Why you really should use your leisure vehicle in winter

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

As we approach the very coldest part of the year – January and February, it’s important to show your caravan or motorhome some love. In the past, it was received wisdom to carefully drain all the systems and mothball leisure vehicles for the winter, but there is a better way.

Using your van is the most effective way to ensure everything remains in good working order. That can mean short visits or even trips away, but usage is much better than storage and can prevent problems when you want to use it later on in the year.

Hang out in your leisure vehicle

Spending some time in your van, bringing it up to temperature and breathing life into it is vital to prevent issues such as damp or rubber perishing. Hang out in your vehicle, watching a film to reconnect with it and see if there are any areas requiring attention.

It’s a bit like checking in with an elderly relative throughout the winter months. You don’t have to stay for long, but you should go regularly and make sure they are safe, warm and not complaining about anything. 

For the more intrepid…

There are many advantages to going away in your caravan or motorhome at this time of the year. Here are some of my favourites:

Economic

Many year-round holiday parks offer discounts for stays during the winter months, so you can find your pitch costs a lot less than in the height of the season. Add to this the fact that car parks at many tourist hotspots and even some attractions aren’t charging right now and you can bag yourself a bargain.

Availability

You’re not likely to be competing with other holidaymakers to get the best pitch or last entry ticket in January or February. You can have your pick of where you want to go and what you want to do. A popular Cornish beach or an iconic walk in the Highlands is much more appealing when it’s not full of other people.

Romance

A caravan with its light on and the inhabitants all cosy inside is very romantic. Think drinking hot chocolate and enjoying spectacular scenery from the warmth and safety of your leisure vehicle during the colder months of the year. My wife says I’m not romantic, but this is my idea of romance!

Try before you buy

The summer months are a busy time in the world of caravanning and it’s a good idea to know what you’re doing in advance. Take your vehicle or a destination for a test run before committing to your long summer vacation to see if it’ll work for you and your family. That way everything will go more smoothly when July rolls around.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/atarin michaeli



The UK’s best stargazing sites

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Astrotourism is predicted to be on the rise in 2024 and stargazing goes well with a trip away in a caravan or motorhome.

After all, leisure vehicles take you one step closer to nature and offer the chance to pitch up in some great dark sky locations.

With this in mind, StressFreeCarRental.com has put together a list of the best locations in the UK to get a clear view of the stars.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “With interest in the stars, skies and space growing, many are switching out beaches and sun loungers for dark skies and meteor showers. 

“We expect that astrotourism will be a huge trend in 2024, and more people than ever will flock to remote spots to witness celestial events like the northern lights and a lunar eclipse.” 

So, why not pack up your caravan or motorhome and explore the heavens?

Galloway Forest, Scotland

The Galloway Forest in Scotland boasts some of the darkest skies in the whole of Europe, due to its very small population of people. Fewer residents means less light pollution and the opportunity to see more of the milky way.

On a cloudless night, you can expect to spot more than 7,000 celestial objects, putting Britain’s largest forest park at the top of our list of stargazing sites.

Northumberland, England

On your way up to Scotland, why not stop off in Northumberland, which is home to an internationally-recognised dark sky park? Or, alternatively, you could make it your ultimate destination.

It’s the largest expanse of protected dark skies in the UK and even enables visitors to see the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.

Malin Head, Northern Ireland

Malin Head has been used as a Star Wars filming location, which is particularly fitting because it offers epic views of the Milky Way and the Northern Lights fairly regularly.

Take your leisure vehicle on the ferry to Belfast or Larne from Douglas, Liverpool Birkenhead or Cairnryan.

Brecon Beacons, Wales

The Brecon Beacons has a multitude of world-class stargazing spots, including the Usk Reservoir, Llanthony Priory and Carreg Cennen.

From these locations you can expect to see major constellations, meteor showers and bright nebulae, as well as galaxies such as M81, M82 and the Leo triplet. 

Top tips for stargazing on your next caravan or motorhome trip

  • Wrap up warm. The UK can be cold, especially at night, and stargazing is an activity that requires you to stand or sit still for a long period of time.
  • Bring a chair. One of the fold up chairs you put up outside your van or under the awning is perfect for getting comfortable as you look skyward.
  • Red light torches are best for seeing in the dark without emitting light pollution.
  • If you’re going to invest in stargazing equipment, a telescope or 10×50 binoculars are recommended.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Amanda Mocci



The best ski resorts to head to in your leisure vehicle

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After CaravanTimes’ very own Dan Cartwright outlined the many advantages of tackling your skiing trip in a leisure vehicle last week, it’s time to think about the best resorts to pick as your destination.

The travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of the locations they believe you should visit. They’ve also provided extra detail on what makes these destinations the best for winter sports.

Among the criteria were:

  • Plentiful ski lifts
  • Large number of  slopes
  • High elevations
  • Lots of snowfall
  • Cheap day ticket prices

Zermatt takes the top spot

Zermatt in Switzerland was named as the best ski resort in the world, as it has more lifts than any other, the most slopes and the best elevation.

It was followed by Italy’s Livigno, which boasts more than 50 kilometres of ski slopes at a maximum elevation of 2,798 metres.

Taking the third spot is Flachau in Austria, which despite having just 88 centimetres of snowfall, has in excess of 120 kilometres of slopes and 45 lifts. It is rated a 4.5 out of five by skiers.

Splash the cash

As Dan pointed out in his piece about the benefits of utilising your caravan or motorhome for a ski trip, it can keep costs down.

That means you can spend more money on those all important lift passes. The most expensive of these can be found at the Heavenly ski resort in California.

For £179 a day, you’ll have access to 27 ski lifts, 94 kilometres of slopes and over 3,000 metres at the resort’s highest point.

Money-saving options

At the other end of the scale, Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains can be scaled by lift for just £49, but they receive only eight centimetres of snowfall a year.

They’re relatively easy to reach from the UK by leisure vehicle, however, and have an elevation of 3,300 metres. This puts the Andulusian mountain range at number seven on the list of ski resorts.

Scotland’s Glencoe was the most budget-friendly overall, and its proximity to the rest of the UK also makes it fairly easy to access.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “The research allowed us to reveal which ski resort is best in the world for those wanting to get away on a winter sports holiday.

“We’ve found that Zermatt ski resort in Switzerland is the best winter retreat for holidaymakers, with the highest number of lifts, ski slopes and elevation.

“Livigno resort in Italy and Flachau in Austria both make the top three in the ranking with both having over 115 km of ski slopes.”

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/15964219



Benefits of enjoying a skiing trip with your leisure vehicle

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Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.

If, like me, you’ve been bitten by the skiing or snowboarding bug, you’ll know how prohibitively expensive it can be. By the time you’ve added up the cost of flights, accommodation, transfers, luggage charges and food, it can make London or New York look like value for money.

One way to get around most of these costs, as well as improve flexibility for yourself and your family, is to take your leisure vehicle on your next winter sports adventure. Motorhomes can be great, but I like to use a caravan, which can be left on site while you drive to the ski lift in your towcar.

Swap flights for the ferry

While a two-hour flight to the Alps seems like a convenient option, it rarely is. Firstly, you need to be at the airport two hours prior to departure, so you’ve already doubled the time and your flight is likely to be at 4am. That means organising a costly transfer and arriving at the resort hours before you can check in.

My preferred option is to head to Dover after work on a Friday and get the ferry across to France. Make use of the wonderful French roadside services in your leisure vehicle for a good night’s sleep and arrive at your campsite refreshed and ready to explore before a full day on the mountain the next day.

Choose the bigger resorts

Many winter sports enthusiasts avoid the larger resorts in a bid to save money. But when you’re travelling with your leisure vehicle, the only major outlay is the lift pass, so you can still head to Val d’Isere or Les Trois Vallees without seeing the costs mount up.

That means you’re more likely to have reliable snow conditions and a greater choice of runs than the cheaper alternatives. If the weather isn’t on your side, you’ll also have more flexibility in a leisure vehicle to pack up and move on.

Campsite facilities

Campsites near the big resorts are well equipped for hosting caravanners and motorhomers wishing to enjoy winter sports. That means they have drying rooms for all your wet kit just like the big ski hotels, cutting down the need to accommodate bulky ski jackets in your rig.

Many also have regular buses to the base of the ski lifts, so you can hop on one of these if you are travelling in a motorhome that you want to leave parked up. A caravan and towcar set up offers you more flexibility, but motorhomes have their benefits too.

