lets talk camping!

[gemma4d]

1st apologies for typing, fussy baby sleeping on 1 arm.

OH and I have 2 kids; 3.5yr and 4months. We live in Guernsey. Last holiday to UK cost a fortune, £440 for the caravan alone, 1 week (Hoseasons site) and that was out of school holidays (cant do that much longer). So now we are thinking of buying a tent.

I've been looking and an average cost (Jersey/Dorset/Herm) seems to be £30-40 per night for the family. France is cheaper, but so are the French mobile homes. Is this right, and isn't it a bit pricey given the trouble of pitching then living in a tent?

I'm looking at a 4 person tent (2 bedrooms and a fair size living area, Coleman Lakeside Deluxe 4) - it has been suggested that we should get a 6 man. Is this good advice or overkill? We will have the car with us.

How many years might we get out a tent? Hard to say I know but I have no idea. Probably only use it once or twice a year but really not sure!

Thanks!

I woul personally look at a 6 man tent - it gives somewhere to sit when it rains.
Have you looked at Rozel campsite on Jersey? We had a long weekend (3 nights) for £52 total. They don't charge for the little ones - we had a 3 year old and a 1 year old.

Would second getting a 6-man tent. Would go to France for the weather, I think you at least need to go south of the Loire.

You should get at least 6 years out of a tent if you're only really using it for two weeks per year. It's the sun that eventually makes the polyester break down.