New to touring

Like some above we matured into caravanning.  When we were VERY young (in the 1950s) my parents had an old caravan on a site in North Wales (The Warren before it became smart!) where we used to spend the summer.  Later when we had a family started in a tent but quickly wanted more comfort so into caravanning.  We have never looked back.

I think you have to look at what you want from holidays and general life style as it is a pretty big investment (Caravan, storage, insurance etc  and suitable tug).  If you want freedom, fresh air, adventure really if you are a free spirit and prepared to tug a caravan maybe it is for you.  If you like being looked after and waited on your hols not for you. If you have children I can fairly confidently say that they will love it!  We love it and now as we reach mid 70's we often think about stopping BUT we cannot think of any other type of holiday we may like.  Sit quietly with a glass of wine and talk about what you want from hols, ask other caravanners, hire one for a week or so. Then if you think 'yes' get a suitable inexpensive one to give it a real try for a year or so, you can always upgrade later without too much of a financial hit.  We squeezed us a large dog and 2 pre teen children in a Sprite 400 - cozy but great fun!

Others may disagree but for me caravans are great for a week at a place, then move on (which is what we tended to do). Where as with the MH it might only be a night or two, as set up is so much easier.

A very good point there for the OP to consider. 

Hello.

I have joined today and like the statement “ get your first night free”.

Do I now wait for a voucher before booking a weekend at one of the sites, to enable me to get that benefit? 

Thanks.

If you have a look in the membership section it gives the voucher terms and conditions, I think it says the voucher comes out with your membership card or within ten days. Looks like you need to check the dates when you can use it before booking. Hope this >LINK< helps. 

Maybe save its use for peak times? Easter school holiday fortnight for example

It certainly makes sense to do that. When we got them with the club credit card, we always saved them for the few nights we took in high season.  However, just be aware if the start of your break is at the lower rate and the end at the higher, you will only get a night at the lower rate off your bill. The voucher has to be used for your first night on a site. 

Unfortunately if you look at the t&cs peak times aren't available which is why I suggested checking the dates etc before booking.

Thank you all, this is really helpful. I like the idea of renting one to begin with and seeing how I get on. I'd love a caravan because then you can just go without having to worry about accommodation but I want to make sure it's the right commitment for me. 

You'll have your accommodation but you need somewhere to pitch it!

It isn't always as easy as just deciding to go somewhere on the spur of the moment. At certain times, Friday and Saturday nights are booked well in advance and some Club sites particularly in popular areas are full.

If you look at my reply on your other thread you will see that I mention weekend meets and temporary holiday sites. Often, these do not need to be booked in advance so may offer more freedom.

We spent three weeks touring Scotland last summer with a caravan and only stayed 2-3 nights in most places. We didn't have a problem setting up or packing up, in fact we can usually do it in about half an hour! I really don't think it's an issue at all for a lot of caravanners and having a separate tow car is a definite bonus. 

However,  we do sometimes consider swapping to a motorhome simply because they can go places that caravans can't! I would probably do more of the driving in a motorhome too, as I get a bit nervous on small twisty roads with the caravan...

I'm currently trying to persuade hubby that a small campervan to replace our tow car is the perfect solution 😊