So, is a seasonal for you? We’ve listed some of the pro’s and con’s of having a seasonal pitch…
Pros
- Home from home: Keep all your knick-knacks and clothes, etc in the caravan ready for your next visit. No need to load the suitcase!
- No more towing: The caravan stays where it is, so no more hogging those country lanes upsetting other drivers… actually, I do miss that bit 😉
- Quick setup on arrival: No more un-hitching and levelling the caravan. With everything pretty much already set up, its much quicker to be relaxing with a pint in your hand!
- Storage costs: Unless you have your own drive space, you’d have to pay for additional storage costs for your caravan when touring. For most sites, this is offset against the annual seasonal payment
- Easier on your car: Not dragging the caravan around means less wear and tear on your car – not to mention savings on the extra fuel needed to pull the caravan
- Sense of community: Either keep yourself to yourself, or make friends. Other caravanners are in it for the same reasons you are, creating a great sense of community
- Make your pitch your own: Most sites will allow you to add a personal touch to your pitch. Add a small garden area at the front of your caravan, some fairy lights, or a flag pole
- Spontaneity: Decide last minute to spend a few nights at the caravan without worrying about the site being fully booked
Cons
- Lack of variety: You’re fixed on one site. You may miss the adventure of seeing new places (once you’ve exhausted the surrounding areas)
- Pitch Cost: Generally, you need to pay upfront for the year (or sometimes split over 2 payments). If you don’t use the caravan frequently, it becomes much less cost effective
- Additional Costs: Always check you understand any additional costs. You’ll likely need caravan insurance, but there may be other costs such as metered electric, or additional fees for others using your caravan
- Site specific rules: As well as additional fees, there may be other site rules regarding size of awnings (some may even require you to take awnings down when you’re not present!), age limit of caravans, the use of decking, etc
- Waiting Lists: For the better sites, there’s generally a waiting list. So it’s worth looking at sites, and adding your name to the list
- Caravan/awning depreciation: The caravan (and an awning if you have one up) sit out in all weathers, in the sun, wind, and rain. Naturally, it has an impact on wear and tear
- Neighbours: Just like at home – if you don’t get on with your neighbours, your stuck with them (although at the end of the season, you may be able to move to another pitch if one is available)
- Toilet/grey water waste: For most sites, you’ll still have to empty the toilet and grey water waste at the waste disposal point – although occasional sites have such facilities on the pitch