Complete caravan virgins

I think jill raises great advice, can I suggest the first trip is a weekend at a site about an hour from home in case you forget something major and don't be afraid to ask for help from the wardens or others while on site, we have all been there and most love having the opportunity to part with years of knowledge.

Great advice to start near home then you can get back for essentials - Clumber Park - perhaps - Poolsbrook - or Market Rasen.  Lots of choices as long as there are vacancies!  But perhaps you will have more questions before 1st July!  I would record the handover with the Dealer it is impossible to remember everything they say - if not record - take a notebook and scribble like mad! 

For your first trip, somewhere not too far from home with easy access and EHU is good as it keeps it simple and gives you the chance to go home if you forget something. While you are away try everything in the van to ensure it works correctly. This includes everything that works from just battery and/or gas. It is worth disconnecting from EHU to test these out in real use.

Don't go out and buy every accessory, you will find out what you need with use of the van. If your payload is not too well used you can save some cash by purchasing glasses, crockery etc. from charity shops. This works for us as we prefer real glasses and china but inevitably have a few breakages over time which can be easily and cheaply replaced.

Finally, consider all the different options for how you use your caravan. These range from the expensive full facility sites, CLs with various levels of facilities and rallies. The sites speak for themselves but can be as much £30 a night. CLs vary greatly but many have hard standing, EHU and other facilities whilst others can be very basic (just a water supply and elsan point). Rallies can be good for novices as there is a lot of advice available and can be a good opportunity to make friends.

could anyone tell us where to get good sleeping bags. also my grandchildren love benidorm, but i dont like the campsites near the beach they are so crowded the in altea, could anyone recommend a site about maybe ten miles away from benidorm, i would be so grateful

Moderator Edit:

You might be better to ask your question regarding campsites overseas in the Overseas Sites and Touring Section.

sorry meant to say the same in altea

For sleeping bags look on line at Amazon or a similar web site. I bought some good cotton sleeping bags on line, they are large and roomy and have got us through winter and summer fairly well. Some sleeping bags are bulky, others will roll into small bags. Have a think what might suit your your needs, you won't need expedition type ones in a van!

I got a good sleeping bag from Go Outdoors. Dont forget to get the discount with your CC card.

I hate sleeping bags - and I don't think I am alone in that - especially in a hot country - but in your case it might not be practical to take bedding from home?  Sorry gone off topic from the original post - but then they too might like to consider using bedding from home rather than splash out on new sleeping bags. 

I always carry a few fuses, check which size are in your van.  I had one blow this week.

Thanks so much for all your advice, good to know that there will be other caravaners on site who may not mind putting us straight if we get it wrong.  I think we will make sure we have our sense of humour with us above all else and enjoy this new experience.  We have booked into Clumber on 1 July, could only get the one night as they are full on the Saturday, so if anyone is there that day and catches a glimpse of we novices, feel free to come over and say hello.  Thanks again, very much appreciated.