We left the UK to live in a £2.5k caravan in Benidorm – now we don't pay any bills and get 300 days of sun a year
Scroll down to find out how much it costs to live in a caravan
WHEELY NICE We left the UK to live in a £2.5k caravan in Benidorm – now we don't pay any bills and get 300 days of sun a year
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A COUPLE have revealed that they have ditched the UK to live in a caravan in Benidorm.
Brits Gemma and Nicky now don't have to pay for council tax, energy bills or a TV licence, whilst they soak up the sun in the popular Spanish tourist city.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Gemma and Nicky ditched the UK for sunny Benidorm
Credit: tiktok/villamar.gemmanicky
2
They love Benidorm because of the balmy weather and budget prices
Credit: tiktok/villamar.gemmanicky
The duo are delighted with their decision to purchase an old caravan for £2500, and are planning on obtaining Spanish residency, so they can live in it full time.
Taking to TikTok, Gemma and Nicky revealed that their decision to move to the tourist hot spot has a lot to do with the city's budget friendly prices.
They also boasted that their new home gets "300 days of sun a year."
They shared that a ticket back to the UK costs them just £24, which they said is less than the cost of a taxi in to town back home.
The couple have parked their caravan at the Villamar camping site, and have already made pals with the "friendly staff and residents."
Describing the campsite, they said it has "lovely cheap food, no big bills, no stress, [and] no problems."
They added that is also boasts "cheap beer", "three beautiful pools, and an onsite supermarket and hairdressers."
Currently, the couple are only allowed to stay at the caravan for 90 days in a 180 day period, as this is how long Brits can stay in Europe without a visa.
However, they hope to soon obtain residency, so they can make a permanent move to the caravan site.
I bought a 24-year-old caravan off a traveller to stay in with my kids - everyone warned me not to, but it's immaculate
When the couple first purchased the caravan, it had been left abandoned for seven years, and featured outdated upholstery and a grubby exterior.
However, determined to turn it into their dream home, Gemma and Nicky revamped the caravan into a stylish pad featuring two bedrooms, a stylish kitchen, a living room and a bathroom.
They have even installed an air conditioning unit to help them cope with Benidorm's scorching temperatures.
Despite the cheap cost of the caravan, the couple also have to pay £5000 a year to place their caravan on the campsite, and to use its facilities.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
£8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities)
£150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120
£40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80
£20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50
£20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40
Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25
£8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400
£400 Utilities: £80
£80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40
£40 Internet and TV: £40
£40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
£25 Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
£585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500
£500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480
£480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
However, their beaming faces in their TikTok videos suggest that they believe it's worth every penny.
Gemma and Nicky have been documenting their Benidorm journey via the @villamar.gemmanicky TikTok page, and their videos have proved popular with fans, racking up 97,000 likes in total.
Social media users have flooded the video's comments section to share their thoughts on the couple's move abroad.
One person said: "Good for you, I'd love to do this."
A second person said: "My dream. Congratulations. I love it. I want one."
A third person said: "I would love this!
"Much better than living in the UK!"
