Camping

Although many campsites in Scotland were still at fully booked in peak season, many have seen an increase in late bookings, made online, as holiday makers try to second guess the weather.

Our poor summer weather has come as a blow to the UK holiday park industry, which was riding high on the growing popularity of eco friendly UK holiday breaks.

Many companies have however benefited from increased investment in indoor facilities and the development of more responsive online reservation systems to help combat the influence of the unpredictable UK weather.

Some camp site are also reporting a slight decrease in static caravan holiday home sales on UK parks as a direct result of the adverse weather conditions.

It seems however that the Internet is proving ''weather proof'' with many companies reporting a growth in online searches for UK caravan holidays and static caravan holiday homes. Many people within the industry feel that the weather has forced customers inside stimulating online searches for information.

These factors indicate the increasing importance of the Internet as a distribution channel for UK businesses as customers turn their back on traditional media such as national press.

As a result online users are now demanding intuitive websites that offer excellent information and secure and reliable online booking services.

Static caravans have increased in popularity in recent years. Caravans are larger and better-fitted than ever before, making them an affordable and comfortable accommodation option for many holidaymakers. With enough space to accommodate a family, and fully fitted bathroom and kitchen facilities, they provide an ideal base for exploring the local beach, countryside and tourist attractions.

Make the most of your caravan holiday by planning ahead. In the UK, we can't always rely on fabulous weather, so you need to make sure that you have plans for bad weather days as well as sunny ones. A little bit of research before you leave home is all it takes to help you decide how to manage your holiday time.

%u2022 Check the weather forecast - it's possible to check the weather forecast at least 5 days in advance, and whilst it might not be 100% accurate, it will give you a good idea of what sort of weather to expect when you're away. This might help you pack and decide what else you need to take to keep you occupied.

%u2022 Chill or thrill? - what sort of holiday are you looking for? If you just want the chance to relax on the beach or spend time catching up on your reading, then a caravan holiday is ideal - with most parks just a few hundred yards from the beach, you can spend all day in the sun without having to worry about parking, driving home or forgetting to bring lunch. Or just sit outside your caravan so that everything you need is to hand. For the more adventurous, many seaside resorts offer amusements, rides and other entertainment, or try a range of water sports and other activities.

%u2022 Check online - the internet is a great resource for people visiting a destination for the first time, or looking for something new to do. Check out the area you're travelling to, and find out what there is to see and do. This helps you to create a checklist before you go, so that you don't waste time when you get there.

Charmouth Camping and Caravanning Club Site in Dorset is soon to welcome luxurious Caravan Holiday Homes onto its site in a bid to provide more accommodation for members who want to spend more time on this multiple award winning camp site.

This fantastic site, surrounded by picturesque countryside and located by the West Dorset's World Heritage Coast, will have 28 Caravan Holiday Homes, in a high quality development enjoying full use of the sites range of facilities. With attractions such as Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, The Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park and the beautiful Lyme Bay waters, there are a host of activities to suit all ages.

Through purchasing a Holiday Home on Charmouth, owners will benefit from a welcoming, smaller development. The plots themselves are a very generous size, with room to make your Holiday Home your own, whether this be through decking, shrubs or similar. Also included is a warm and friendly environment, with managers situated on-site. 107 years of Club experience will ensure that you get the most out of the area and your home.

Simon Kewley, Charmouth Site Franchisee says "We are very excited to welcome the arrival of Caravan Holiday Homes. This area of Dorset is perfect for exploration, as well as relaxation. Holiday Homes will fit in perfectly on the Charmouth Site and will provide a base for many happy holidays."

Steve Harris, Chairman of The Camping and Caravanning Club's Sites Committee, says "The Club is always looking to offer our members more choice; however they choose to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. We are keen to respond to our member's needs, and we know that many look to Caravan Holiday Homes as a base to return to their favourite part of the country time after time.

"This development marks the first time that we have been able to offer Caravan Holiday Homes in the South of England, which will undoubtedly be extremely popular. This development is already generating a lot of interest, so we would recommend booking your plot early to avoid disappointment."

For more information about the Charmouth Site, please visit their website page on SiteSeeker or call the site direct on 01297 32965. For more information about Caravan Holiday Homes, please visit the Caravan Holiday Home pages or call Paula Giles on 024 7647 5320.