Been doing it since Feb 2007 and have no regrets up to now, we have used our daughters address for all our banking, insurances, etc . Up to know we havent taken the van abroad just like book a late deal and fly off all inclusive we have a dog so may take the van abroad when she goes to doggie heaven dont know as must admit we enjoy flying ( going to Spain next Tuesday for a week my big 60 lol).Last year we took a job on a campsite as wardens and liked it so much going back again end of March for the season. When we go off to do our touring i have a camping twintub which is one of the best things i have bought its great, i know we carnt do this life for ever but shall do it as long as we are fit enough to then we will have to go back into a house
------------- avenge yourself live long enough to be a problem to the kids
How much is a twintub? I usually soak our washing with a bit of small and mighty and vanish in the shower tray, leave it for a few hours and wash out, works well but could do with a labour saving device for longer trips. Don't really fancy warden work, as we like to move about.
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I too would love to have a crack at living in the van just roaming from site to site. However I'd try to do as Ratty suggested & rent the house out on short term agreements so I could get back in as & when. I knew a chap who just gave up his business, rented out his house & went off in his caravan, I thought he'd taken to touring full time but it turned out he & his wife are running a site & living on it in their caravan. I hope you'll keep us up to speed if you take the plunge & do it.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 01/2/2011
How much is a twintub? I usually soak our washing with a bit of small and mighty and vanish in the shower tray, leave it for a few hours and wash out, works well but could do with a labour saving device for longer trips. Don't really fancy warden work, as we like to move about.
I paid around £60 to £65 for mine from Torksey Caravans you have to look around as the price can differ, i used to handwash which i didnt mind but it was having the clothes dripping wet which i hated but now its fine, though you have to remember not to overfill with clothes
------------- avenge yourself live long enough to be a problem to the kids
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 01/2/2011
How much is a twintub? I usually soak our washing with a bit of small and mighty and vanish in the shower tray, leave it for a few hours and wash out, works well but could do with a labour saving device for longer trips. Don't really fancy warden work, as we like to move about.
We have one of those, it is actually pretty good. I think they are £60-£80 depending on where you buy from. Saves a lot of money on site machines.
We have been doing several months away each year since OH retired in 2007, it's great! Last year we were away mid May to Mid September, all the way to the north of Norway.
This year we are doing April/May/June in Europe, then hope to fit in several weeks away in UK later on.
We would not sell up and go full time, much too fond of our home comforts! But the long trips do let us go much further afield.
I couldn't do it full time but then Ive still got two young children so the peaceful tranquility & freedom feeling is out of the window. When I was young we used to go away for the entire summer holiday on my parents narrow boat and I remember my mum getting cabin fever about 4 weeks into the holiday and look forward to home. Later on they took their dutch barge to France and spent 2-3 mths a year travelling around & my brother and I would pop in and take care of the house for them, so I think that once the kids have grown up we would do something similar to that in the caravan. However, like them I'd have to have my lovely home to come back to once I'd tired of the sun. You know what they say too much of a good thing...
We are both coming up to 60 and considering retiring (being public sector employes it might be sooner rather than later!) We reckon we will tour Europe in ther low season while we are fit enough.
May consider Eurocamp/Keycamp option if we could get it.
Going to go to Australia for a few months when we retire as SWMBO was born there. We are putting money aside now for our trip.
Difficult to get much return on savings at the mo!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Eurocamp are hiring now for this season and there are other companies too that do it. Some much prefer older couples as they are already aware of how to clean!
We lived permanently in our carvan for well over 2 years and enjoyed every minute. The sites we stayed on had washing facilities so no need for washing machines etc. Everything was legal and above board.