Whether you opt for a new model or an older one, buying a caravan is a significant investment. 

It’s important to remember that there is a big difference between modern caravans and ones that have had more experience on the road. Before making a down payment, be sure to weigh up the pros and cons of old vs new caravans. 

The caravan specialists at Ropers Leisure have shared their advice for those seeking to snap up a touring vehicle. 

Although you might be tempted by the cheaper price tag of used or older caravan models, be aware that you’ll likely spend more in the long run on repairs or replacement parts. Additionally, they won’t feature the latest amenities and creature comforts that most people are used to today. 

If you plan to rent out your caravan, this could make it a less attractive option than the later models. Furthermore, you’ll have to fork out to equip your leisure vehicle with the modern features that society has come to expect. 

Newer caravans come with a higher price tag. However, they offer a wider range of modern features that make the touring experience much more enjoyable, such as increased storage space, larger windows, smart technology and more advanced cooking facilities. 

Investing in a modern caravan provides more peace of mind as you can set off knowing that you won’t encounter unexpected malfunctions or breakdowns. 

Although buying a new caravan model is the safest choice, it’s not always an option for many people. If you’re eager to get out on the road but you’re on a budget, there are still ways to invest in a used caravan affordably. 

Before deciding whether to buy an old or modern caravan, ask yourself the following questions to help you determine which option will ultimately be cheaper. 

• Do the interiors need updating or replacing?
• Are all parts of the motor (engine, electrics, wheels etc) functional?
• Are the caravan’s safety certificates up to date?

James Roper at Ropers Leisure commented: “We can see there are advantages for both old and new caravans, and we can see new versus used advantages as well. However, it’s clear that people want to experience a staycation away that contains all the up-to-date facilities modern caravans typically provide.

“Outdated interior and poorly specced caravans won’t meet people’s travelling demands in the day and age we live in, and this will especially come into practice if you intend to rent out your caravan to others.”

Image credit: Roper Leisure

Summer might be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of time to head out in your caravan or motorhome to enjoy what’s left of the good weather. 

Since the pandemic, staycation popularity has been growing in the UK. Motorists should be aware of towing regulations before embarking on a touring adventure to avoid penalties and fines that could ruin their vacation before it begins. 

Car leasing experts at LeaseCar.uk have researched the latest towing laws to help travellers stay prepared. Although car and trailer tests aren’t required anymore, it’s always a good idea to practice towing somewhere quiet before getting out on the road. 

With that in mind, here are some rules and considerations to be aware of before setting off. 

When did you pass your test?

Rules around towing changed in 2021 to allow more drivers to legally tow trailers without needing to pass a trailer driving test first. 

Those who passed their test before the 1st of January 1997 are not affected by any changes and can drive a vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg MAM.

If you passed your driving test from the  1st of January 1997 to 18th of January 2013, you were previously allowed to drive either:

• A car or van weighing up to 3,500kg MAM and tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg MAM (a total of 4,250kg)
• A trailer weighing more than 750kg only if it didn’t weigh more than the unladen weight of the vehicle (3,500kg in total)

You would have had to pass a car and trailer driving test to tow anything heavier.

The rules were also the same for those with licenses issued after the 19th of January 2013.

Now, anyone who passed their driving test after the 1st of January 1997 can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg MAM. Be sure to check your vehicle’s handbook to find out the gross train weight (GTW).

Rules to remember

Apart from the legal requirements mentioned above, there are other rules motorists should be aware of before hitting the road with their leisure vehicle in tow. 

• The maximum speed when towing a trailer or caravan is 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways. 
• Legally, the maximum width of a trailer or caravan should not exceed 2.55 metres. 
• The maximum length of a caravan towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres
• To prevent blind spots, it is a legal requirement to install towing mirrors if the trailer is wider than the vehicle. 
• The vehicle and trailer or caravan must display the same number plate. 

Failure to follow these laws can result in hefty fines of up to £2500 and three points on the driver’s licence – which is enough to put a dampener on anyone’s end-of-summer holiday.

Image credit: Benjamin Zanatta / Unsplash

Planning a road trip to mark the end of summer? It turns out you don’t have to leave the UK to visit some of the world’s most famous international destinations (kind of). 

Many Brits are opting for UK-based staycations or caravanning or camping adventures due to airport chaos and cancellations. 

To help make choosing a destination easier (and a little more exotic), the team at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have identified some must-see British locations that share their name with international hotspots. 

Of course, don’t expect these locations to bear any resemblance to their international counterparts beyond their name. However, they are still definitely worth a visit and offer a change of scenery from other popular UK holiday destinations.  

From Barcelona in Cornwall to Columbia in Tyne and Wear, why not make an international road trip the theme of your next touring adventure? 

Here are seven UK destinations with international counterparts. 

Moscow, Ayrshire

Sharing its name with Russia’s largest city, it’s been suggested that this Scottish hamlet got its name due to the prisoners and refugees that lived there during the Crimean War. 

Combine a visit to Moscow with a road trip around Scotland, and don’t forget to check out some of the delightful beaches around the coast. 

Barcelona, Cornwall

Nothing like the vibrant and lively cosmopolitan city in Spain, Cornwall’s Barcelona got its name due to a Spanish native who saved a famous resident from a shipwreck disaster in the 1800s. 

As one of the most picturesque counties in the UK, a trip to Barcelona is easily paired with a road trip along the Cornish coast. 

Egypt, Bradford 

Located in West Yorkshire, just a short distance from its North African counterpart, Egypt is thought to have been named in commemoration of Napoleon’s 18th-century invasion of its namesake. 

