| A Gypsy Caravan Holiday is an adventure! | | | | Space is limited in a vardo, therefore you need to |
| It's an escape from the busy every-day life: | | | | bring practical clothing and only gear you really |
| imagine living in a Gypsy caravan for a few days, | | | | need and don't forget the wet wear, as in some |
| handling a horse and driving through an unspoiled, | | | | areas weather can be quiet unpredictable even |
| idyllic countryside. | | | | during the summer: spells of rain can occur at any |
| You can spend a holiday like this for example in | | | | time. Most hire companies give you bedding, but |
| the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, | | | | ask you to bring your own towels. A good idea is |
| France, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Hungary | | | | also to bring your own sleeping bag. Take also a |
| with different horse breeds and vardos in | | | | book or two and some games for the children. A |
| different variations. | | | | mobile phone for emergencies is a good idea. Also, |
| How can I book, how does it work? | | | | Bank facilities and ATM's are usually not passed |
| There are hire-companies and travel agencies that | | | | during the trip (the routes are quite well selected |
| offer you a trip with a fully fitted and very | | | | and you will travel on calm, more remote roads.) |
| practical Gypsy caravan for the holiday together | | | | You will drive along a fix route and check in at |
| with usually one horse, sometimes two. | | | | selected over night stops, where you will find |
| Bow top wagons, made out of wood and | | | | grazing for the horse, electricity, shower and toilet |
| stretched canvas are used preferably. These | | | | facilities. |
| vehicles are about 5m long (without horse) and | | | | When is the best time to travel? How much does |
| approx. 2m wide. They can weigh up to 750kg. In | | | | it cost approximately? |
| most places Irish Cobs or Gypsy draft horses are | | | | Gypsy caravan holiday operations are open from |
| used, as they are very well tempered, calm and | | | | April to October, with a main season in the |
| very good with children. In a lot of cases a collar | | | | summer months July - August. |
| harness is used. | | | | Prices in 2007 were around £500 (£600 |
| What, if I haven't got any experience with | | | | in high season) per week and caravan and they |
| horses? | | | | will usually ask for approx.10 - 15 % deposit. |
| Everyone gets an initial thorough introduction into | | | | There will be surcharges for the compulsory over |
| functionality of the vardo and handling and caring | | | | night stops, which might be between £15-20 |
| for the horse. It will be explained to you how to | | | | per caravan. You can book short trips over 2 or |
| harness up and put the horse onto the caravan, | | | | 3 days or longer ones over 4 or 6 days. If you |
| how to feed and water it, how to groom and | | | | enjoy it very much, trips can be prolonged in |
| how to look after hooves and hoof shoes. | | | | most cases. |
| What do I need to bring with me? | | | | |