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