Touring UK without having to book
Comments
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Alan, I must have been reading a different post to you....?
I thought David was suggesting that pretty much everyone (including himself) books sites in the UK....even for his ferry pitches....because 'that's what everyone does here'....
his other point referred to CC 'encouraging' the booking of sites overseas when it is absolutely unnecessary....
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If it is correct what the "over there" travelers are saying with the explosion of motor caravans and sites now curtailing their "season"because the motor caravaners are not useing them, it will soon get to the "book to ensure a pitch" as in the UK
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Anytime
it must be these 'foreign' posts...
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isnt the shift towards more Aires and Camperstop type sites, where the 'explosion' of MH numbers might be catered for...
the recent issue brought up on here was that caravanners (who don't/cant) make use of these types of 'site' are worried about dwindling site places at municipals and the like...
perhaps those who use sites might see a change in 'booking' requirements while those who tour a bit more impromptu (certainly in a MH) might see an increase in availability due to new sites or the conversion of some municipals...
i hope this doesn't happen, as it's wonderful for everyone to be able to relax about varying a trip without having to consider altering bookings etc....
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With what we are being told by "those in the know"that we are living (well some are) an ever more stressful life,then anything that decreases said stress, like ensuring that a place is booked at the next stop on your tour,must be a positive for your health
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obviously a foreign concept for you but I'd say the opposite is true....
when bumbling through France, I want to move when we have exhausted the attraction at a particular stop.....not when the next booking says so.....even changes in weather can have a bearing on where we want to be and when..
sometimes we stay for several days when we thought it might be one day, similarly we have moved on the same afternoon when we thought there might be plenty to do...
if all these 'thoughts' had been manifest as confirmed bookings, it would have been a right pain (stressful
) to constantly have to manipulate a tranche of bookings where the ripple effect along the rest of the trip would be equally painful to sort out....so, no, it's far less stressful to carry on moving to our fluid schedule, rather than a fixed one 'planned' weeks/months before...
you carry on with your fixed program but we're quite laid back about moving at our own (evolving) pace, thanks.
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Getting back to the OP, re touring the UK.
I agree with some earlier posts, it is not as easy as it was in the 80s or 90s to just turn up without booking first, even if only for one or two nights. Finding a none booked pitch on a CL was possible even in high season. Nowadays I always book well in advance and especially on CLs.
I'm not sure that it is the members "booking mentality", more that owning a caravan/motorhome is much more popular than it was.
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I know what you mean David. We have always gone 'over there' between June and August. My experience is that, even in the busy season we never used to book in the 1980's, but now we do. Perhaps its just the sites we visit. It's partly down to supply and demand I guess, but also to do with the size of our units and where we go.
In our tent and trailer tent days, it wasn't so critical, but now we are towing a largish caravan, I also like to make sure that we get a pitch that suits our needs and at a site which has reasonable access. In 2016, the site we stayed at in Italy, we wouldn't have got a suitable pitch had we not have booked. There were only tiny non-electric tent pitches left and as it was, pitches were very small. Similarly our German and Provence sites were full. Others were OK.
I actually quite like booking and planning it all out - It's a little like doing a jigsaw puzzle. 😀😀
David
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Mary and Joseph didn't book ahead on their travels, and it seemed to turn out allright in the end.
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I find having to be at a particular site on a specific day more stressful than the alternative which is turn up when I please.
so David... why did you book/reserve (call it what you will) and pay for that pitch and site on your last over there holiday?
I hope it wasn't too stressful?
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I can’t for the life of me see the difference between booking and reserving a particular pitch, other than nominating your preferred pitch. Surely, by reserving that pitch you are booking as there’s no point in reserving it otherwise. Perhaps you could enlighten us, David?
Do I recall correctly that booking/reserving the pitch also attracts a fee?
Good luck to you if that’s what enables you to have a good holiday. After all, that’s the name of the game but I honestly can’t see how it’s different from booking a pitch anywhere else.
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well, David I didn't find your post diffucult to understand....
had you not desired a specific pitch, you wouldn't have needed to book just to be sure if getting on site, which is the process the majority (everyone) adopts on a cc site....and that is the difference...
using Davids 'special pitch booking' as a comparison to CC booking is totally wrong.....the vast majority aren't interested in a particular pitch, and to get into a site (for a non special pitch) won't require a booking or a payment....until you decide to leave...
in contrast, cc customers book and pay in advance at the gate...
quite a difference, IMHO...
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Seriously you seem determined to confuse the need to book with the option to reserve a particular pitch
this is a wind up right?
Does this sound like any camping experience you have ever had in the club?
No, as yours is abroad. A totally different country and pitching experience to this country. What you are describing is not going to happen here so what point are you trying to make?
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Hopefully your OH gets the all clear and that you can get away as planned. However if you're still at home perhaps we could meet up somewhere if Fernlea is not too far from yourselves. Should you get to drop in to David's give him our regards and tell him we're looking forward to stopping there again.
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It's certainly something to consider for another year. I will be interested to hear all about your trip and what you thing if it's suitable for towing over there with a biggish van.
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I'll let you know, Nellie.
I imagine Vanbirds thoughts on booking sites rather than taking a chance with a caravan would be spot on. I was surprised to find how many sites there are on the islands but a lot of them are fairly pricey. I guess the islanders have to make a living from a shortish season.
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Might have been a different story if they had!
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"had you not desired a specific pitch, you wouldn't have needed to book..."
So it is a booking, then?🤔
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