A CARAVAN offers the best of both worlds, and with the privacy and comfort of familiar surroundings, transported or static on the coast or countryside of your choice.

Your caravan is a home, but at the same time it's a holiday and it's there whenever you want to relax and take a break from routine.

Today, even modestly-priced touring caravans have double glazing, fully-fitted kitchens with fridge and oven, good quality seating that doubles as beds, hot and cold water, shower compartment and mains electricity. The more expensive models also include such luxuries as a built-in stereo player, microwave and oven and colour television. Whatever you settle for, you head for the freedom of holiday roads whenever you want. There are literally thousands of caravan parks all over Britain and Europe. Some are small parks, off the beaten track with only a few pitches and basic services. Others are large parks with a whole range of leisure facilities for family entertainment.

But you are never tied down to complicated schedules when you tour with a caravan you can make up your holiday as you go along.

When looking for their first caravan most people started with a used model - a good quality one, sleeping four, need not cost much. When you are buying a touring caravan, new or used, it is sensible to go to a local dealer with a good reputation.

Unlike cars, caravans do not need an MOT certificate, but recognised dealers have an obligation to sell only caravans that are roadworthy and as described, including date of manufacturer.

Ensure that you have a full check on the caravan, its condition, wiring and gas systems.

And before you buy, do ask your dealer to take you out for a test drive. Once you overcome any stage fright and gain confidence, towing is not nearly as daunting as many people think.

When buying a second-hand caravan bear these tips in mind: Make sure the model is big enough for your family, yet light enough to tow safely behind your car. The heavier the car in relation to the caravan the more stable the combination.

Tell your NCC dealer the make, model and year of your car. He will then calculate whether the caravan you have chosen is a suitable match for your car.

Check for signs of rust on any of the metal fittings such as the corner steadies at the back of the van. Ask the dealer about the condition of the shock absorbers, springs, wiring and piping.

Check the coupling system which attaches to the car and make sure the jockey wheel, just behind the coupling, moves freely.

Check the tyres and look for cracks and tread depth. Crossply and radials should not be fitted on the same axle.

Look for signs of condensation and damp around roof lights, air vents and window frames, on corner joints and under carpets. Damp caravans smell musty.

Check the brakes and the lights.

Look for any hinges or catches that need replacing.

Check bodywork for ill-fitting equipment and dents, especially any that are filled with fibreglass and which are repainted these might indicate that the caravan has been in an accident.

Towing a touring caravan is very simple if you follow the following guidelines and use your commonsense.

The laden weight of the caravan should not exceed 85 per cent of the car's kerbside weight.

The towing vehicle's loading and towing limits should not be exceeded (see the car's handbook).

When loading the caravan, the heaviest weight should be stored over or in front of the axle for towing stability.

The caravan should ride horizontally or very slightly down at the front.

Build up your speed gradually to get used to the different handling and braking characteristics. Speed limits for towing in the UK are up to 50mph on single carriageways or 60mph on dual carriageways or motorways.

Gain experience before tackling the more difficult elements of towing like overtaking, mountain passes, difficult terrain etc. Be cautious of high side winds.

To ensure stability, caravan and towing vehicle tyres must be at pressures recommended for towing or heavy loading.

Caravan wheelnuts should be tightened to the setting and should be checked with a torque wrench regularly.

The caravan, like other road vehicles, should be regularly serviced in particular the braking system, wheels, tyres and road lighting.

Additional exterior towing mirrors must be fitted so that the driver has a view along both sides of the caravan.

When choosing your touring caravan dealer, visit one who is a member of the National Caravan Council. This will ensure, whether you are buying a new or used caravan, that you will have a roadworthy, reliable model which will meet all the appropriate legal safeguards and should last you for years.

It is worth asking yourself the following questions before you set off: How much can you afford to spend? Remember to allow for delivery and insurance.

How many berths will you need? Will you take the whole family with you caravanning? What is the weight of your car? Ensure that the car is heavy enough to tow the caravan.

What facilities will you require (flushing toilet, blown-air heating etc.)? What additional accessories will you need? (Awning, barbecue, security devices etc.). Good luck and happy touring.