We are menbers of Family Parks and Top Tourist parks and use them as often as possible. Did not join Big 4 cause they are more expensive and at the time did not allow dogs. As you probably know the membership lasts for 2 years so we feel it is worth the money.
Just wondering if it is worth joining the membership programs offered by the main caravan parks?
Cheers
Brett
Brett
If you frequent CPs on a regular basis then I would say 'yes'....but it would also depend upon where you like to travel.
The tourist strip would be fine but if you preferred west of the ranges (eastern seaboard) and the outback then I would say 'no' as many of the CPs would be small independent CPs with no affiliation with any chain.
I am a member of all of them....I paid $40 for 2 years for the Big 4 and recently stayed at one in Port Macquarie for 2 weeks and saved $50 with my card...answers the question I think
If you intend doing a lot of RV travel and staying in Caravan Parks I would say yes, especially if you have children going with you as the facilities there for kids are great.
We renewed our membership of Top Tourist last year for our trip around Oz (let it expire previously as didn't go far etc).
Also have Oz Parks membership, a lot cheaper and good value especially if you don't want all the bells and whistles, although some have those also thown in.
I would wait until you are just about ready to do a big one and then join one of them. For a single or couple without kids I think Big 4 is a bit expensive, but they normally do have nice parks.
__________________
Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
We joined both Family Parks and Top Tourist, and feel that quite often there are other parks in towns that are cheaper, even with your discount, and just as good. Out of the two we belong to, I would say Family Parks is the better one. Big 4 ..... their parks are overrated and overpriced so - no thanks!
__________________
Pejay are travelling in a 2014 Holden Colorado LTZ Twin Cab Ute + 2013 Coromal Element van
The best three parks I stayed in while I was away last were all Top Tourist - Goondiwindi, Miles (Possum Park) and Charleville (Bailey Bar). Goondiwindi had a pool but no jumping pillow or playground; and the other two had no pool, jumping pillow or playground. I think they were all less than $25 a night.
__________________
Esmeralda
It aint over until the fat lady sings, and I dont feel like singing just yet!
The best three parks I stayed in while I was away last were all Top Tourist - Goondiwindi, Miles (Possum Park) and Charleville (Bailey Bar). Goondiwindi had a pool but no jumping pillow or playground; and the other two had no pool, jumping pillow or playground. I think they were all less than $25 a night.
yes i have to agree possum park if a nice friendly park
-- Edited by lilly31 on Monday 19th of September 2011 08:25:20 PM
__________________
The clearest path in life is always the one behind you....
Pat and I feel it is worth it if you travel regularly as each visit can only earn a max rebate per visit. Some parks give 7th night free but excludes the 10%. So obviously the 7th night free is better. Rac, Brit, Appollo and pension can in some parks attract 10%. So our advice is to pick Top Tourist what ever or even Big4 because 10% of $100 is 10 or $150 is 15 but there is a cap on return for that visit.
It is not fully aware that most parks are not owned by Big4, Top Tourist or what ever, They are a marketing option for the park and it is the type of park you are after that counts.
As much as Big4 is pounded by the nomads on occasions they demand from a park a certain standard to be maintained and if they don't, complain respectfully to Big4. They market families and generally supply the safest and best facility.
Discovery, the OWNER uses several badges and if the standards are not up to expectation they have a comments form and a self addressed envelope postage paid if necessary to head office. Use these forms and if a trend is apparent they do react.
So yes it is worth being a member if you travel frequently.
no, they are a waste of money, they charge too much. Use the net and talk to fellow travellers, you will often find parks which give pay 2 nights stay 3 etc. I always check the notice board outside and inside the park office, for these specials. I have even found parks where pay 5 stay 7. I use these parks to recharge after free camping.
You will have greater choice and better savings by NOT joining.
If regularly staying at caravan parks you'd most likely find Top Tourist and possibly Big4 worthwhile. I use Top Tourist much more than Big4 but this is not for any reason other than it seems to work out that way. The saving on BIG4 in my case is marginal but enough to cover the biennial fee and I find it convenient when booking sites for them to have my details on record. The Top Tourist membership in my case is well worthwhile and the discounts soon pay for the membership.
Other park groups don't seem to have enough member parks to make it worth my while joining.
PS: Possum Park (Miles, Qld) is not a member of any group, I'm at PP right now as I type this and it's a beautiful morning here.
G'day all. I joined Big4 for their national discounts. I bought a Mitsubishi and got a $500 voucher from Big4. That puts the butter on my toast for the two years of membership.
