi 106

Winner: Kia Soul Shaker 1.6 CRDi
The Soul Shaker gives a spirited performance, has a usable bodyshape and promises low running costs. The 1.6-litre diesel engine offers reasonable amounts of power and torque for a car of this size. As a towcar for small caravans or trailer tents, Kia’s hatchback is a worthy winner. Biggish door mirrors and a high driving position add to the Soul’s towing credentials.

£16,000 to £20,000 Class
Shortlisted:
Peugeot 3008 Exclusive THP 150
Renault Megane Hatch Dynamique dCi 130
Toyota Verso 2.0 D-4D Man
Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI

Winner: Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI (Overall Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2010)
The Golf has a great quality cabin with excellent fit and finish, and simple, intuitive switchgear and instrumentation that puts everything where you expect it to be. Absolutely faultless stability made this car steadfast on the test track, and when the punchy engine had whisked its way to 60mph it was still ready to accelerate, even in sixth gear. Agile handling enables the car to tackle the most demanding route.

£20,000 to £25,000 Class
Shortlisted:
Mazda6 2.2D Estate TS2
Renault Grand Scenic Dynamique dCi 160 FAP
Seat Exeo 2.0TDI Sport
Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0TDI 140bhp DPF
Skoda Superb Elegance 2.0TDI 140bhp DPF
Skoda Yeti 2.0TDI 140bhp 4×4 Elegance
Toyota Avensis T4 2.2 D-4D Tourer
Vauxhall Insignia SE Nav 2.0 (160) CDTI Hatch
Volkswagen Golf Plus SE 2.0TDI DSG

Winner: Mazda6 2.2D Estate TS2
With a flexible engine, bags of low-down torque and a six-speed gearbox that is not only good to use but well mated to the engine, it’s no surprise this is a very worthy class winner. Towing 1347kg, the good-looking estate car romped up the long 14% hill in third gear and tackled a 17% stop-and-restart quite easily. A super car at a great price.

£25,000 to £32,000 Class

Shortlisted:
Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 EX Tech
Isuzu Rodeo 3.0 Denver Max LE Sport
Skoda Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 4×4 DSG
Subaru Forester 2.0D XSn
Toyota RAV4 SR 2.2 D-4D Auto
Volvo XC60 SE D5 AWD
Volvo XC60 2.4D DRIVe SE LUX

Winner: Volvo XC60 SE D5 AWD
This vehicle has an extra powerful version of Volvo’s excellent five-cylinder engine as well as AWD. Gear changes are smooth and speed builds up rapidly when needed. Terms such as ‘confident’, ‘sure-footed’ and ‘doesn’t feel like it’s towing’, were used plentifully by the judges. Volvo has produced another excellent towcar.

Over £32,000 Class

Shortlisted:
Jaguar XF 3.0 Diesel S Portfolio
Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE
Lexus RX450h SE-L
Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueEfficiency Estate Sport
Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport
Volvo XC70 D5 SE LUX Premium

Winner: Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE
If you want a car that will take you and your caravan anywhere in absolute comfort, you need look no further than the latest Discovery. Tap on the screen display and you can set the chassis especially for caravan towing, which results in faultless stability and a comfortable ride as you sit cosseted in the well-designed and practical interior.

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Under 1800kg

Shortlisted:
Skoda Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 4×4 DSG
Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI 140bhp DPF
Skoda Yeti 2.0TDI 140bhp 4×4 Elegance
Subaru Forester 2.0D XSn
Toyota RAV4 SR 2.2 D-4D Auto

Winner: Skoda Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 4×4 DSG
The Superb proved itself a capable towcar by taking the top prize in the 2009 contest. For 2010 it was back, packing a 260bhp V6 engine and four-wheel drive. The Superb feels as solid as a rock, and it handles so well you can push it hard through twisty roads with real confidence. The Elegance version has a well turned out cabin and luxurious surroundings.