Top tips for a leisure vehicle ski trip

While there are many benefits of taking your leisure vehicle on your annual winter sports trip, it’s also important to be prepared. I recommend the following:

  • Make sure you have a good gas or electricity set up, as your water system may dump its contents if the base level drops below five degrees C.
  • Fit both your caravan or motorhome and towcar with snow tyres to navigate those mountain roads.
  • Pack a snow shovel to help get you out of any tricky situations, just in case.
  • Always stop to fill up on fuel, food, wine and any other essentials before you reach the resort, as prices in the vicinity of ski hotspots are always inflated.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Patrick Mueller



Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights this winter

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Conditions for seeing the Northern Lights are particularly good at present, but it takes more than just luck to see this natural phenomenon in all its glory.

Increase your chances of experiencing this wonderful light show by planning a caravan or motorhome trip to one of the UK’s hotspots.

The folks at LeaseCar.uk have put together a list of the destinations where you’ll have the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights in 2024.

Tim Alcock, motoring expert from LeaseCar.uk, said: “The Northern Lights can only be described as one of the most beautiful sights to ever lay your eyes on.

 “While you can’t just look out of your window and hope the lights will appear, there are some locations in the UK and Ireland that have higher chances of them showing such as Wales, the Shetland Islands and Yorkshire.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience witnessing the Northern Lights so we highly recommend making the most of the darker nights to view the breathtaking display.”

The Lake District, Cumbria

Cumbria’s clear skies make the Lake District a good spot for seeing the Aurora Borealis and even if the Northern Lights don’t appear, a stunning view of the stars is always a delightful sight.

For the best possible odds in Cumbria, head to Grizedale Forest, where the lights have been known to put on a spectacular show.

Isle of Anglesey, Wales

Wales has been known to witness the Aurora in Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire, but the nation’s biggest island still offers the most consistent displays.

Anglesey has seen the Northern Lights regularly in recent years and offers visitors the chance to escape light pollution for a colourful scene.

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Pack up your leisure vehicle and head for Scotland to up your chances of a viewing. Despite sitting on the edge of the country’s capital city, Arthur’s Seat enjoys views of the Aurora.

It’s a steep climb to the summit of the extinct volcano, but it’ll be worth it if you see the Northern Lights and if they’re a no-show, the view of the city is also pretty special.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

If Edinburgh doesn’t deliver, then drive further north and pitch up on the remote Shetland Islands.

Here, the green and purple glow of the Northern Lights shines bright on clear nights. While the journey may be long, your chances are better here than in most other parts of the UK.

Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

Whitley Bay’s lighthouse has become a familiar sight in pictures of the Northern Lights, with the wonder being spotted off the North Tyneside coast as recently as October 2023.

Conveniently located not far from Newcastle, St Mary’s Lighthouse could be the backdrop for your very own Aurora snaps this year.

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/rauschenberger



Lean into January with these simple pleasures

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After the excitement of Christmas and New Year celebrations, it’s easy to feel a bit flat in January, but embracing simple pleasures can make it more bearable.

Without gifts to buy or elaborate festive spreads to think about cooking, it’s time to get cosy and recharge.

Research from Club Med suggests 34 per cent of Brits are looking forward to embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) this January and there’s no better place to do it than in your caravan or motorhome.

Nicolas Bresch, managing director, UK, Ireland & Nordics at Club Med, said: “There is something incredibly cosy about winter, from the feelings it can conjure up to the activities synonymous with the season.

“For the third of Brits who think winter is the best season for a holiday away, we couldn’t agree more.”

So, pack up your leisure vehicle and head away from it all to enjoy some of the simple pleasures available at this time of year.

Get cosy

Snuggling up with a blanket on the sofa is top of the list for activities that get us through January, with 43 per cent of Brits relying on some quality downtime.

With all its plush cushions, your caravan or motorhome is perfect for hunkering down, but be sure to invest in some extra soft blankets too.

For 41 per cent of respondents, tucking into comfort food was a priority and leisure vehicles are great for making simple dishes that don’t require multiple ovens and lots of pans.

Get outside

Of course, cosying up on the sofa with comfort food is made all the better when it comes after time spent in the great outdoors.

Some 36 per cent of people are hoping for snow this January, with the pleasure of wrapping up warm and enjoying the magical cold stuff.

In fact, putting on lots of layers and going for a walk was mentioned by 25 per cent of people. Some 28 per cent are content to listen to the sound of the rain outside.