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK spot that's 'just like Venice' boasts beautiful grounds and gondola rides
This beautiful underrated spot in one UK city has not even been discovered by many locals - and you can explore it on a gondola ride while admiring the amazing views With summer upon us, many are plotting getaways and outdoor escapades to make the most of the sunny season - but jetting off can hit the wallet hard. Fortunately, Britain is brimming with fabulous staycation destinations that promise unique adventures and days out without the hefty price tag. One such gem in Coventry is drawing comparisons to Venice, complete with stunning views, serene waters, and even gondola rides. Coombe Abbey, a grand 12th-century abbey turned four-star hotel, sits amidst 500 acres of breathtaking grounds. Just a stone's throw from Coventry city centre, this historic haven offers a slice of tranquillity and grandeur. And if splurging on a hotel stay isn't in the cards, you can still soak up the scenery for just £15 a head. A TikTok video showcasing the idyllic setting has gone viral after content creator Katy Victoria indulged in a £40 punting package for two, which included a refreshing glass of prosecco each, along the tranquil Coombe Pool. Katy hailed the lake as "Coventry's hidden gem" and described the punting experience, courtesy of Abbey Punks UK, as supremely romantic. "I couldn't stop smiling all night," she shared on her TikTok post. Katy and her partner, both locals, were astonished they'd never come across this enchanting activity before. She expressed her surprise on social media: "We felt like we was in a movie! I honestly feel like more people need to know about this as for us it's right on our door step and we knew nothing about it until a friend shared it on Instagram. "I cannot express enough how amazing it truly was and I promise you will not be disappointed," she enthused. The Abbey Punting Experience offers a serene 35-minute journey around Coombe Abbey's moat, with room for up to six passengers. Kids can enjoy the ride at no cost, while adult fares kick off at £30 for a duo. The voyage lasts around 35 minutes. Abbey Punts describes the experience as "the perfect way to encapsulate the wonder of the park's wildlife, the intriguing history of Coombe and the Medieval Abbey, from its historic moat to the Gate House,". They even offer punting hats for those who fancy a bit of dress-up. Katy shared: "Whether you want to book a proposal, a date night or just show up after a day at the park he's very flexible with times. The majority of the time a booking isn't required so just go to the reception of the hotel and you will find a sign for Abbey Punts to the right of you. Or you can find his WhatsApp on his website which is what I did because I wanted to make sure we reserved the sunset slot." Summing up her experience, Katy said: "We honestly didn't know what to expect at first but hands down one of the most unique experiences I've ever had, we're definitely going back." Surprised locals have been reacting to Katy's video with one commenting: "Wait what! I'm from Coventry? This is a thing? Since when?". Another local chimed in: "Hold the phone, I'm from Cov and didn't know about this, since when?". Another person added: "I had no idea you could do this at Coombe! Literally 20 mins from us, definitely on my list now!". Another individual shared a cherished memory, commenting: "We had one of the first weddings he did (it's our anniversary tomorrow) and it was so special for our guests to use in the evening, they loved it!". Another person reminisced: "Wow we stayed here a few years ago- I want to go back and do this now!". How to get there If you are travelling from Coventry centre it is around a 15-minute drive to Coombe Abbey. If you are from out of town, you can drive or get a train to Coventry train station. A swift train journey from London Euston via Avanti West Coast to Coventry takes roughly 55 minutes. Direct trains to Coventry are also available from Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street.
North Wales Live
5 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Stranded VW campervan saved by ‘snorkel' as rough seas batter notorious North Wales beach
Frustrated beachgoers have demanded greater safeguards on a stretch of sand that repeatedly catches out the unwary. Already this year, multiple cars have been swamped by the sea at the drive-on beach in Gwynedd. The latest to fall victim to the tide at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) was an off-road VW campervan. Horrified onlookers sounded the alarm, issuing a social media appeal for help hauling the vehicle back to dry land. In rough seas, the van was battered by waves as its owners waited for help to arrive. Luckily, it was a vehicle built to survive a degree of immersion, being equipped with an engine 'snorkel' exhaust, also known as a raised air intake. As well as potentially improving performance, snorkels protect the engine from water ingress. It's believed the van was eventually hauled to safety but it's not known by whom. Cyngor Gwynedd's Maritime Service officers always attempt to recover stranded vehicles - but only during staffed hours: the van became marrooned around 9pm last Sunday, June 8. The vast sandy beach at Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog, is one of the few in North Wales onto which cars can drive. It's a TikTok favourit, often proclaimed 'one of the best beaches in Wales'. For visiting families, its accessibility means there's no need to haul sun-loungers and picnic boxes from distant car parks. But this conveniences comes at a price: between April 1 and September 30, day tickets are £8 for a car and £16 for larger vehicles and campervans. Despite repeated warnings of soft sand and fast-changing tides, the messaging is often ignored. Already this year the beach has snared multiple victims in the warm Spring weather. Often they've been high value cars. Visitors who tempt fate usually get little sympathy from others. Following the latest incident, a Staffordshire woman said online: 'People need to understand the sea around there. It can sweep around Porthmadog and suddenly you're on an island of quicksand. 