We’ve all got hobbies, they’re an escape, a way to unwind and switch off. Some hobbies are very social, some are solitary, some are even good for our mental and physical health, so it makes sense that we’d want to take our hobbies with us when we go on holiday.
One of the many things we love about having a caravan is the freedom it gives you; you can just head off where you want, when you want and while most of us have a camping essentials checklist, it’s easy to just throw a few things in that let you take your hobby with you, whether that’s photography equipment, a set of clubs or a fishing rod (or three or four…).
Here are some of our favourite hobbies that we’ve enjoyed as caravanners.
ON YOUR BIKE
Cycling is something you can do anywhere and it’s a great way to explore a new area; whether you fancy yourself as the next Laura Kenny or Mark Cavendish or are happy pootling along with the family in tow, you can go at your own pace. All you need to do is strap your bikes on to your caravan, throw in your helmets and you’re off. Plenty of UK campsites are near cycle routes and we’ve picked out 10 of the best UK family bike rides in our blog, or you could have a look at the Sustrans cycle routes. Of course, there’s always the chance that the unexpected could happen so check out our bicycle insurance before you head off and read our guide to preventing bike theft.
STAY FOCUSED
Whether you choose a caravan site surrounded by mountains or are up on a cliff overlooking some of the UK’s spectacular coastline, you’re guaranteed some amazing shots. You might be photographing the local wildlife and trying to recreate some of the most iconic nature shots, or just snapping pictures of your family building sandcastles on the beach; whatever you’re photographing, you don’t have to be a brilliant photographer to get a brilliant photograph, and it’s a great way of capturing your memories. Photography is a very portable hobby, you can take your camera anywhere, but it might be worth insuring your camera equipment before you start snapping.
ANGLING FOR A GOOD CATCH
Caravan sites are often near water, whether that’s near the sea, a river or a lake, and you often get them at fishing lakes too, so it’s a good way to get your family involved, particularly kids (look at our blog for advice on fishing with kids). It’s an ideal opportunity for you to head out and fish somewhere new and even try fishing for new species, maybe trying new techniques at the same time. Fishing equipment can be very travel-friendly and many a caravanner has a couple of rods stashed under a bed or in the back of a car, just in case. It’s always worth checking out fishing tackle insurance before you go.
WATCH THE BIRDIE
There are plenty of golf courses here in the UK, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic golf courses, so it’s easy to put your clubs and golf shoes in the caravan before you set off. You can squeeze in a round while the non-golfers in the family enjoy the nearby beach/mountains; it’s the perfect combination of being able to indulge in a hobby while still enjoying a family holiday, and who knows, you might even persuade some of them to join you! Of course, the unexpected could happen both on and off the course, and the contents of your golf kit probably add up to a fair amount, so don’t forget to check if it’s a good idea to take out golf insurance.
IT’S A DOG’S LIFE
Why should humans be the only ones to enjoy fun activities on holiday? If you decide to bring your four-legged friends on holiday, why not look into dog agility courses? They’re loads of fun, and your dog doesn’t have to be nimble and fast either; there are categories for all ages and abilities. But if that sounds too strenuous (for both you and your pup) then you could just head for one of the many dog-friendly sites that have plenty of dog-based activities such as off-lead walking fields and doggie showers; they have dog food available and are situated near dog-friendly pubs and beaches. Some are securely fenced off so all the dogs can run off and play together. Remember there are rules around passengers being in a caravan when it’s being towed and while it’s not illegal to have your dog in your caravan when you’re travelling, it’s not a good idea so keep them in the car with you. Preparing for a holiday is also a good time to check you have the right pet insurance for you and your dog.
STAY TUNED
A relaxing holiday is an ideal time to learn something new; when you’re at home there’s always something that needs doing and we just don’t have the time. One thing that many adults wish they’d done when they were younger is learnt to play an instrument, but you’re never too old; for example, there’s no reason you can’t learn to play the piano as an adult, you just maybe can’t fit one in the back of your caravan! Of course, you have to be mindful of your surroundings when you’re on a campsite and respect the peace and quiet of the people around you, so check the rules and maybe leave your drum kit at home, but learning to play the guitar, for example, is a pretty straightforward process so what better time to get started than on holiday? There are plenty of online tutorials out there, with some giving you a list of songs you can play along to after just one hour of learning. Just remember to look into whether or not you should insure your music equipment, just to be on the safe side.
Often, exploring your hobby in new surroundings can rekindle your enthusiasm for it and you’re more likely to meet new people. Caravans give us freedom, flexibility, comfort and a sense of community, as well as access to the great outdoors, so a caravanning holiday is the perfect way to combine a holiday with a hobby.
Hobbies are an important part of our lives, they’re an escape from daily life and let us explore the things we feel passionate about and here at The Insurance Emporium our aim is to protect those things. Take a look at our caravan insurance and find out how we can protect you against those unexpected twists and turns, and remember, we can insure your static caravan too. Choose from 3 different policy types and then add some optional benefits to make sure you end up with a policy that gives you the cover you need while still being affordable. Head over to our website today for a free, no-strings quote.
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