Simple pleasures

Sometimes, it can be the smallest of things that offer comfort and it’s important to notice them.

Fluffy socks and slippers does this for 30 per cent of people, while clear, bright mornings are enough to put 29 per cent of respondents in a good mood.

Some 24 per cent of Brits enjoy hearing the ground crunch under their feet, which isn’t too dissimilar to the 20 per cent enchanted by the layers of frost on the ground.

However you choose to spend January, get out and about in your leisure vehicle, then get cosy again with plenty of creature comforts.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Rune Haugseng



The CaravanTimes highlights of 2023

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2023 has been a rollercoaster of a year. Here at CaravanTimes, we’ve had a blast and we hope our community has reasons to celebrate the last 12 months.

As always, all of the team are continuously grateful for our readers and as the year draws to a close, we wanted to round up some of our favourite experiences from 2023. Enjoy!

Europe in two weeks with the Adamo 75-4l

In the height of the scorching summer, CaravanTimes’ own Rodrigo and his partner, Laura, took Bailey of Bristol’s Adamo 75-4l across the European continent on a two-week holiday. Did they recommend the vehicle and the trip? Find out in the three-part series.

However, in the words of Rod and Laura: “Everything we were able to do on our holiday was facilitated by the comfort of having a personal space to sleep, cook and hang out, with its own bathroom facilities, bike storage and all of the diverse equipment necessary for our active lifestyle.”

Space Camp

On April Fool’s Day this year, we teamed up with Bailey of Bristol and the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) to launch an elaborate prank for the CaravanTimes community. Namely, we helped stage an announcement for ‘Space Camp’ – a brand new site located on the moon. If you missed it, take a look at the video below.

We didn’t leave the suspense for too long though, as we followed up with a second video revealing Space Camp was merely a fun way to promote CAMC’s involvement in the Sahara Challenge, as well as highlighting how extensive its international site network is – even if it is currently lacking a lunar option!

The Sahara Challenge

Speaking of the Sahara Challenge, Bailey sent a team on a 19-day, 2,735-mile intercontinental road trip to test the capabilities of its caravans and motorhomes. Alongside them, two of our fantastic team members – Rodrigo and Rob – followed to document the journey.

Interestingly, the leisure vehicles performed much better than the crew’s trucks, but the adventure was a huge success. From the World’s End in south-west Portugal, across the Strait of Gibraltar, over the Atlas Mountains and to the southern edge of the Sahara, before heading back to Bristol. Congratulations to all involved.

CAMC Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards 2023

In February, Dan Cartwright headed to the CAMC Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards 2023 to judge the best leisure vehicles across 14 categories.

As always, he takes this commitment very seriously and his article summarises every winner, as well as his thoughts on various motorhomes and campervans. A perfect read for those looking to upgrade their current leisure vehicle, or even purchase a brand new one.

The UK’s most beautiful secret road trips

Despite its size compared to other countries, the UK truly does have a plethora of beautiful road trips. However, lots of members of our community have been there and done that. There must be something else, right?

With so many Brits now looking to enjoy holidays closer to home, we put together a list of some of the most extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path touring routes our island has to offer. Check out our suggestions here.

The strange and wonderful sights of caravanning

Plenty of our readers will be well aware that among the leisure vehicle industry, there are many interesting sights unique to our world. But for those who aren’t in the know, we rounded up some of the stranger aspects, with help from the CaravanTimes community.

From the cat caravans and manic parking to one reader finding an entire family occupying their leisure vehicle, this article is not to be missed!

The best Christmas markets for a touring holiday

Leading up to the end of 2023, the CaravanTimes team found their festive spirit. There have been many Christmas-related posts on the site, but one of our favourites came in the form of the UK’s best seasonal markets to visit in your leisure vehicle.

Sip some mulled wine, indulge in the mince pies and be merry. If you haven’t seen the article, do take a look. You might find some inspiration for a perfect Christmas touring holiday in 2024.

Once again, a huge thank you to all of our readers and we can’t wait to see what 2024 holds.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Marek Konopnicki 

Tips for driving safely this Christmas

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Whether you’re driving home to see friends or family, towing a caravan to your festive getaway, or touring in your trusty motorhome, make sure you’re staying safe on the roads this Christmas.