'On all the holidays we've had near there as a kid, it's caught many people out. There is a local farmer who gets the job of pulling people out. He risks himself and his equipment for the big egos who think they can take on nature.' You can see a clip of a recent tractor rescue here. A few vehicles are pulled to safety before suffering damage but others are likely to be write-offs if their engines have been exposed to salt water. Given the number of warning signs and amount of safety advice, few insurance policies will cover replacement costs. The beach is excellent for swimming and water sports but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles and, without help, there's little chance of escape. When the council's beach staff are not available, the only option is a 'third-party contractor' such as a recovery firm or a friendly farmer. In this case, the local authority warns that drivers will be 'responsible for the associated costs'. Some Gwynedd residents are unhappy they must pay to go on the beach, and have complained about its use as a racetrack by local and visiting youngsters. A Harlech man believes Cyngor Gwynedd should always have a tractor on standby whenever there are vehicles on the sand. 'The council charges enough for folk to go on the beach,' he said on social media. 'I live in the area and pay council tax.... I find it disgusting that I have to pay full price to go on this beach with my car." Over the years, police have cracked down on drivers speeding and performing 'donut' handbrake turns on the beach, which has a 10mph speed limit. In November 2023, two men from Wiltshire, aged 20 and 21, were sentenced for driving dangerously on the sand. Despite this, complaints of inappropriate driving have continued. The Harlech man said: 'When will the police stop immature folk driving recklessly on the beach? Someone will be killed eventually at Black Rock Sands.' North Wales Police have always said its officers will respond to reports of anti-social driving and take action if necessary. Dispersal orders had been issued at some car meets and police patrols continue in the area. Like Cyngor Gwynedd, the force has promised a 'zero-tolerance' approach to dangerous driving. The council wants people to enjoy the beach and to do so safely, with visitors urged to check weather forecast and tides times – and to 'treat the sea and coastline with respect'. It has urged drivers to heed safety signs on the beach. A spokesperson said: 'Motorists are advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and stay alert to changes in weather and sea conditions.'
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Telegraph
Britons could be stopped from entering Gibraltar by Spanish police, Lammy admits
Spanish border guards will be able to stop Britons entering Gibraltar because of the new Brexit deal for the Rock, the Government has admitted. Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar's chief minister, furiously denied surrendering any sovereignty to Spain or the EU after The Telegraph reported details of the deal on Wednesday. But David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, was forced to concede in the House of Commons on Thursday that Spanish guards working for the European Union would have control over who entered Gibraltar. Under questioning, Mr Lammy told MPs that a British person stopped by Spanish guards at Gibraltar airport would have a choice: they could either voluntarily go over to Spain for questioning, or be returned to the Gibraltarian authorities and return to the UK. 'It is clear from the Foreign Secretary's answer that Spanish border officials can prevent a UK citizen from entering one part of the UK from another part of the UK,' Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, said. 'This appears to be a significant sovereignty compromise,' he told The Telegraph. The deal ensures Gibraltar's border with Spain remains open after Brexit, and means the 15,000 people who cross it every day will not have to have their passports stamped. Border checks will be moved to Gibraltar's nearby airport after the Rock effectively becomes part of the EU's Schengen zone of passport-free movement. People flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. Mr Lammy said: 'For those arriving by air into Gibraltar's airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station.' Dame Harriett Baldwin, a former Conservative minister, asked: 'Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?' Mr Lammy replied: 'There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line. 'And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team. 'And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would either be able to return to their country of origin, let's say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.' Mr Tice asked whether Spanish border officials 'have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar'. Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system, 'he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable' before returning to the UK. 'No doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased,' he added. Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a 'sovereignty clause' in the treaty and added that immigration, policing and justice remained the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities.
