How to choose the right campsite for your first solo trip

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Setting off on your first solo trip is exciting, but picking the right campsite can make all the difference between feeling relaxed and feeling a little uneasy. A bit of research beforehand goes a long way towards making that first trip a good one.

Start with reviews

Recent reviews are one of the best ways to get a feel for a site before you arrive. Look out for comments on safety and how welcoming the site feels to solo travellers, rather than focusing on facilities alone.

Consider the size and setting

Smaller, well-established sites often feel friendlier for a first solo trip than larger, more anonymous ones. A site tucked into a village or near local amenities can also mean you’re never too far from people if you need help or simply fancy some company.

Check for good lighting and secure access

Sites with clear lighting around communal areas and a gated or monitored entrance tend to feel more secure in the evenings. It’s worth checking this before booking, particularly if you’re travelling outside peak season when sites may be quieter.

Look for a mix of fellow campers

Sites that attract a range of visitors, including families, couples and other solo travellers, often feel more sociable than those aimed at one type of camper. A friendly atmosphere can make a real difference to how confident you feel.

Take your time choosing and don’t be afraid to move on if a site doesn’t feel right once you arrive. The right campsite can turn a first solo trip into the start of many more adventures.

Image credits: Pixabay

The summer driving mistakes that could land you a hefty fine

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Warm weather and open roads make summer the perfect time for a caravan or motorhome holiday, but a few common mistakes could turn your trip into a costly one. Specialist motor insurance experts at Keith Michaels have highlighted the summer driving mistakes most likely to catch motorists and the fines that come with them.

Small mistakes, real consequences

Some of the most common summer habits carry fines of up to £100:

When it gets more serious

Other habits carry considerably steeper penalties, over £1,000:

  • Wearing a hat or headwear that blocks your vision or affects your driving.
  • Driving with a dirty windscreen, which can seriously reduce visibility in bright sunshine and in serious cases lead to fines of up to £5,000 or a driving ban.

Towing your caravan safely

For anyone planning a caravan or motorhome trip, one rule matters more than most. Exceeding your vehicle’s legal towing limit can reduce control and create a genuine safety risk. If your setup is found to be unsafe, you could face three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 under Rule 98 of the Highway Code, so it’s always worth double-checking your vehicle’s towing capacity before you set off.

The bigger risks

A handful of mistakes carry the most serious consequences of all:

  • Wearing sunglasses at night, up to £2,500.
  • Drink driving, up to £2,500, alongside a possible ban or criminal charges.
  • Driving with unsecured pets, up to £5,000.
  • Driving while impaired by hay fever medication, which carries unlimited fines and, in serious cases, a driving ban or prison sentence.

Plan for a stress-free trip

Whether you’re heading off on a UK road trip or towing your caravan abroad, a little preparation goes a long way. Check your vehicle, secure your load and know the rules before you set off, and you’ll be far more likely to enjoy a trouble-free summer on the road.

Image credits: Pixabay

Sleep expert reveals the 7 camping mistakes parents get wrong

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There’s nothing quite like a family camping trip, until nobody in the tent can sleep. As more of us are heading outdoors this summer, sleep therapist Sam Sadighi of Get Laid Beds and founder of Easy Sleep Solutions has identified the seven most common sleep mistakes families make and how to fix them.

1. Assuming tired kids will sleep anywhere

A busy day outdoors doesn’t guarantee an easy bedtime. Excitement and unfamiliar surroundings can keep children more alert than expected. Sticking to their usual bedtime routine, a familiar story, teddy or pyjamas, helps signal it’s time to settle.

2. Pitching the tent in the wrong spot

Sam explains: “Pitching near toilets, communal areas, footpaths or other busy camping spots can expose you to people walking past throughout the night.” Choose somewhere flat, dry and away from foot traffic, and consider where the morning sun will hit too.

3. Over-inflating the air bed

A firmer air bed can create pressure points and offer less insulation from the cold ground. A little give makes for a more comfortable night and an insulated sleeping mat underneath matters more than firmness alone.