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Over 1800kg

Shortlisted:
Isuzu Rodeo 3.0 Denver Max LE Sport
Lexus RX450h SE-L
Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE
Volvo XC70 D5 SE LUX Premium
Volvo XC60 SE D5 AWD

Winner: Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE

A second award for the latest incarnation of the iconic Discovery. This car may be heavier than a Rolls Royce but has impeccable on-road manners with little noticeable body roll when taking corners.

18 caravans destroyed in blaze at caravan storage yard

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Firefighters from across Hampshire tackled a blaze at a caravan storage park on Sunday.

18 caravans were destroyed with another 20 left seriously damaged by smoke and heat following the outbreak of fire at around 3pm. An eyewitness made a 999 phone call on September 27th to report smoke and flames coming from a caravan storage yard in Main Road, Colden Common.

Firefighters from Eastleigh, Winchester asnd St Mary’s fire stations were summoned to the scene along with a water carrier from Fareham. On arrival crews found a number of caravans on fire and moved to quickly bring the flames under control. The crews then worked to contain the fire from spreading through the storage yard which is home to many hundreds of caravans.

The fire was put out shortly after five o’clock on Sunday, two hours after the emergency call was made. Firefighters reported that 18 caravans had been destroyed and a further 20 were damaged by smoke and heat. The crews then stayed into the night at the scene damping down and looking for hot spots in other caravans.

The cause of the fire is now subject to an investigation by the Hampshire Arson Task Force.

Volkswagen Golf voted Towcar of the Year

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It is an often stated misconception that the best cars for towing caravans are the biggest. Granted, large 4×4s and estates crop up in every list due to their impressive grip and power. However traits such as handling and acceleration are equally as important in towing. And when this is taken into account some surprises can occur.

This year the Caravan Club voted for the Towcar Of The Year , and the result threw up one of the most familar names in family motoring. The Volkswagen Golf particularly impressed the 10 judges with strong performances when towing in a variety of situations, practicality as a caravanning family car and high quality cabin.

28 cars tested in this year’s competition were put through their paces at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. Each car was tested for its towing ability, acceleration, braking, ability to cope with demanding hill starts and an assessment of usability in terms of everyday caravanning.

Explaining the judges’ decision to award the Golf the top accolade, driving judge Barry Williams commented: ‘Absolutely faultless stability made the Golf steadfast on the test track and when the punchy engine had whisked its way to 60 mph it was still ready to accelerate, even in sixth gear. Agile handling enables the car to tackle the most demanding route. The Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS is a truly capable towing vehicle and a worthy winner.’

Below is a list of the winners in each category:

Under £16,000

Kia Soul Shaker 1.6 CRDi

£16,000 to £20,000

Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI

£20,000 to £25,000

Mazda6 2.2D Estate TS2

£25,000 to £32,000

Volvo XC60 SE D5 AWD

Over £32,000

Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Under 1800kg

Skoda Superb Elegance 3.6 V6 4×4 DSG

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Over 1800kg

Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE

Overall Winner

Volkswagen Golf SE 2.0TDI

Caravan Guard cut call costs for customers

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On New Year’s Day 1985, comedian Ernie Wise made Britain’s first cellphone call. Incredibly it has only taken two decades for nearly every person in this country to owns a mobile (and often use it as their primary telephone). Yet despite this revolution, mobile phone users still face problems when interacting with their fixed-line counterparts.

The issue is a financial one. Since Orange introduced charges for dialing freephone numbers in December 2005 all British networks today charge for calls to these numbers. There are certain limited exemptions (such as Childline) but in a world where mobiles are ubiquitous, is the term ‘freephone’ misleading?

Specialist insurance firm Caravan Guard certainly think so. The company discovered during research that caravan and motorhome owners could be paying up to £2.50 for a ten minute call when ringing the industry standard 0800, 0845 and 0870 numbers from mobile phones. If a caravan owner made a call to their insurer from their mobile while on holiday, they could be charged as much as 25p a minute.