Although there’s not much to see in this tiny hamlet, the Yorkshire Dales is an area of outstanding beauty.

Florence, Staffordshire

Although you’ll find no Renaissance masterpieces here, Florence is a charming suburb that’s well worth the visit. 

However, it lies near the Peak District, which offers quite another kind of beauty. 

Combine your visit with some hiking or even wild swimming if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Palestine, Hampshire

It doesn’t have much in common with Jerusalem, and its name remains a mystery to this day, but this charming village is worth visiting if you’re heading to the south of England.

California, Norfolk

This quaint seaside town gets its name from some 16th-century gold coins that were discovered on its shores. The lovely beach is a great spot to take the whole family. 

Columbia, Tyne and Wear

Columbia is located in the town of Washington in the north of England, which was home to George Washington’s ancestors. Other areas in England that have transatlantic connections include New York in Tyneside and Cleveland in County Durham. 

Image credit: Hamish Duncan / Unsplash

The 30th of August is National Beach Day. To mark the occasion, the team at ShowerstoYou have discovered the most Instagrammable islands worldwide by researching how many hashtags each location had on the popular social media platform.

If you want to head a little further afield on your next caravanning adventure, consider planning a trip to one of these idyllic locations. If you do – we guarantee you’ll be the envy of all your social media followers.

Accumulating an incredible 76,086,685 hashtags, Bali secured first place as the most Instagram-worthy island in the world. With plenty of places to rent a campervan and numerous campsites dotted around the island, Bali makes a beautiful touring destination. 

Second place goes to Sicily, the historical island just off the boot of Italy. Home to a number of active volcanoes, Greek temples and exquisite beaches, Sicily is a must for anyone’s travel bucket list. There are pitching spots located throughout the island, so planning a route is straightforward. 

Coming in third place is Jamaica, the Caribbean island home to mountains, lush rainforests and reef-lined coast. If you want to enjoy the sun, sand and sea (and show off about it to all your followers), hop in a caravan and discover all that this island has to offer. 

Next up is Sri Lanka, an island country located in south Asia. Known for its beach resorts, national parks, wildlife and, of course, tea – Sri Lanka is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable locations in the world. Explore in your leisure vehicle to discover all of its hidden gems. 

In fifth place – and a little closer to home – is Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Here you can explore sandy beaches, limestone cliffs and Moorish and Roman ruins. If you’re seeking a memorable touring destination with plenty of picturesque views and hiking routes along the way, head to Mallorca on your next road trip. 

Other notable spots that made the list include the Maldives, Sardinia in Italy, Santorini and Crete in Greece and Portugal’s Madeira. 

Martin Smith, the owner of ShowertoYou, commented on why he thinks island destinations are an increasingly popular choice for travellers:

“A vacation on an island provides people with the perfect opportunity for a fun adventure like scuba-diving or snorkelling, allowing them to explore the beauty of the oceans. Another great aspect of an island holiday is that due to most islands’ tropical locations, lovely weather is almost certainly guaranteed. And last but not least, booking an island trip means that people will be able to admire astonishing landscapes that can be found nowhere else, making their stay unforgettable.”

Image credit: marcociannarel / Shutterstock

What’s a more relaxing way to spend an evening than cosying up in front of the fire and getting lost in a good book? Although we’re more distracted than ever by the digital world, reading remains one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. 

As an ode to the country’s wanderlusting bookworms, the team at The Knowledge Academy has identified the cities with the best bookshops, libraries and public bookcases across the UK.

So if you’re a caravan enthusiast with a penchant for reading, why not make one of these cities for book lovers your next touring destination? 

Cambridge

Famed for being home to one of the world’s leading universities where literary greats like Lord Byron and Sylvia Plath studied, it’s no wonder Cambridge tops the list as the best destination for book lovers. 

Chock-full of bookshops and libraries, Cambridge is also a wonderful destination for caravanning and camping. Stay at the Cambridge Camping and Caravanning Club Site close to the River Cam, which is also one of the best spots in the UK to enjoy wild swimming. 

Edinburgh

The birthplace of Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson and Muriel Spark – Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the UK for avid readers. If you’re planning a touring trip to Scotland, the capital should certainly be on your itinerary. 

Wander Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and explore its numerous bookshops and libraries. Once you’ve had enough of the city, head to one of the country’s best beaches or hidden gems to enjoy a spot of secluded reading.

York

No literary bucket list of the UK would be complete without a trip to York. Known for its stunning architecture and surrounding Yorkshire Dales, the city is also home to charming bookshops to find your next novel. 

Once you’ve toured York and filled your bag with books, hop in your caravan and head to one of the best picnic spots along the Yorkshire Coast to immerse yourself in a story to the backdrop of the waves crashing against the shore. 

Oxford

Home to another of the world’s leading universities, the likes of Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkein and Lewis Carroll graced the streets of Oxford back in the day. It’s also where you’ll find one of the most famous libraries in the world, the Bodleian Library, making it the ideal destination for a literary-themed road trip. 

Surrounded by spots to pitch up and beautiful countryside to explore, why not combine your next touring adventure with a trip to one of the world’s most thriving literary capitals? 

Brighton and Hove

This seaside city is renowned for its liberal atmosphere which has given way to a culture and arts scene that makes it unique. 

In Brighton and Hove you’ll find numerous new and second-hand bookshops to explore, and you can combine your visit with a touring adventure around the southeast of England. 

Image credit:  Aaron Burden / Unsplash