Dark nights, cold and wet conditions, and a sense of urgency to get to your destination all contribute to accidents at this time of year, so take precautions to minimise the risk.

With 16.1 million car journeys predicted by the AA to take place on December 22nd alone, Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has put together some advice.

Plan your journey

A few days before your festive getaway, it’s a good idea to plan your route and check for any scheduled roadworks or closures.

Always have an alternative route in mind in case conditions change and take another look the day before travelling so you can use it if necessary.

When you set off, make sure your radio has been set for traffic alerts to inform you of any issues along the way.

Check the weather forecast

There’s still a chance there might be a white Christmas in the UK this year and even if there isn’t, wet and icy conditions are likely.

Always drive with care in the winter, even when roads have been treated and maintain a good distance with the vehicle in front, as stopping distances can be greater on wet roads.

Don’t drive too fast and if you’re towing a caravan, take turns particularly slowly to ensure you remain in control.

Make sure your vehicles are road-worthy

Checking the road-worthiness of your vehicles before you set off is key to giving yourself the best chance of getting to your destination safely.

This means both the towcar and caravan if you’re towing or the motorhome or campervan if you’re driving this type of leisure vehicle.

Among the safety checks you should be making are filling up your tank, ensuring the fluids are topped up, monitoring your tyre pressure, replacing the windshield wipers and inspecting the battery cables. 

Don’t keep gifts on show

Stopping off along the journey is an important part of road safety, as it’s vital the driver remains rested and alert.

Don’t leave Christmas presents on display in the vehicle, as this could lead to a break in and delay arriving at your destination.

And once you do get to your destination, unpack the gifts and hide them or make sure they’re tucked away in your motorhome ready for Christmas Day.

Pack an emergency kit

Nobody wants to have issues on the road and hopefully careful preparation will decrease the risks, but it’s always good to be prepared, just in case.

Put an emergency kit in your car, caravan, motorhome or campervan with the essentials should you find yourself waiting for assistance.

This should include some blankets, water, food, a torch and a battery pack to charge your mobile phone.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Erik Mclean

Longnor Wood Holiday Park is named the UK’s best adult-only site

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A Peak District glamping site has been crowned the UK’s best adult-only site in the 2023 Camping and Glamping Awards.

The competition, which is run by Campsites.co.uk, noted Longnor Wood Holiday Park’s pristine facilities, quiet environment and great location.

Offering easy access to the town of Buxton, the site also boasts the beauty of the Peak District on its doorstep.

Sam Kitchen, co-manager of Longnor Wood, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Being a site that is exclusively for adults, we aim to create a destination where people can completely relax and get away from it all.

“Our focus is on providing the best possible experience for our guests through improving our already excellent facilities, offering a quality personal service and going above and beyond for our guests.

“Many of our guests return year after year because they love the site and its location so much.”

Despite being an adult-only site, Longnor Wood does welcome dogs, making it a great spot to enjoy with a four-legged friend.

Visitors can choose from a touring pitch for their caravan or motorhome; an en suite glamping pod; luxury lodge or caravan holiday homes with outdoor hot tubs.

Longnor Wood boasts 11 spacious all-weather hardstanding leisure vehicle pitches, complete with 10 amp electric hook-up, as well as nine fully-serviced all weather touring pitches for campervans, caravans or motorhomes.

In addition, there are 23 seasonal hardstanding touring pitches available, 18 of which are fully serviced.

The annual Campsites.co.uk awards aim to identify the best campsites, glamping spots and touring sites across the country. 

They celebrate those that have demonstrated exceptional services for camping and caravanning aficionados throughout the year.

Martin Smith, founder of Campsites.co.uk, said: “Competition was extremely tight this year, but Longnor Wood Holiday Park really has gone above and beyond to create the ultimate stay, making it a worthy winner of our best adult-only site in the UK.

“Its great location combined with excellent amenities, friendly customer service and thoughtful touches, such as books and games to borrow, are what help to set it apart from the rest.”

Among the attractions visitors to Longnor Wood may wish to experience are:

  • Chatsworth House – The 17th century property, which is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire and filming location for Pride and Prejudice.
  • Bakewell – A charming market town on the banks of the River Wye, famous for its eponymous tart.
  • Buxton Caverns – A series of two-million-year-old limestone caves.
  • Tissington Trail – This 13-mile long route from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south is popular with walkers and cyclists.
  • Peak District National Park dark skies – Low light pollution offers good stargazing opportunities.