And despite the proliferation of ‘free minutes’ packages, nearly every provider excludes ’08’ numbers from these deals. The issue became a political one when Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Secretary John Thurso called for customer service numbers to be free of charge regardless of the device being used. Amazingly, some customer service lines using the 0870 prefix can cost up to 40p a minute from any line. This means that if placed on hold for an hour, the call could cost almost £25.

Following this research Caravan Guard has now placed a standard ’01’ number on its adverts, website and policy documents. Standard ’01’ numbers are generally included in ‘free minutes’ packages and cheaper to call from a mobile when charges apply.

Director Ryan Wilby is in charge of communications at Caravan Guard and recognises the costs caravan owners face when on holiday. “By analysing our incoming calls we have found that 20% of caravan and motorhome owners call our call centre from their mobile – many when they are away with their ‘van. We know that the 0845 numbers, and 0800 freephone numbers can still be costly to call from mobiles. It’s for this reason we now provide an additional ‘local’ standard landline number for mobile phone users to call – it means customers can always choose the cheapest option when calling us.”

In case you’re curious and are looking to save the new number in your mobiles, the inclusive mobile minute friendly number is 01422 396 777. For more information about Caravan Guard please click here.

First picture of Bailey Pegasus: a revolution in caravan design

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Earlier this month Caravan Times announced the arrival of an all-new caravan from premier manufacturers Bailey Caravans. With a teaser campaign starting a wave of online chatter and debate, the Bristol maker promised a ‘passport to adventure’.

Today we can finally reveal images of the caravan which Bailey believe is a significant leap forward in design. “One day all caravans will be made this way” is the bullish statement coming from Bristol. And the buzzword around the launch is the term “Alu-Tech”.

The Pegasus is the first of it’s kind in the caravan industry and shares many similarities with the monocoque designs used in cars. Alu-Tech is a system where the individual body shell compontents all work towards the overall strength of the structure, as opposed to traditionally relying on the chassis and floor.

Bailey’s new model was built as a reaction to the ubiquitous sandwich construction design which has been in use by caravan makers since the early 1980s. The Bristol outfit believe this basic design (supplemented by front and rear plastic panels) has not changed for thirty years. In this same period car design has advanced considerably.

Enter Bailey with the revolutionary Alu-Tech system. Instead of the usual nine-part design, the Pegasus is made up of five main elements. Two laminated side panels are bonded to a traditional caravan floor, while a solid laminated back panel and a new single span front and roof section make up the rest. The panels are then clamped together with a bespoke aluminium framework to provide structural rigidity.

This may be a leap forward when considering one of the most common problems for caravan users: water ingress. Bailey have stated that the main benefit of the new design is the absence of any external fittings, which naturally reduces the opportunity for any water to enter the body shell. Add to this the development of timber-free body shell panels and the likelihood of water problems are reduced significantly. So confident are Bailey on this issue that they are offering a market-leading ten year integrity guarantee on the new Pegasus.

The superior strength of the Alu-Tech shell was tested in extraordinary fashion by the Bailey team, who placed a on the roof a weight well in excess of the MPTLM of the vehicle. A Ford Mondeo estate was topped by managing director Nick Howard to exert a weight of 1,630kgs on the structure.

As the first caravan to gain Grade III Insulation Thermal Classification and with five new patents pending, it’s not susprising that the Bailey Pegasus is big news. You can catch your first glimpse of the vehicle at the International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 held at the NEC, Birmingham, 13-18 October. For more information on the show click here, while further information on the Bailey Pegasus can be found at their website.

The top ten caravan gadgets

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What kind of equipment defines the 21st century caravanner?

We at Caravan Times put our heads together to debate the top ten gadgets we’d like on our next caravan holiday. From the cheap and cheerful to the virtually indestructible, it’s everything you don’t need but secretly would like to take with you…

1. Reich Motor Mover

Parking a caravan in a tight space is never for the faint-hearted. Enter the “motor mover”, a power plant fitted to the chassis of the caravan for moving it remotely. There are various ways to attach it to the wheels but the end result is remote-control operation. Mark from Caravan Movers Online believes it “saves clutch wear on your car if you’re regularly parking on a driveway”. We like the thought of playing Scalextric with a twenty foot caravan.