4. Forgetting the ground steals body heat

The ground draws heat away from the body quickly, so insulation underneath is just as important as a warm sleeping bag on top.

5. Eating a big meal right before bed

A large or sugary meal too close to bedtime can leave children feeling uncomfortable and overly energetic. Aim for a filling meal a couple of hours before bed, with a light snack later if needed.

6. Ignoring the early morning light

Tents let in far more light than bedrooms, waking children earlier than you’d like. Eye masks, blackout layers and positioning sleeping bags away from the entrance can help delay the wake-up call.

7. Trying to make the tent completely silent

An unfamiliar environment can make children more alert, so total silence isn’t always the answer. Familiar background noise, like a white-noise track used at home, can help some children settle.

Sleep therapist’s camping checklist

  • Pack something familiar, like a favourite teddy, blanket or bedtime book.
  • Stick to the usual routine of washing, pyjamas, story and lights out.
  • Insulate underneath with a sleeping mat rather than relying on the air bed alone.
  • Ventilate the tent to avoid stuffiness and reduce condensation.
  • Keep tomorrow’s clothes nearby to avoid rummaging through cold bags.
  • Make one final toilet trip before settling down for the night.
  • Pack earplugs for adults, useful for snoring neighbours and early risers.

A little planning before lights out can be the difference between a restless night and a proper night’s sleep under canvas.

Image credits: Pixabay

From Cornwall to the Highlands: the UK road trips Brits want to visit most

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More of us are choosing to take our caravan holidays closer to home this year and these days that means getting behind the wheel. New research from holiday provider Away Resorts reveals that UK staycations are now neck and neck with holidays abroad, with road trips playing a growing part in that change.

Staycations are catching up with holidays abroad

The survey found that 46 per cent of Brits would now choose a UK staycation as their ideal trip, compared with 45 per cent who’d opt for a holiday overseas. Road trips in particular are having a moment, with TikTok searches for the term rising by 200 per cent in August alone.

The UK’s most in-demand road trip destinations

The data from this research reveals the regions Brits are most keen to explore by car are:

  • Scottish Highlands
  • North Wales
  • Cornwall
  • Lake District
  • Northumberland
  • Peak District
  • South Wales
  • Cotswolds
  • Snowdonia
  • Devon

The Scottish Highlands take the top spot, thanks to its rugged landscapes and winding driving routes, followed closely by North Wales and Cornwall.

The most popular named routes

When it comes to specific routes, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way tops the list, stretching around 6,165 miles along the country’s western coastline and taking in highlights like the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast follows in second place, a shorter 96-mile route ideal for a weekend break, with Scotland’s North Coast 500 completing the top three.

Why road trips are having a moment

Kate Watts, spokesperson for Away Resorts, said: “Road trips offer something that a traditional holiday abroad can’t: the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover multiple destinations all in one trip. From stunning coastlines and quaint villages to countryside escapes, the UK and Ireland have an incredible variety of landscapes to explore by car.”

Whether it’s a weekend along the Jurassic Coast or a longer tour of the Highlands, there’s never been a better excuse to plan your next road trip closer to home.

Image credits: Pixabay

The best European countries for a driving holiday, ranked

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If you’re planning a caravan or motorhome trip across Europe this year, the country you choose can make or break the experience. New research from Hagerty UK has scored European countries across eight metrics, from road quality and fuel costs to sunshine hours and race tracks, to determine which offers the best experience behind the wheel.

The top three countries

Here’s how the leading countries scored overall:

  1. Spain, scoring 70.07, with 7.5 hours of average daily sunshine and fuel at £1.24 per litre.
  2. Portugal, scoring 65.31, with the best road quality, at 8.64 out of ten.
  3. Sweden, scoring 64.03, with just four toll roads and 11 emission zones nationwide.

Spain came out on top thanks to a strong all-round package. Alongside its sunshine and fuel prices, it boasts 538,577 km of road network and hosts more FIA racing events than any other European country in 2026, spread across 15 circuits. 

Portugal followed closely, offering the most sunshine of the top ten and the fewest emission zones to navigate, while Sweden rounded out the top three with cheap fuel and a road network that winds through forests and past lakes.

