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