Holidaying in the United Kingdom has become cool again! Not only has it become increasingly popular, but buying a caravan in Wales can also make financial sense. I have had a static holiday home for the past 11 years and I am amazed by the developments and the advances in technology, some of these architects could put house architects to shame! Here are my top caravan buying tips to ensure a trouble-free lifestyle:

1. After 11 years of owning my own holiday home, my very first tip to anyone who is thinking of following in my footsteps is simple: Do it! You won’t regret the decision. Having your own Holiday Home gives you a level of freedom, flexibility, comfort and convenience, plus value for money, of which no other commodity or service can match.

2. Buy a “preloved caravan” to give yourself a taste of what this lifestyle holds.

3. When choosing a holiday home park, aim for one which is no more than three hours drive from your home, preferably less. That way you will make more use of your caravan while having the added bonus of lower travelling costs.

4. Ask for the park’s vital statistics: 1. The number of years a caravan can stay on-site (Fir View Tan Y Ffridd Holiday Home Park has no restrictions) 2. The dates of the open season (15 February – 15 November)

5. Enforce a “no-shoes” rule inside your holiday home. Asking guests to leave their outdoor footwear in the cupboard by the door ensures your carpets last longer.

6. Keep your plot tidy. Keep the outside, as well as the inside, of your caravan as clean and tidy as possible. Not only does having a clean caravan and pitch make your holiday experience more pleasurable, but it also maximises potential return should you wish to sell your holiday home. Little and often is the labour-saving way.

7. Buy an Ordnance Survey Map of the Caravan Park’s surrounding area. This way you can explore the local area to best effect. You’ll be surprised how many footpaths and wildlife trails you will find off the beaten track! (Fir View Tan Y Ffridd Welshpool caravan park actually has the entrance to the “Ffridd Mathrafal” a 1, 2 or 3 hour Nature trail on site)

8. Check out and make full use of the amenities on site: Fir View Tan Y Ffridd Holiday Home Park’s free activities include a crazy golf course, Bowling green, Tennis court, Children’s play area, Nature trail, Social club house with children’s and adults playrooms and a Large recreational field encasing a 5 aside football pitch.

9. If you share your holiday home with family members; put up a little list on the fridge door of the tasks that need doing when using the caravan, such as switching on the gas, water and electricity on arrival and telling the office who they are and how long they are staying.

10. Take all the usual common-sense precautions regarding security, not least locking all external doors and closing all windows whenever leaving your caravan unoccupied or you may find a squirrel has ransacked your cupboard!

11. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. Caravan life is simpler and more enjoyable when you are not surrounded by clutter.

12. Never keep gas cylinders secured by a big hefty chain! In the case of a fire, they cannot easily be removed and dread the thought that a small garden fire could lead to your caravan being obliterated! For the sake of saving a couple of pounds, it simply isn’t worth it. Number, date and marking gas cylinders with a felt tip pen each time they are replaced will help you keep tabs on your gas usage and improve security.  Only have two gas bottles at a time, as two is all that you will ever need, the one you are using and a spare for if you run out in the night. This will reduce clutter and untidiness.

13. Switch off the gas, electricity and water at the mains if you are leaving your holiday home for 12 hours or more.

14. At the end of the season, remove all valuables and perishables. Take down curtains and nets and, if necessary, use the opportunity to give all bedding a good wash.

15. At the start of the new season, allow yourself a full day to get everything sorted out before you plan to take a holiday. This ensures everything is fine and your holiday home is ready for occupation.