Exploring in your motorhome

Mark Roper, managing director at Hagerty UK, said: “We always encourage our members to drive and have designed a range of events, tours and experiences to help inspire them to do just that. Our latest research tells drivers where to go and why, offering some great places to get out and drive to, particularly useful as we approach the summer holiday season … Wherever you decide to go, we hope you feel inspired to explore some of our suggestions.”

Whether you’re touring Spain’s coastal roads or exploring closer to home, there’s no shortage of great driving to be had this summer.

Image credits: Pixabay

5 weekend-friendly DIY projects to improve your motorhome

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A motorhome should feel like home from the moment you step inside, but small niggles can chip away at that feeling over time. The good news is you don’t need any real DIY experience to fix them. These five projects can each be done in a weekend and every one makes a noticeable difference on the road.

Add extra storage where you least expect it

Motorhomes rarely have enough storage, but there’s usually more space than you think. Slim shelving units fit neatly beside cupboards and over-door pocket organisers make great use of otherwise wasted space. A magnetic strip inside a cupboard door is also an easy way to keep knives or metal utensils secure while driving.

Upgrade your lighting

Swapping old bulbs for LED strip lighting is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It’s cheap, uses far less power and can completely change the feel of your living space in the evening. Battery-powered options are ideal if you’d rather avoid any wiring.

Fit blackout blinds or curtains

Standard curtains often let in more light than you’d like, especially during summer mornings. Blackout blinds or thermal curtains are straightforward to fit and help with both light and temperature, keeping the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Create a proper charging station

With so many devices to keep charged, a dedicated charging point saves a lot of hassle. A small USB hub mounted near a seating area, paired with a cable tidy, keeps everything organised and avoids cables trailing across the floor.

Refresh your soft furnishings

New cushion covers, a fresh throw or a patterned tablecloth can transform how a motorhome feels inside, without any real DIY skill required. It’s a small change that makes the space feel more like home.

A weekend, a few tools and a bit of enthusiasm are all it takes to make your motorhome feel brand new. Pick one project to start with and the rest can wait for your next free weekend.

Image credits: Pixabay

Caravan sales legend celebrated with 40 years’ service award

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Some careers begin with a single caravan holiday, just like George Harris’. A childhood trip to Prestatyn sparked a passion that would shape the next four decades and that dedication has now been recognised with a 40 Years’ Service Recognition Award from the National Caravan Council.

A lifelong passion for caravans

George’s love of caravanning started young, holidaying each year in a rented static caravan his parents could barely afford. At 14, he was given a small 1950s Penguin caravan of his own, hand-painted inside and out. Two years later, he left school and took his first job at a caravan dealership, working his way from the shop floor into sales.

Four decades in the industry

Since then, George has built an impressive career, including Salesperson of the Year awards from ABI Caravans in 1988 and Swift Caravans in 1996, plus a Sales Recognition trophy from Swift in 2019. He has been part of the sales team at Salop Leisure since 2007, where many of his customers have followed him from dealership to dealership over the years.

A well-earned tribute

Mark Bebb, joint managing director at Salop Leisure, said: “George is the Godfather of the touring sales world! Despite being very modest about his achievements, he is one of the most respected people in our industry, and this recognition is richly deserved. His knowledge is exceptional, his commitment to customers is second to none, and the relationships he has built over four decades speak for themselves.”

Still not ready to slow down

At 63, George admits he ought to think about retirement, but isn’t quite ready to let go. Given his passion for the industry, and the customers who have stayed loyal to him for decades, it’s easy to see why.

Image provided by Salop Leisure

The UK holiday spots that could pass for the Amalfi Coast

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Dreaming of the Amalfi Coast but not fancying the airport queues? New research from Travelodge suggests you might not need to go far to get that feeling. A poll of 10,000 UK holidaymakers has revealed the UK’s top “destination dupes”, home-grown spots that capture the look and feel of some of Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Cornwall tops the list

Port Isaac in Cornwall, best known for its starring role in ITV’s Doc Martin, has been named the UK’s number one dupe. Its dramatic cliffs, pastel cottages and turquoise coves have earned it comparisons to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with winding coastal roads adding to the resemblance. 

