Packing holiday clothes in your caravan or motorhome

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Packing clothes for a holiday is an artform, requiring careful consideration about what to take and how to match items with each other.

When it comes to fitting everything into your caravan or motorhome, however, there tends to be more space than the single bag you can take on most flights.

Despite there being lockers above the bed and down the side of the fridge, it’s still useful to employ clever techniques to make sure your holiday wardrobe doesn’t get creased.

Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Packing for a holiday doesn’t have to mean dealing with wrinkled clothes.

 “By choosing the right fabrics and using clever packing hacks, holidaymakers can ensure their clothes don’t look a mess when they unpack at the hotel.

 “When you arrive at your destination with clothes that are ready to wear, you save time and stress, allowing you to start enjoying your holiday immediately.

 “Packing carefully is especially important if you’re attending a special event during your trip, but even if you’re not, it’s always nice to look your best while you’re out and about, whether you’re sightseeing or going out for meals.”

Experts from the website have shared their tips…

Choose the right materials

The first thing to consider is selecting clothes in materials that are less likely to crease when stowed away in your leisure vehicle.

Linen has a reputation for wrinkling easily, but it’s not the only fabric to do so. Silk and cotton materials also hold onto lines where they’ve been folded.

Try packing garments made from synthetic materials such as lycra, nylon and polyester instead, as they’ll come out of the locker looking sharp.

Roll your clothes

The rolling technique has been widely accepted among travel bloggers as the best method for packing a suitcase and it applies to caravan and motorhome storage spaces too.

Not only will it help you to keep clothes wrinkle-free, but rolling has been found to be an efficient way to fit more items into a space.

Utilise the sushi method

Building on the rolling technique, the sushi method means bundling garments together, with larger ones spread over the outer layers.

Start in the centre with things like socks or underwear, then encase them with other items. While this could work for transporting clothes, it could all unravel once you want to wear things.

Make use of packing cubes

Packing cubes are great for organising your holiday wardrobe and fitting more in, as they help compress clothes down.

A favourite of the CaravanTimes editor, these essentials can be used like a travel version of your chest of drawers at home.

Either pack all similar items together in a cube or separate out a whole outfit for the day to avoid having to open more than once.

Fold with tissue paper

If your caravan trip involves a special occasion or event, then it can be worth going the extra mile to keep party clothes looking their best.

For these items, place tissue paper between the layers to reduce friction and therefore the likelihood of creases forming.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich



National Caravan Council relaunches TowCheck website

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The National Caravan Council (NCC) has relaunched its popular TowCheck website with new and improved features.

Allowing drivers to easily match suitable towcars with caravans, the online tool is designed to ensure the combination they’re opting for is both safe and legal.

Now with more than 16,000 unique caravan model specifications and over 40 million cars, TowCheck provides caravan dealerships and customers with clearer, faster and more accurate towing information.

This process is based on the most up-to-date car and caravan market data and takes less than a minute to return the results.

The main improvement to the service is a more user-friendly website, which produces a matching report that’s accessible from all devices.

Such reports contain both details provided by car and caravan manufacturers and real-time data for the most accurate view on performance.

David Whitehead, director of technical services, touring caravans and motorcaravans at the NCC, said: “If you are considering buying a caravan, new or used, or changing your car if you have a caravan already, you must make sure that the car-caravan combination is correctly matched in relation to the relevant weights to ensure you remain safe and stay within the law.

“Each car and caravan match on TowCheck is produced by a weight calculation that also takes into account relevant towing expertise, giving everyone peace of mind before making a new purchase.”

Alternative options

Where the initial check returns an illegal and unsafe match, users will now be presented with a list of alternative caravans.

These will be from the same brand as the initial model that was inputted, wherever possible, and represent a good starting point for making a more informed choice.

