However, caravanners planning their first overseas adventure are being advised to do their homework first.

Driving and indeed towing a caravan in Europe is different from the UK in many obvious ways – not least driving on the right instead of the left – but there are also a few more subtle differences.

Most will be aware that in Europe all speed limits are in kilometres per hour instead of miles, but a less well known fact is that it is a legal requirement to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket in some countries.

Fines of up to 80 Euros can be handed out in France, Austria, Belgium and Germany, for failure to comply with this law.

Of equal importance is the need to carefully check your touring caravan insurance before heading over the channel, as not all caravan insurance policies cover driving on the continent.

Other useful advice includes keeping some local currency close at hand as many major motorways on the continent are toll roads and take regular stops as driving when tired is dangerous enough at the best of times, even more so on an unfamiliar road network.

One thing’s for sure – the caravan industry has definitely been considering the question thoroughly.  Green caravanning is a major issue, and is becoming something of a battle ground for service providers, campsites and manufacturers all competing for the best credentials.

For a start, all caravanners have something to feel good about.  By driving, rather than flying, to your holiday destination, you are significantly reducing the strain on airline fuels (which are, of course, a major contributor to global warming).

However, you probably won’t be able to use a particularly low-fuel-consumption car to tow your heavy caravan around the country or the continent.  Many of the best towing cars in fact perform very poorly in terms of green credentials.

There are many ways that you can reduce this adverse affect of your holiday.  For a start, consider hiring a car for your holiday towing needs, rather than using a gas-guzzler year-round.  If you only need the power and size for one holiday a year, this would prove a far more energy efficient (and probably cheaper) option.

When you are on the road, remember that reducing your speed to 75% of top speed can halve your fuel consumption.  Take your sweet time on the road, enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace and you’ll be doing your bit to save energy.

Whatever car you drive, undergoing a service or checking procedure before you set off can flag up issues which would cause low energy efficiency.  Under-inflated tyres (either of the car or caravan) can add huge strains on your vehicle, and waste fuel.

Another important environmental consideration is the campsites themselves.  Whilst caravanners are renowned for being a respectful group who are mindful of their surroundings, some campsites can create eyesores in beautiful landscapes, or damage the local area through misuse.

Many of the major caravan sites, such as those owned by The Caravan Club, have introduced rules and procedures to ensure high environmental standards for their sites.  Energy efficiency tests, recycling facilities and wildlife audits are all key parts of keeping these standards high.

Recognising such efforts, the David Bellamy Conservation Awards, set up in 1996, encourage site owners to pay attention to keeping caravanning green.  For holiday-makers, the award gives a clear indication of which sites to visit if they are concerned for the environment.  The awards are offered after inspection by environmental professionals who assess according to strict standards.

Of course, it isn’t enough just to park up at an environmentally friendly campsite.  Individual holidaymakers also have to make the effort in respecting their environment and contributing to the site’s efforts.

Green caravanning doesn’t have to involve stresses and strains.  It might involve some small compromises or changes in habits, but for the most part the benefits outweigh the costs.  Whilst you are planning changes, don’t forget to check that your caravan is fully covered with Caravan Insurance.

The Old Brick Kiln Park

There are over sixty spacious semi hard standing pitches for your caravan, tent or trailer tent. There are some lovely local walks from the park where there is an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife. Norfolk’s lovely beaches are not far away if you fancy a day by the sea away from your caravan.

There is a chef serviced restaurant at the park where all food is prepared on site. The restaurant is open on select nights. Their website is very informative, click here to visit online.

The owners are really friendly and helpful too, I had a very nice week here at Easter. Give it a try!

Before you leave make sure you have obtained your caravan insurance, don’t leave home without it!

Gary