The best Christmas gifts for campervan owners

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You may have read our previous two gift idea articles for caravans and motorhomes. If you’re a campervanner, or perhaps awaiting this post for a camper enthusiast in your life, there is one thing to bear in mind… 

Campervans, by nature, are the most compromised of all leisure vehicles. By this, I mean they’re very small! So the range of gifts in this class is not as extensive as the previous two.

Less spacious living and cooking areas mean the only thing campervans don’t compromise on is the overall driving experience. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and appreciate they are the stalwarts of the trendy elite. Who wouldn’t want to sleep on a let-down car seat, with their head next to a cooker?

I’m only joking, but my point is that campervans are difficult when it comes to accessories because the most important process for owners is deciding what not to take. Space is at such a premium that anything you bring needs to fit comfortably in storage, which, you guessed it, is also extremely limited.

So, if you’re on the hunt for campervan presents, avoid the previous articles and mentions of huge, snuggly, wearable quilts and the like. Apart from sentimental items, like cups with a picture of your favourite campervan on, these gifts need a practical edge. So, let’s take a look at some recommendations.

1. A trailer

This might ruin the aesthetic value of your campervan – it’s not as cool as a California with a surfboard strapped to the roof. However, a trailer isn’t only about being able to bring more things on your journey.

No, it offers a repository that you can keep at any campsite, for two main reasons. Firstly, it allows you to reserve your pitch whenever you drive off and secondly, it gives you a space to store kit you don’t need in the van.

Moreover, if you have wet or dirty clothes, you won’t want them inside your very small accommodation area. Simply stick them all in the trailer! Most are lockable and some are hard tops, too.

I wouldn’t recommend leaving valuable items in there, although the trailer certainly will act as a deterrent that works without compromising your ability to have bike racks. The bottom line is they increase your capacity and there are lots on Facebook Marketplace, whilst new trailers start at around £200 for a small option.

2. Digital jump-starter

I mentioned this in the motorhome article, but I would also describe this gadget as a necessity for campervans. They can charge your phone or any other electronic device via USB cables, but best of all, they’ll jump-start a five-litre diesel engine multiple times.

Some campervans have genuine issues with cab and leisure batteries, and when a problem does arise, it can significantly affect your holiday. Luckily, a lithium-ion jump-starter is the easy solution. Even if you don’t need to use it for this reason, it will still extend your off-grid capabilities, so owning one is a win-win.

It’s my go-to essential for any motorhome or campervan. They come in at roughly 15cm in length and 7cm in width, so they’re very small and easy to fit in any cupboard or even the glovebox. 

3. Cup holders with hooks

These attach to the windows or vents in your vehicle. The reason I like them so much in campervans is that most utilise driving seats as living seats, they simply swivel. But what if you’re facing away from the windscreen?

In this scenario, standard cab cup holders become rather annoying to use. I can’t count the number of times I’ve burned my hands reaching behind myself to grab a boiling coffee. With these cheap gadgets, you can place your beverages in much easier places to reach.

4. Flip-up kitchen extender

Widely available, incredibly practical and you might even find one that matches your work surface perfectly – a kitchen extender is a small flap that pops open and gives you a slightly larger space when preparing food.

In a campervan, the kitchen is normally very well-equipped with just about everything except the actual real estate to prepare food. So, if you’d like to chop a vegetable or two, that little extra bit of space is an absolute godsend.

5. Super absorbent microfibre towel

One unfortunate yet inevitable aspect of life with a campervan is the area within the vehicle, especially on the floor, will end up wet. Some people place carpets down in the living area, but these can lead to water ingress simply because they are so heavy and retain a lot of moisture.

But you need something to deal with water after you get wet, as it’s unpleasant and slippery, especially if you were to fall over and hit something. Lots of people have floor towels, but I’d recommend picking up some super absorbent microfibre ones.

A pair might cost around £15 to £30 – I keep two on rotation so that one is always ready for use while the other dries. This means there’s no need to bring a large towel, as you can store these small yet efficient ones easily and wipe the floor every time it gets wet.

As a final thought, you might be reading this article, as well as the previous two, and thinking these gift ideas aren’t very romantic. That’s because they’re not. Instead, they’re practical, as that’s what the leisure vehicle industry is all about. Merry Christmas!