Other services

As well as inputting a specific model of car and a particular caravan, users can:

  • Request a match using just the towcar or just the caravan
  • Obtain a list of suitable cars for a preferred caravan
  • Get a list of suitable caravans for a preferred towing car

About the NCC

Founded in 1939, the NCC is the UK trade association for the caravan industry, representing the touring caravan, motorhome, campervan, holiday lodge and residential park home sectors.

Speaking up for the entire supply chain, from suppliers workshops and manufacturers to dealerships, park operators and service providers, it offers a well-rounded view on the industry.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Salah Ait Mokhtar



A sneak preview of the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024

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The Motorhome & Caravan Show will return to the NEC in Birmingham from Tuesday, October 15th to Sunday, October 20th.

Spanning 11 halls and with over 350 exhibitors, it’s the UK’s leading showcase of the latest motorhomes, caravans and campervans.

Approximately 1,000 new models will be on display, alongside the newest and most innovative gadgets and accessories to make the lifestyle as comfortable as possible.

The show offers a one-stop shop for everything needed to get travel enthusiasts road ready, whether they’re new to the world of caravanning or seasoned pros.

Among the highlights will be exclusive launches, which aficionados will be able to step inside and explore for themselves.

Chat to leading UK and European leisure vehicle manufacturers and dealers, awning manufacturers, accessory companies, destinations and tourist boards to have all your questions answered.

Big names such as Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Bailey, Benimar, Buccaneer Coachman, Elddis, Eriba, Etrusco, Hymer, Itineo, Knaus, Rapido, Roller Team, Swift and Westfalia will all be in attendance.

Karen Dodd, marketing director at NCC Events, said: “Whether you’re looking to buy your first campervan, motorhome or caravan, replace an existing unit or simply want to upgrade your current vehicle with the latest tech and accessories, there are so many exciting and innovative new models to see and products to explore at the show, you’re sure to find what you are looking for, as well as enjoying a fantastic day out.”

Exclusive first looks

Auto-Trail will be giving show visitors the chance for a first look at its brand new product for 2025, as well as an innovative feature it says will revolutionise its motorhome line-up.

UK manufacturer Swift will be showcasing the new Monza, which is built on the latest Ford Transit Custom and features an innovative touchscreen control panel and a stylish Panther soft furnishing scheme.

As previously reported by CaravanTimes, Coachman has completely redesigned its Acadia caravan range for the 2025 season, delivering modern and contemporary interiors alongside the brand’s renowned build quality.

If you’re on the lookout for a motorhome for the whole brood, Dethleffs’ new, spacious XL Family model has been compared to an apartment on wheels.

Kaktus Vans is making its October show debut, with a selection of custom-built adventure vehicles that not only offer high performance but also look the part.

Another first-time exhibitor is the family-run Sherwood Campers, which is a fully authorised installer for the German company Reimo, fitting its seats and pop-top roof systems to all its builds.

Learn new skills

Try towing a caravan or driving a motorhome in safe conditions by booking onto free Motorhome Manoeuvring sessions with the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Caravan Towing Experiences are also being offered by the Camping & Caravanning Club and the Show’s Tow Car Partner Isuzu.

Getting behind the wheel of a leisure vehicle can be daunting, so it makes sense to try before you buy.



Coachman launches three new caravans

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Caravan dealers and industry experts have had their first look at three new Coachman vehicles that will be available to purchase for the 2025 season.

Interested parties gathered at the manufacturer’s annual showcase at Beverley Barn in East Yorkshire to see the Acadia 460, Acadia 675 Xtra and Lusso III unveiled.

Acadia 460

A new compact caravan, the Acadia 460 features a two-berth set-up, making it perfect for couples or solo travellers.

The parallel seating has been upholstered in herringbone fabric, while the kitchen features an extending worktop and improved storage space.

Style continues to take centre stage in the bathroom, with its Belfast sink, terrazzo style splashback and a mixer tap.

Acadia 675 Xtra

The Acadia 675 Xtra is a larger twin axle model with sleeping accommodation for up to four people and an L-shaped front lounge.