Cornwall also secured a second spot in the top five, with St Ives named for its white-sand beaches, pretty harbour views and relaxed coastal feel, likened to the Spanish town of Cadaqués.

Derwentwater in the Lake District took second place for its resemblance to Lake Como. Followed by St Ives, which feels like Cadaqués, Kendal in the Lake District resembling a Swiss mountain escape and Elgol on the Isle of Skye reminiscent of the Norwegian Fjords, which rounded out the top five.

Why Brits are looking closer to home

Rising costs and travel hassle are driving the trend, with airport queues and flight delays cited by many as reasons to stay in the UK. A Travelodge spokesperson said: “Why brave airport queues and flight cancellations when world-class holiday views are right here on our doorstep? From pastel coastal towns to dramatic alpine landscapes, Britain’s ‘destination dupes’ offer all the charm, beauty, and atmosphere of an overseas escape, without the travel hassle.”

Touring the UK’s best dupes

Many of these spots, from Cornwall’s coastline to the Lake District’s fells, are great for a caravan or motorhome trip, offering the scenery of an overseas escape with the flexibility of touring at your own pace.

Fancy exploring one for yourself? A caravan holiday might be the closest you get to Europe this year, minus the passport queue.

Image provided by Travelodge

Yorkshire named the UK’s best road trip destination

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Staycations are a great way to explore the UK with your motorhome or caravan, but deciding where to go is never easy. New research from LKQ Euro Car Parts suggests where you point the wheel matters as much as where you end up. The study ranked UK routes by traffic levels, EV charging access, petrol station availability and motorway services to find the most practical road trips for drivers this year.

The top five road trips

Here’s how the top five ranked, based on the study’s weighted score:

  1. Yorkshire (York, Harrogate, Skipton and Whitby) with a score of 85.7
  2. The Cotswolds (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire) scored 71.8
  3. Atlantic Highway (Somerset, Devon and Cornwall) with a score of 69.0
  4. Peak District (Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock, Castleton, Manchester and Sheffield) scored 65.8
  5. Lake District (Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick) with a score of 63.5

Yorkshire came out well ahead of the rest, thanks to strong motorway access, plentiful petrol stations and an extensive EV charging network. A good stop along the way is Malham Cove, a striking limestone cliff familiar to Harry Potter fans and a great spot for walkers and photographers alike.

Get your vehicle road trip ready

Before setting off on any of these routes, a spokesperson for LKQ Euro Car Parts advises giving your vehicle a quick check over. They said: “Simple checks completed before setting off can make a significant difference to both safety and reliability on the road.”

That means checking oil and coolant levels, tyre pressure and tread depth, and making sure lights and washer fluid are all in working order.

Whichever route you choose, a well-prepared vehicle and a full tank make all the difference. Pack the caravan, plan your stops and let the road trip begin.

Image credits: Pixabay

The UK’s best beaches, according to new research

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There’s something about the smell of sea air and sand between your toes that makes a beach day hard to beat, but not every stretch of coastline delivers the same experience. New research from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks set out to find which UK beaches really live up to the hype, using independent Tripadvisor reviews to reveal the five most-loved spots and what makes them so special.

The top five

Here’s how the top five beaches ranked:

  1. Bournemouth Beach with a 4.5 rating
  2. Weymouth Beach with a 4.6 rating
  3. Fistral Beach with a 4.6 rating
  4. Woolacombe Beach with a 4.7 rating
  5. Scarborough Beach with a 4.4 rating

All five are sandy beaches and four of the five sit along the south coast of England. Woolacombe claimed the best average rating overall.

What makes a beach five-star worthy

The research looked beyond ratings alone, digging into what reviewers actually praised. Cleanliness came up most often, followed by easy parking and, perhaps unsurprisingly, good ice cream nearby.

