FinancialPartners (Tas)
FinancialPartners (Tas) - Start, tomorrow, today… Find out how we can help make your picture of tomorrow become reality.
Would you caravan?
If you’re thinking about taking the family on a great Aussie adventure or perhaps considering buying a caravan to see out your golden years, read on to find out what you need to know.
Did you know that 85% of Australians have been either caravanning or camping at least once in their life?1 And 73% of buyers cite ‘seeing more of Australia’ as their main reason to caravan? But it’s not just all about long, lazy days in the sun – some Aussies want to travel by caravan to do casual work on the road to early retirement.2
And, with the Aussie dollar no longer at its strongest the price of a local holiday has become much more appealing than an overseas holiday.3
Whatever your reason, there are lots of things to consider before you pack the family, the dog and the esky in your caravan. Here are some of them.
Think about why you want a caravan
Is it to replace future holidays (43% use their RV 5 to 10 times per year4) or for the occasional weekend away? If it’s the latter, rent one instead of buying and put the cash towards something else.
Decide if you want a new caravan or if a second-hand one will do. This will help narrow down your budget and choice of vehicle.
Do you have somewhere to store a caravan? Will you need to update or replace your car to safely tow it?
Caravan, motorhome or something else?
Consider which ‘rig’ is right for you. Choose from a caravan or motorhome, a campervan, camper trailer, a fifth wheeler or a tent which can range from 3 to 10 metres in length.
If you choose a caravan, can you tow it safely? If you’re not sure, don’t panic – there are caravan towing classes available to help you hone your skills, long before you get behind the wheel!
Why not rent a similar caravan first to make sure you feel comfortable with driving it before putting down a deposit on a new one.
What else to consider
If you want to ensure the caravan has no money owing and is not stolen, buy from a licensed dealer.
Check the caravan has an “Accreditation Key” displayed – the key is a symbol that the product meets Australian Design Rules, Australian Standards, and the industry Code of Practice and it can be found by the door of those accredited products.
Where to camp
Check camping and caravanning guides, websites or magazines to help you do your research before you start out (see ‘Sources’ at the end of this article).
If you want a campsite with facilities (shower, toilet etc), book into caravan parks, national parks, state forests or even some rest areas.
Travelling with pets
If you have your moggy or doggy with you, you can’t stay in national parks, but some caravan parks and council sites will let you book in with your furry friends.
Who will look after the house?
If you don’t have a friend or relative to mind your house, consider booking a free house sitter through websites such as Aussie Housesitters where you can search for a sitter, view their profile and ask for references or police checks.
Get your affairs in order
Take out car and caravan insurance but don’t forget to maintain your house and contents insurance, health cover and personal insurances.
If you’re going to be away for some time, set up direct debits to pay your bills and redirect your mail if no-one is collecting it for you.
Need help?
Speak to us today and we can plan your trip together.
Happy caravanning!
1,4 Caravan Industry Association of Australia: http://www.caravanindustry.com.au/research
2http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/lifestyle/working-as-you-go/on-the-road-to-retirement/
3http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/economists-say-get-used-to-more-expensive-overseas-holidays-as-aussie-struggles-20150706-gi6a1i.html
Sources:
Guide books: Caravan Parks (Australia wide), Camps (Australia wide)
Magazines: Caravan World, Caravanning Australia
Websites: Caravanning Australia www.caravanningoz.com.au
Let’s go: Caravan & Camping – http://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au
The Grey Nomads – www.thegreynomads.com.au
Apps: Caravanning Australia; Camps Australia Wide
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 6 January 2016. Original article.
© AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Take the first step towards your financial future.
If you need help with personalised advice on financial planning, be it wealth strategies or protection for you or your family, or a need to discuss your present or future retirement options give us a call today on 03 6343 1007.
Alternatively send us a message or simply book an appointment now with one of our qualified financial planners on our online booking service at a mutually acceptable time.
Copyright © FinancialPartners Blog All Rights Reserved
Feel free to copy and share this but include the entire article and reference back to this site thanks.
FinancialPartners (Tas) Pty Ltd ABN 26 160 284 739 is an Authorised Representative and Credit Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited ABN 89 051 208 327 Australian Financial Services Licence 232706 and Australian Credit Licence 232706.
‘This blog post contains information that is general in nature. It does not not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information.
You should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial adviser, AMP Financial Planning and other companies within the AMP Group may receive fees and other benefits. The fees will be a dollar amount and/ or a percentage of either the premium you pay or the value of your investment. Please contact us if you want more information.’
Tags: Australia, Camping, caravan, Economy of Australia, Need, Need to know, Recreational vehicle, RV, Want, Would, Would you caravan?, You
Would you caravan?
FinancialPartners