It includes a transverse island bed and a spacious end washroom, while off the lounge in the centre of the layout is a well-equipped kitchen with big fridge-freezer and additional storage.

The 460 and 675 Xtra are at the forefront of a refreshed Acadia range, which is known for its comfort, convenience and style.

Ben Parkin of Coachman said: “This is the range that’s had the most concentration for us, in terms of development. Internally it’s completely new, every piece of furniture has been redesigned, trying to save some weight but also moving it on from a styling perspective.

“We’ve modernised it in certain areas but still retained some of the Coachman characteristics and feel that customers are used to and love.”

Lusso III

The third model in Coachman’s luxury tourer range, Lusso, features wide twin beds and a vast washroom, complete with a shower and one-piece door at the rear.

A generous L-shaped lounge at the front has been upgraded in the Lusso III to include higher and more supportive backrests and is finished off with a coordinating footstool.

Integrating the two areas is a well-equipped kitchen with enhanced workspace and deeper cupboards for longer trips.

Coachman has been making caravans in Hull since 1986, with its first range – Coachman 440 – establishing the brand’s reputation for quality tourers.

The industry launch event earlier this month provided the manufacturer with an opportunity to let experts see the new vehicles in the flesh.

Mr Parkin added: “Trade shows are always a great chance for us to get a steer. Positive. Negative. What’s right. What’s wrong.

“Some of the feedback is personal preference, personal taste – but it helps validate what we’ve done is correct – and we’re confident we’ve headed in the right direction for the 2025 season.”



30 best days out with kids in the UK

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As we roll towards the end of the school summer holidays in England and Wales, families may be looking for additional inspiration to keep the kids entertained.

Packing up the caravan or motorhome and heading off to enjoy one of the UK’s best attractions could be just what everyone needs.

The experts at Boundless have put together a list of tried and tested experiences, ranking them based on the views of parents who’ve already been there and done that.

From 38 per cent of survey respondents recommending Cadbury World near Birmingham to 31 per cent championing Cornwall’s Eden Project, there’s lots to reinvigorate your end of summer holiday planning.

Darren Milton from Boundless said: “It’s clear that families up and down the country appreciate the amazing array of things available to see, do and visit in the UK, whether it’s screaming on a rollercoaster, eating as much chocolate as you can or looking back at what life was like when the dinosaurs were roaming the land.”

The top five

1.    Seeing the animals at London Zoo

Some 51 per cent of parents said visiting the animals at London Zoo was the best thing to do with kids this summer. With 698 species of animals to see, there’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained.

2.    Visiting the creatures at Edinburgh Zoo

Up in Scotland, 42 per cent of families recommended the chance to interact with some of the 2,500 individual animals at Edinburgh Zoo. The attraction has recently welcomed its newest addition, Cleo the cheetah.

3.    Eating chocolate at Cadbury World, Birmingham                            

A day out with chocolate is likely to be a hit and 38 per cent of respondents would agree. Find out how chocolate is made, enjoy the rides and meet classic characters such as Freddo.

4.    A trip to Legoland, Windsor

It’s not just about bricks at Legoland, as there’s 55 rides and seasonal special events to enjoy. Join Lego divers on an underwater adventure or watch a film in 4D. With so many different Lego themes, there’s bound to be something to capture your kids’ imagination.

5.    Riding roller coasters at Alton Towers, Stoke on Trent

The UK’s biggest theme park never disappoints with over 40 rides, including ten main roller coasters. Don’t miss the chance to experience Wicker Man, Galactica, Nemesis, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and The Smiler.

