Is it worth buying a touring caravan?

One of the most common questions people tend to ask when looking for their next UK break away is – “Is it worth buying a touring caravan?” The thought of venturing out to one of the most scenic spots in the UK for a touring trip is exciting, but there are often many things to consider.

Buying a touring caravan can be a big decision, but it can also open up a whole new world of travel opportunities and experiences for the whole family.

Whether you're looking for the freedom to explore the UK’s landscapes at your own pace or the convenience of having your own home-away-from-home at a holiday park pitch, a touring caravan can be a fantastic investment.

In this article, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of buying a touring caravan and help you determine if it's the right choice for your next UK holiday to create cherished family memories.

What is a touring caravan?

A touring caravan is a mobile home that can be towed behind a regular car and used for camping. These touring caravans come in various sizes and layouts, from more compact models to larger, more luxurious options that can sleep several people. Touring caravans are designed to be lightweight living spaces, making them easy to transport and set up in different locations.

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This allows you to explore different destinations across the UK and set up a comfortable home base wherever you go.

The advantages of buying a touring caravan

Buying a touring caravan can offer a wide range of benefits for your staycation. From increased freedom and flexibility to long-lasting durability, buying a touring caravan can give you the means to enjoy an unforgettable break away with your loved ones, in so many unique locations across the country. Let's look at some key advantages of buying a touring caravan.

A view of the camping and touring pitches at St Ives Bay. There is views of the sea in the background.

Freedom

One of the main advantages of buying a touring caravan is that it provides you with endless freedom when holidaying in the UK. With a touring caravan, you're not bound to any one specific location, but instead, you can set up your caravan in various destinations across Britain that accommodate your mobile home.

For instance, you can find yourself living among the enchanting wildlife in the New Forest or set up your touring caravan on the beautiful coast of St Ives Bay. You can choose to travel wherever you please, exploring new destinations and immersing yourself in different landscapes and cultures.

Buying a touring caravan can liberate the whole family, allowing you to create your unique holiday itinerary and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Flexibility

Another significant benefit of buying a touring caravan is its unparalleled flexibility regarding your holiday plans. You have so many options on how and when you want to embark on your trip because your mobile home is right there to travel with you when you want. You can take a spontaneous weekend getaway with your loved ones or embark on a longer trip for a special occasion.

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Whatever you decide, your caravan can be your home away from home, wherever and whenever you want.

If you’re staying at one of the best holiday parks in the UK, you can easily adjust your plans or extend your stay with simple and hassle-free booking.

Pet-friendly

For many, going on holiday is only truly special when they can bring their furry friends. While some hotels and places might make this problematic, dog-friendly holidays are always possible when buying a touring caravan. Your pup is an integral part of the family; therefore, they deserve to be venturing off to gorgeous spots across the UK with you.

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What’s more, you’ll find some excellent touring holiday parks with dog-friendly facilities to make the most of your trip with your four-legged companion.

This can be a significant advantage, as it means you don't have to worry about finding pet sitters or the costs of leaving your pets behind during your travels.

Convenience

Buying a touring caravan can easily eliminate the hassle of packing and unpacking on your break. Unlike other types of accommodation, your belongings can stay where they are in your caravan whenever you change locations. Your personal items, cooking supplies, and other essentials are always on hand and ready to use whenever you need them.

You won’t need to constantly pack and unpack things, and when it’s time to move, just hook your touring caravan up to your vehicle and drive away.

This can make your holidays more relaxed and enjoyable, as you don't have to worry about the logistical challenges of moving from place to place.

The outdoor eating area of our restaurant at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, with views of the sea.

On-site facilities and entertainment

Many touring caravan sites also offer a wealth of on-site facilities and entertainment options, adding even more excitement and convenience to your break away. You’ll find a wide range of excellent facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private beaches, kids' play centres, delicious restaurants, and live music.

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These are some of the many amenities that can enhance your holiday experience and provide something for everyone in the family to enjoy on your touring trip.

Food and drink

Touring caravans also offer a unique opportunity to cater to your own culinary preferences by allowing you to make your own meals and drinks in your kitchen. This not only allows you to make the delicious foods you love best, but it also helps you save on costs.