Kevin Darvill, director at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, said: “Sandy beaches are clearly the nation’s favourite, but the data shows what really makes or breaks a summer beach day is easy parking, a clean beach and good ice cream nearby. Nobody wants to spend their morning hunting for a road-side space, or leave the beach feeling they need a shower to get more than just the sand off.”

Planning your own coastal trip

If you’re planning a caravan trip to the coast this summer, this is a handy checklist to use. Look for a beach with good parking, a reputation for cleanliness and a decent ice cream van nearby and you’re most of the way to a great day out.

Image provided by Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

How to keep a caravan holiday stress-free when touring with kids

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Caravan holidays can be brilliant for families, but a small space and a change of routine can test even the most easygoing kids. A bit of planning goes a long way towards keeping everyone happy on the road.

Make the most of limited space

Space is the biggest adjustment for most families. Pack light and give each child their own small bag for toys and books, so they know exactly what’s theirs and where to find it. Fold-away furniture and storage boxes that double as seating can help keep the caravan feeling less cramped once everyone’s settled in.

Keep routines as normal as possible

Children tend to cope better with new environments when familiar routines stay in place. Stick to usual mealtimes and bedtimes where you can and bring along a favourite blanket, toy or bedtime story to help younger kids settle at night.

Plan entertainment for downtime

Not every hour of a caravan trip is spent exploring, so it helps to have entertainment ready for quieter moments. Card games, colouring books and a few simple outdoor toys take up little space and don’t rely on a screen or signal. For longer journeys, downloaded shows or audiobooks can be a lifesaver.

Involve them in the trip

Kids are often more settled when they feel part of the plan. Let them help choose an activity for the day or spot landmarks on the drive. Small things like this give them a sense of involvement without much extra effort.

Build in flexibility

Overpacking the itinerary is one of the quickest ways to tip a family trip into stressful territory. Leave room for rest days, unplanned stops and early nights, especially with younger children who tire more easily than the itinerary might suggest.

A little structure, a lot of flexibility and a few well-chosen distractions can turn a caravan holiday with kids into one the whole family actually looks forward to.

Image credits: Pixabay

How to budget for your first caravan holiday

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Caravanning has a reputation for being a budget-friendly way to holiday and adventure, but the upfront costs can catch first-timers off guard. Here’s what to actually expect, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Caravanning has a reputation for being a budget-friendly way to holiday and adventure. For many families it genuinely is, once the initial costs are out of the way. But that first step in can be more expensive than people expect and it’s easy to underestimate what you’ll need before you even hit the road. 

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect, so you can decide with confidence whether it’s the right fit for you.

Buying or hiring

If you’re not ready to commit to buying, hiring a caravan for a trial trip typically costs a few hundred pounds for a long weekend, depending on the model and season.

Buying outright is a bigger step, with second-hand caravans starting from a few thousand pounds and new models running considerably higher. Don’t forget to factor in a suitable tow car or the cost of upgrading if your current vehicle isn’t rated for the weight.

One-off costs to plan for

Beyond the caravan itself, there are some upfront purchases most owners need:

  • A hitch lock and wheel clamp for security
  • Levelling and setup equipment
  • Basic kitchen and bedding essentials
  • Awning, if you want extra living space

Many of these are one-time costs, so they’re worth budgeting for in year one rather than spreading across every trip.

Running costs

Ongoing costs are where caravanning tends to stay affordable compared with other types of holiday. Expect to budget for:

  • Fuel, which increases when towing
  • Gas for cooking and heating
  • Caravan insurance
  • Breakdown cover, ideally one that includes towing
  • Storage, if you can’t keep the caravan at home
  • Site fees

Site fees vary widely depending on location and facilities. A basic touring pitch might cost £15 to £25 a night, while sites with pools, entertainment or premium locations can charge £40 or more. Booking in advance and travelling outside peak season can significantly bring costs down.

Is it worth it?

Once the initial outlay is covered, caravan holidays are often cheaper than equivalent hotel stays, especially for families or repeat trips. The key is being realistic about the upfront investment before you commit.

Start small, hire before you buy and build your budget around the trips you actually want to take.

Image credits: Pixabay