Further inspiration

  1.   Going to the Eden Project, Cornwall 
  2.   A trip to Sealife, Blackpool 
  3.   Eating pizza on Polkerris Beach, Cornwall  
  4.   Getting spooked at the London Dungeons   
  5.   Enjoying the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach 
  6.   Going to Madame Tussauds, London 
  7.   Riding roller coasters at Thorpe Park, Chertsey
  8.   The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studios 
  9.   Crabbing at Walberswick Beach, Suffolk 
  10.   Seeing the flowers at Kew Gardens, London 
  11.   Going on the rides at Brighton Palace Pier
  12.   Eating ice cream at the Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall, Cheshire
  13.   Learning about dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, London  
  14.   Seeing the caves at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 
  15.   A trip to the New Forest 
  16.   Visiting the Titanic Museum, Belfast
  17.   Battlement climbing at Warwick Castle
  18.   A train ride through South Devon Railway
  19.   Riding roller coasters at Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire
  20.   Visit Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play, Blackpool 
  21.   A trip to Watergate Bay, Cornwall 
  22.   Playing arcade games on Barry Island, Wales 
  23.   Seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London 
  24.   A trip to Peppa Pig World, Hampshire
  25.   Discovering the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Richard Cook



Europe’s best value water parks

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A trip away in a caravan, motorhome or campervan is a great way to keep accommodation costs down when visiting Europe this summer.

Once you get to your destination, you’re likely to spend money on activities, however, and water parks are high up on the list of days out for families.

If your brood loves this kind of fun, be sure to head to one of Europe’s most reasonably priced water parks to get the biggest bang for your buck.

The experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the 2024 European Water Park Index to help you compare prices and facilities at parks across the continent.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of the website, said: “In order to find out which of the top ten European water parks offer the best value for money, our team ranked them based on the cost of a ticket (for adults and children), number of five-star reviews, number of attractions and cost of a locker.”

1. Faliraki Water Park

At the top of the table was Faliraki Water Park on the Greek island of Rhodes, with affordable ticket prices and attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Adult day tickets cost €27 (£23), while entry for children aged three to 12 is €18 and kids under the age of three get free entry.

Experience a vast array of water slides, lazy rivers, pools and water playgrounds at the huge park, which represents good value for money.

2. Zoomarine Park in Rome

The Italian Zoomarine Park not only has an extensive water park with slides, pools and other entertainment, but the ticket also offers access to a marine zoo and a theme park.

Tickets are priced at less than €25 a head, with the three different zones offering so much to do, it could be worth visiting on different days of the holiday.

3. Paphos Aphrodite Water Park

Adrenaline junkies will love high-speed water rides Kamikaze, Super Volcano and Free Fall at Paphos Aphrodite Water Park in Cyprus.

There’s also leisure pools and slides designed for younger children, which is particularly useful for families with kids at different ages.

Admission for adults comes in at just over €30 and children are given a discounted price of €18.

4. Therme Bucharest

With more than 50 different attractions to choose from, Therme Bucharest won’t leave you wanting for saunas, spa treatments, slides and indoor and outdoor pools.

Organised into three areas, there’s the family-friendly Galaxy, complete with attractions for kids; The Palm with pools and botanical gardens for relaxation; and Elysium, where visitors can enjoy wellbeing rituals.

A ticket for access to all three areas comes in at just over €40, but entry to individual zones can be purchased at a reduced rate, which is particularly worth noting if you’re travelling with under-14s, who are only allowed in the Galaxy section.

5. Sandcastle Water Park

What could be more British than a caravan holiday in Blackpool? The biggest indoor water park in the UK is located at the seaside resort and has received thousands of 5-star reviews.

For less than €30, families can discover 18 different water slides in a tropical climate on Blackpool’s promenade.



 

Photo credit: Pexels/Juan Salamanca

Take your leisure vehicle on a football city break

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Caravan and motorhome owners often use their leisure vehicles to indulge their passions, whether it’s cycling, hiking or motorsport.

But one hobby that can form a great basis for a city break in your trusted vehicle is football, with some great teams to watch play in Europe.

With this in mind, Live Football Tickets has crunched the data to see which destinations are the best place to enjoy a match as domestic leagues gear up to restart.

Stefan Balkenende from the site said: “Aside from watching their football team play, fans love soaking up the history and culture of their teams.