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That being said, if you want to dine out with the family, you’ll find a range of tasty restaurants, bars, and coffee spots in your chosen holiday park. The on-site food and drink provide a convenient option for dining out when you don't feel like cooking.

Durability

Another benefit of buying a touring caravan is that it can be built to last a long time. As their prime use is for camping and exploring the great outdoors, most touring caravans are designed to withstand the rigors of the road, with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.

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This means your trusted home on wheels can provide you with years of reliable service, which also means years of fantastic holidays and adventures across the UK.

A family out cycling on a sunny day through the woods.

New family memories

The last, but also one of the most important advantages of buying a touring caravan, is that it gives you endless opportunities to make new family memories. These accommodations will open up a world of new experiences for everyone, from cosy evenings gathered around the campfire to adventurous road trips exploring new coastlines and forests.

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A touring caravan can become the backdrop for cherished family moments you'll treasure for years.

Disadvantages of buying a touring caravan

While there is a whole heap of advantages to buying a touring caravan, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Initial costs

The initial cost of purchasing a touring caravan can potentially be significant. Prices can range from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands, depending on the type of model you want – basic or luxurious. However, once you’ve made the initial purchase, that touring caravan is yours for good.

And with a decent, durable model, you’ll have years of incredible memories and adventurous holidays ahead of you – sounds like a worthy investment to us!

Depreciation

Like cars, touring caravans will depreciate in value over time. This means you likely won’t be able to sell it for the same price as you bought it if you decide to trade it for a newer model later on. However, the rate of depreciation is generally less than that of a typical vehicle, making a touring caravan a relatively stable investment.

And, of course, the purpose is not always to make more money in the long run, but to make back your investment with an abundance of fantastic holidays and magical moments with your loved ones.

Buying a touring caravan - FAQs

As you consider whether buying a touring caravan is the right choice for you, here are some frequently asked questions:

Are touring caravans a good investment?

Touring caravans are a good investment, particularly if you plan to use them regularly and take advantage of their long-term durability. After your initial purchase, you can enjoy many years of fantastic holidays in unique locations for a much cheaper cost than other accommodation types.

How big are touring caravans?

Touring caravans come in a wide range of sizes. You can choose from compact two-berth models to more spacious options that accommodate up to six people. The size you choose will depend on your family's needs, your ideal type of holiday, and the towing capacity of your vehicle.

What do I need to consider before buying a touring caravan?

There are many things to consider before buying a touring caravan. It's essential to consider factors such as your budget, the size and style that best suits your needs, the towing capacity of your vehicle, and the ongoing maintenance and storage costs.

How much are touring caravans?

The cost of touring caravans varies significantly depending on different factors. This includes the size, features, and brand of the caravan. Basic models can be purchased for a few thousand pounds, while more luxurious, well-equipped caravans can cost tens of thousands.

How long do touring caravans last?

How long touring caravans last will depend on how often you use them and maintain them. With proper care and maintenance, a well-built touring caravan can last for many years – on average, around 15 years.

Can I go on holiday in my touring caravan?

Absolutely! You can go on a holiday in a touring caravan since they are designed for exactly this purpose. Touring caravans allow you to explore new destinations and adventures while having a comfortable, self-contained home-away-from-home.

Are you ready to buy a touring caravan for your next break?

As you can see, there’s much to consider when buying a touring caravan. However, considering the vast benefits of buying a touring caravan, it can make your decision much more accessible.

Imagine how fantastic your holidays will be when you can whisk away to an excellent location in the UK, explore the great outdoors to your heart’s content, and make treasured memories with your loved ones on an exciting break. Buying a touring caravan can be a transformative decision, opening up a world of new travel opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

At Away Resorts, we understand the importance of buying a touring caravan, and we’re here to help you find the perfect location and pitch to suit your needs and budget. We also offer a range of financing options and buy-to-let schemes if you want to purchase a static caravan instead, making it easier than ever to turn your caravan dreams into a reality.

So, why start planning your next adventure now and discover the joys of life on the road with a touring holiday?