Where? Caravan Movers Online provides an excellent selection for all budgets and offer free installation on the Reich Move Control Compact. 0845 46 36 175.

How much? £1235.00

2. Super Solar Shower

If your shower breaks down and you’re nowhere near park facilities the potential for body odour increases.

The Super Solar Shower puts paid to this through harnessing the energy of the sun’s rays to heat water. You fill the bag with water, place it flat and wait for the sun to do its work. Three hours later hang the Solar Shower from the side of your caravan, turn the pressure valve, and make sure you’re not in plain view of others…

Where? Argos (www.argos.co.uk) and Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk) both offer the Solar Shower for under £10.

How much? £10.00

3. Coleman Fold N’ Go

This extremely tough portable stove also happens to be packaged in a clever folding design with a locking handle for ease of transport. Coleman is renowned for building durable outdoor products and the PerfectFlow system ensures cooking at extreme conditions and high altitudes. You need never miss your cooked breakfast again.

Where? Cotswold Outdoor (www.cotswoldoutdoor.com)

How much? £70.00

4. Lafuma RSXA Garden Chair

A chair based on NASA’s recommended reclining position? Lafuma have answered the question with the RSXA Garden chair designed to reduce muscle tension and pressure on the spine. Perfect for unfolding at a campsite and watching the world go by, you can do so safe in the knowledge that the Lafuma has got your back.

Where? Lafuma (www.lafuma.co.uk)

How much? £120.00

5. Land Rover S1 Phone

Mobiles and the great outdoors. Never the twain shall meet? Land Rover teamed up with mobile makers Sonim to create the indestructible phone. Dropped from a tall building, roasted in an oven, run over by a Land Rover itself and stomped on by an elephant, it still worked. Despite a 3-year guarantee, Caravan Times does not recommend reversing your outfit over the Land Rover S1.

Where? Tesco Mobile Phones (www.tescocontractmobilephones.com)

How much? Starting from £20 a month with free handset

Next page for gadgets 6 – 10.

Insure your caravan for a stress-free holiday

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The year 2009 has seen a record number of caravan users in the UK. British holidaymakers who would have taken trips abroad have opted for ‘staycations’ as a result of the global credit crunch.

Around 20% of holidays taken in the UK will be caravan breaks – that’s over 2 million holidaymakers looking to hitch and tow.
Yet insurer Towergate conducted a study two years ago in which it found that 27% of owners don’t bother to insure their caravans. This is despite the fact that one in ten caravanners made a claim over the last three years. And of those who claimed, 75% claimed for accidental damage.

Many caravan owners are aware that insurance is not compulsory. Yet an attempt to save money in the short term could prove costly. While some owners bank on being able to afford theft or damage costs, damage to another vehicle or property could leave them liable for huge costs.

Dave Sheath, MD of caravan insurers Towergate Bakers, commented “Not only can some of the top of the range caravans set you back well over £20,000 if they are stolen, the damage you can cause to third parties can be enormous.”

Taking out caravan insurance can be as confusing as any other market however. With a myriad of insurance policies on offer, choosing the right cover can be a daunting process.

Above all with the rise in casual users of caravans it has become vital that these holidaymakers ensure they are correctly insured for the type of trip they are taking.

We asked the Association of British Insurers whether it is becoming more important for people to double check their insurance policy before setting off.

A spokesperson for the ABI explained ‘Yes it is. If you are talking about people on holiday and taking luggage with them to a campsite for example, it is important to ensure that their contents policy covers them for loss of possession outside of the home.”

Unfortunately for caravan users the problem of theft will only increase as more take to the roads. With around 1600 stolen each year, reports suggest police logs contain almost 10,000 unsolved caravan thefts. Insurance may be another cost to your holiday, yet in the long run it may prove money well spent if the worst happens.

Take a look at our top 10 reasons to insure for more details…