“From the museums and stadium tours, to the local fans and pubs, all of these aspects can make a great city break for fans of the beautiful game.”

Portugal tops the table

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, was found to be the best place to head for a football city break, according to the judgement criteria.

It scored 8.99 out of a possible ten in areas including the number of major stadia and prices of meals, pints and public transport.

Pitching up your caravan or motorhome and relying on local transport is a great way to explore a city, as long as the infrastructure is in place.

Lisbon boasts two major football teams, Benfica and Sporting, with the former hosting Estadio do Benfica tours and a museum.

Portugal’s second city, Porto, followed its capital onto the list, scoring 8.40, with a three-course meal for two costing just £37.42 on average, the lowest price in the top ten.

As well as catching an FC Porto match, football fans can take part in Estádio do Dragão tours and visit its museum.

Madrid takes third

The Spanish city of Madrid came in third position, boasting a score of 8.31 for its popular attractions such as the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Museum, and National Spanish Football Museum.

Visitors can get around the city for just £1.26 on average, one of the cheapest transport prices on the list of destinations reviewed for the study.

Rounding out the top ten

Completing the top ten football cities on the list were:

  • Barcelona
  • Rome
  • Paris
  • Manchester
  • Berlin
  • Glasgow
  • Rotterdam

Mr Balkenende added: “Manchester’s football scene is rich with four major stadiums, home to Man City and Man United, and visitors able to get around for just £2 on average.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martha Dominguez de Gouveia



Don’t let social media pics undermine your security

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Trips away in your caravan, motorhome or campervan are a great opportunity to post to Instagram or other social media platforms.

While documenting your vanlife adventures online is a fun perk, it’s important to ensure they’re not undermining your security.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk are warning holidaymakers about how social media posts can leave your home vulnerable, while editors at CaravanTimes also caution about putting your leisure vehicle at risk.

Take reasonable care of your home

Putting real-time information about your holiday online can let people know your house is empty, making it a target for burglary.

Insurance companies insist their customers should take ‘reasonable care’ of their property, which includes not advertising that it’s empty.

While posting photos online of a holiday isn’t likely to be enough to invalidate an insurance claim, it’s important to consider safe ways to share content.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With the rise of social media tourism, this particular issue is unfortunately becoming more common. Especially if there are younger people living in the home and travelling on holiday with the family, then they need to be made aware of the security implications to their family home.

“Harmless tags, shares and check-ins could put the property at risk and invalidate the insurance protection – even snapping and sharing online photos of other families on the trip could put their cover at risk. 

“There are however simple ways to be more security conscious, saving up photos until they return home, tightening up privacy settings and avoiding giving away any specific timings or locations, can all help protect the home and the insurance.” 

Social media dos and don’ts when travelling

To keep your property safe, follow these simple rules:

  • Don’t tag your location in real time
  • Use private Stories when you do post
  • Never post about the length of your trip
  • Don’t mention your travel dates
  • Ensure others aren’t tagging you in holiday photos

Protect your motorhome and caravan security

While on holiday in your leisure vehicle, your caravan, motorhome or campervan is the equivalent of your house.

You’ll want to keep it and its occupants safe at all times, which means thinking carefully about the photos you post too.

Social media pictures that show expensive camping equipment, bikes or entertainment systems could make your van a target.

Tagging the location where you’ve pitched up in real-time, followed by snaps of a day trip, can demonstrate to thieves that you’re away from the vehicle and that it’s vulnerable.

While the last thing anyone wants to be thinking about on a leisure vehicle trip is safety, it’s important not to offer up these clues online.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Sam Balye



How to handle condensation in your caravan or motorhome

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The warm, wet summer currently being experienced in the UK is causing condensation problems in leisure vehicles.

Nobody wants fogged windscreens or mouldering upholstery in their caravan, motorhome or campervan, which can have far-reaching consequences.

Unsettled weather this summer has seen hot temperatures followed by torrential downpours and forecasters suggest there’s more to come.

Mark Tongue, co-founder of vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing, said: “The UK’s wash-out, humid summer has created the perfect conditions for vehicle condensation. 

“It’s created when warm, damp air inside the car meets the cold surface of your car’s windows. The moisture in the air cools and forms hundreds of tiny droplets of water on the inside of the glass, settling as a fog. 

“And if it’s humid enough, condensation can take an age to clear, even with your car’s fans working overtime.”

Here are some ways to deal with vehicle condensation:

Clean the windows more often

The cleaner the inside of your windows, the less likely condensation fog is to persist. Water droplets cling to any dirt on the glass, so clean the windows regularly to cut down the time it takes for mist to clear.

Use the aircon, if you have it

Not all caravans and motorhomes are fitted with aircon, but if yours is then be sure to use it. The heating and cooling fans won’t remove moisture like the aircon will. Also use the recirculate button to prevent additional humid air from outside being drawn into the vehicle.

Remove wet items

Retreating to your leisure vehicle after a wet walk is a common occurrence, but try not to leave wet items inside for too long. Make use of on-site drying rooms for soggy coats and the towel you dried the dog off with or get them outside as soon as the sun comes out.

Invest in dehumidifier bags

Relatively cheap, dehumidifier bags contain silica gel beads that actively work to absorb moisture from the air, preventing it from forming condensation. Place them strategically around your caravan, motorhome or campervan in places where they won’t get in the way, like the dashboard.

Replace old window seals

Old or damaged window seals allow excess moisture into your leisure vehicle and could be the root cause of your condensation woes. Replacing worn seals can have a significant impact on cutting down on water droplets inside.

Ventilate your vehicle

It’s not just the erratic weather that causes condensation, but the breath from people too. Open windows and doors to ventilate your vehicle when it’s not damp outside and never put your caravan, motorhome or campervan into storage without airing it out properly.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Devon Janse van Rensburg



Annie the Ambulance offers a unique touring experience

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Converting all manner of vehicles into mobile homes is a trend that shows no signs of abating, but if you’re not ready to start your own project, there is another option.

Camplify, the campervan, motorhome and caravan sharing community, is offering holidaymakers the chance to hire a unique leisure vehicle.

Annie the Ambulance has been fully transformed from a rapid response vehicle into a cosy option for a summer getaway.

Based in Neath, South Wales, Annie’s owners have made it available for renters looking for something a bit different in a touring holiday.

Starting from just £20 per person, Annie now features a fully-equipped kitchen, ample seating space and plenty of storage for longer road trips.

Flavia Robles Lorente from Camplify UK said: “Road trips and van holidays offer holidaymakers an alternative way to see the country, allowing them to take it at their own pace and stop off in locations that simply aren’t accessible when staying in hotels or B&Bs.

“Annie the Ambulance gives guests the chance to enjoy their experiences in a new way, and is perfect for exploring the UK on your own terms.”

Annie’s makeover

Having once housed medical equipment and the clean sterility of an emergency services vehicle, Annie’s interior is now more reminiscent of a wooden chalet.

Stepping inside, there’s a real sense of welcoming nature in the space, with a calming neutral colour palette and sustainably sourced materials.

The van conversion’s former life has not been entirely stripped away, however, as the original reflective markings can still be seen on the outside of the doors.

Spacious living quarters

Former ambulances make for good holiday accommodation, as the wide-set body means there’s plenty of space to move around.

Annie sleeps up to three guests, with the living area transformed into a comfortable double bed when it’s time to retire for the night.

Hiring Annie

Annie the Ambulance is available to hire from £60 a day and is pet-friendly, meaning the whole family can come along.

The vehicle is fully insured for anyone over the age of 23 to drive, but is not equipped to handle off-road conditions.

A minimum two-day hiring period is in place, and at the time of writing, there’s still some availability to hire the ambulance in August and September 2024.

About Camplify

Camplify is a platform designed to help caravan, motorhome and campervan owners earn some extra cash from their leisure vehicle when they’re not using it.