Photo credit: Tofros.com / Pexels

Where to find a white Christmas in your caravan

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There’s still some debate about whether it’ll be a white Christmas this year and of course, in the UK it does depend somewhat on your location as to whether there’s likely to be snow.

If, like Bing Crosby, you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then there are some places in the world you can head off to in your caravan to up your chances.

The elves at StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of such destinations.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “It is a dream for many to experience a white Christmas, and there are some locations even more beautiful once winter arrives and festivities begin.

“Unfortunately snowfall is never guaranteed on the big day, as temperatures and humidity must be at the perfect levels for it to set on the ground.

“Luckily, those planning to whisk off and enjoy the festivities are in luck because we have rounded up the best spots to enjoy a white Christmas.”

Tomintoul, Scotland

Your best bet for snow in the UK is to head to the highest village in Scotland. Tomintoul boasts an average of 61 days of snow a year and its highland location makes the rugged mountains look particularly beautiful with a sprinkling of the white stuff.

Caravanners and campervanners who love adventure sports should pack their skis or snowboard to make the most of a Christmas trip to Tomintoul. If you’re not an adrenaline junkie, then a selection of walking trails offer a more sedate way to explore the magical landscape.

Hallstatt, Austria

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt is a picture-perfect place to pitch up in winter. Located on the western shores of Lake Hallstatt, the village and its traditional church spire benefit from the stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

Wander through the narrow alleys, admire the Alpine houses and stop at cosy cafes during your festive getaway. Head to Marktplatz to admire the giant fir tree and imagine you’ve stepped into a Christmas card.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic landscape than that in Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo. The mighty Dolomites tower over the stone buildings of the town, which makes the perfect base to go skiing or explore the historic town hall with its impressive advent calendar installation.

The lake at nearby Braies freezes over in winter and you can cross it by horse-drawn sleigh for a memorable experience. Warm up with a creamy Bombardino to really embrace the spirit of the season.

A note on winter touring

More and more people are deciding not to pack away their leisure vehicle during the winter months, but continue touring instead. While this offers plenty of opportunity for adventure, always be aware of safety concerns.

Research roads and conditions, fit snow chains and carry provisions in your caravan or motorhome in case you get stuck. Pitching up in valleys or lower ground with views of the mountains is often a safer option than attempting to drive on treacherous roads.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kenny Leys

6 car checks to carry out before the festive season

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Driving home for Christmas can come with its own set of unique stress factors, but an unexpected breakdown would certainly turn the journey into a nightmare.

According to a report from the AA, one-third of all UK car breakdowns occur during the festive period, with British motorists spending £156 on average for repairs over Christmas.

The vehicle experts at Ed-Lock have put together six simple checks you should undertake now to avoid a Yuletide disaster. Here’s what you need to know whether you’re heading to see family or for a magical staycation this winter.

Check your tyre tread depth

Legally, your tyres need to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, although when the winter weather means snowy, icy roads, it’s recommended to increase that to 3.0mm and most experts suggest getting them replaced once they drop below this figure. To get a good indication of the legality of your tread depth, you can try the 20p method.

Top up your oil

A third of UK vehicles inspected by mechanics are deemed to have “dangerously low oil,” which could lead to huge engine damage or a breakdown during your journey. It takes a minute to do and doesn’t require any help, simply pull out the dipstick and make sure the fluid reaches the correct indicator line.

Cool your engine

Engine coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water, and is needed to prevent your engine from freezing during colder temperatures. Upon inspection, if yours doesn’t sit between the minimum and maximum levels on the tank, take your vehicle to a garage before it becomes a much more serious problem.

Inspect your battery

Checking your battery is a basic part of vehicle maintenance, but in cold weather, its efficiency can be significantly reduced. 27 per cent of breakdowns last winter resulted directly from battery issues and the majority of mechanics offer quick and affordable checks.

Assess your wipers

Snow, ice, grit and other debris won’t only affect your visibility while driving, but also could damage your windscreen wipers. So, take a close look for any splits along the blades and if you do come across any, replace them as soon as possible.

Clean your lights

When undertaking a touring trip during the winter period, visibility is much more crucial. Clean your front and rear lights to ensure maximum brightness and don’t forget to inspect your indicators – simply replace any bulbs that need changing.

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels