Caravanning with Pets
The sole reason this was so attractive to us was because of our dog at the time, Saffi. Dear Saffi, was the first dog that we’d owned together. From birth, Saffi had a severe heart condition, which just made her even more special. We had always historically gone on abroad holidays, often multiple times a year. However, leaving Saffi became stressful and a worry. She would never have coped with kennelling, and although we had done it, leaving her with family was a huge ask and responsibility.
With the later addition of Lola, having the caravan so that we could enjoy some time away to relax but not need to worry about the logistics of where the dogs would go or who would look after them just made life so much simpler and less stressful. Needless to say, both of the dogs very quickly fell in love with the caravan and our trips as much as we did. To this day, Lola just knows what’s going on when we start packing for a trip. She gets so excited and is always so hugely relaxed when in the caravan. Both dogs, but Lola especially, have adored the large front window in our Barcelona and now Cartagena. She loves nothing more than to peer her head out of the window to take in all the exciting views and smells, especially of a neighbouring BBQ!
We don’t have children, but the same idea applies. We have many friends who have children as well as pets. It’s just wonderful to be able to travel, see different places and have new adventures… all within the company of our nearest and dearest. Whether that be friends, family, children, or pets. During our time touring, we have seen some very interesting travelling companions on sites. We’ve seen fellow caravaners with cats, dogs, caged birds, fish tanks, and even rabbits on leads being taken for walks. That very sense of community and “all-inclusive” approach is one of the many reasons we have continued to enjoy our touring experiences.
Granted, most sites have different rules and/or target audiences, and we all have our preferences. But that’s just it. There is just something for everyone within the touring community. Whether it be large sites with bars, restaurants, and entertainment, adult-only sites, or tiny sites that are as basic as possible. With the versatility of our touring vehicles and accessories, we can easily accommodate friends, family, and pets to enjoy a break with as many or as few as desired.
We have now owned our Bailey Unicorn Cartagena for almost a year, and we remain thrilled with it. It was the perfect choice for us. In our opinion, the layout is perfect for us as a couple, with the flexibility of being able to accommodate occasional guests if needed. With its level of comfort and onboard facilities, we have found ourselves enjoying really basic, quiet and even off-grid sites. This means we can get away with more than ever, and Lola approves of this!
Every site we’ve ever been to has been welcoming to dogs. Some more so than others that have gone that extra mile to think of extra on-site facilities that may be of use to pet owners. We have stayed on a site previously that offered a dog-sitting/walking service. We have been to sites that have dedicated dog wash areas which have been very handy to keep the dogs clean if they’ve gotten muddy on a walk. We even went to a site that offered pitches for dog owners, customers with children, or those who maybe didn’t mind. We felt this was a really helpful choice upon booking as it’s only fair that some people may prefer not to be near dogs or have children who may be fearful of dogs. Just a small detail that could potentially make a real difference to someone’s holiday.
The industry as a whole is generally very geared up towards our companions holidaying with us, and the accessories available are just wonderful. From non-spill bowls, collapsible bowls, and water containers to their inflatable awnings!
Having the dogs was the main reason we chose to have the air conditioning fitted. For Saffi especially, with her heart condition, she found the heat very difficult. We don’t often use it, but it’s such an asset to have to be able to cool the caravan down dramatically in the hotter months. Not that we enjoy it, it’s only for the dog, of course!
Overall, we remain smitten with our van, and the freedom it gives us to have breaks away as frequently as possible. The sites and facilities that are out there waiting to be discovered, and the overwhelming feeling of inclusivity to be able to have holidays where we want, when we want, with who we want.
