Day to day, you'll be doing your own cooking and washing up, much as you would in a self-catering cottage, so it helps to bring a few kitchen basics like tea towels and washing-up liquid rather than assuming everything will be there. Bedding is usually provided, but it's worth checking your specific booking, since this varies park to park.

Finally, ask about parking, whether each unit has its own space or whether you're sharing a car park a short walk away, particularly if you're arriving with a car full of luggage and a young family in tow.

On arrival, you'll usually collect keys from reception or a check-in point, where someone can point you towards your caravan, talk you through anything specific to that unit, and flag opening times for the pool, clubhouse or shop if the park has them. It's worth asking any questions at this point, staff on site tend to be used to first-time guests and are generally happy to run through anything that isn't obvious.

If you're bringing a dog, check the pet policy before you book rather than after. Parks vary on which units accept dogs, whether there's a charge, and whether there are walking areas on site. It's a five-minute check that saves a difficult phone call later.

Ask how far the park actually is from the beach or the coast, in minutes rather than vague terms like „nearby“. A ten-minute drive and a forty-minute drive are both sometimes described the same way in marketing copy, so it's worth checking a map or asking directly if walking to the coast matters to your plans.

If you're not sure, think about what you did on your last few breaks that you enjoyed most. If it was a beach day, book coastal caravan holidays. If it was a quiet walk or a pub lunch somewhere green, the countryside or Broads setting is probably the better fit for this trip.