It recently launched a new programme known as Camper+ to enable owners to maximise earnings from their side hustle.

More than 5,000 owners list their vans on Camplify, helping to take the hassle out of peer-to-peer leisure vehicle sharing.



Warning: A European touring trip could leave your passport invalid

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Holidaymakers are being warned to check how many pages are left in their passport before travelling, with a little-known rule causing issues at border control.

Passport holders are required to have at least two blank pages available in their travel document or risk it being declared invalid.

With entry and exit stamps issued for UK travellers to the European Union (EU) post Brexit, passports can very easily fill up.

If you’re planning a caravan or motorhome touring trip to multiple countries this summer, collecting stamps will be inevitable.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Filling up the pages in your passport may have felt like an unlikely task years ago, but since Brexit, many are finding their passport pages becoming fuller as new rules mean UK passport holders must have their passport stamped each time they enter and leave the EU.

 “If you do run out of pages in your passport, you will have to renew your passport sooner than its expiry date, so make sure to keep a keen eye on the remaining empty pages.”

Know the passport rules

A standard UK passport is issued with 34 pages, but larger ones can be requested with 54 pages at an additional cost.

While this is a bigger initial outlay, it can work out cheaper than replacing an entire passport early due to a lack of free pages.

As well as room for stamps, some countries require travel documents to have two additional pages available for visas.

Another area that has led to problems for passport holders is the date of expiry. Some nations insist on six months of validity after an individual has left the country.

Official advice from HM Passport Office is that a passport must not expire within three months of your departure from the EU.

If you’re planning on taking your caravan or motorhome further afield, it’s worth checking the passport rules in advance to prevent any problems.

Also, be sure to get your passport out to inspect it well in advance of setting off on your touring trip, as any damage can also make it invalid.

This includes peeling laminate plastic, loose or torn pages, stains or water marks, and even decorative stickers.

Future changes to the rules

The EU has announced plans to introduce a new entry-exit system later this year, which will replace physical stamping with biometric fingerprint and facial scanning.

While this could mean there’s less of a need for larger passports, it’s unclear how long it will take for all border controls to have the new system in place.

In the meantime, ensure there are enough blank pages in your passport for stamps from all the countries you plan to visit on your touring trip, with a few to spare.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ethan Wilkinson



Travelling in your caravan with allergies

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Having allergies can be limiting, especially if you’re thinking about travelling abroad, but owning a caravan or motorhome can help you to control your surroundings.

If your allergies are severe, then taking your own food with you and cooking in your leisure vehicle’s kitchen can help to minimise risk.

For those who can eat out, the team behind food allergy information app AllergyMenu.uk have offered expert advice for travelling abroad safely this summer.

Juliet Moran, founder of the app, said: “Travel should be a joy, not a health risk. But the sad fact is that travelling with allergies requires careful planning and proactive measures to ensure safety and peace of mind.

 “To help people manage their allergies whilst travelling, we’ve issued our expert advice on what they can do to ensure a safe trip this summer. From researching local cuisine and learning key phrases, to carrying translation cards and packing safe snacks, preparation is key.”

Research and plan ahead

Understanding the local cuisine and the food labelling practices in a destination can help you to feel confident as soon as you arrive.

Do your research and get in touch with some restaurants you might like to eat at to explain your allergy situation in advance.

Learn key phrases

During the planning stages, find out how to say important phrases related to your allergies, so you can be clear.

It can be worth making cards to assist with communicating these messages, as remembering a different language and getting the pronunciation right can be difficult in stressful situations.

Pack safe snacks

By travelling in a caravan or motorhome, you’re not restricted to airport baggage allowances, so you can fill the cupboards with safe snacks.

This means you won’t be forced to try and find safe foods when arriving late at night or in a destination with very few options.

Carry medical supplies

Bring a supply of allergy medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors and antihistamines, as these may not be available in your destination.

A letter from your doctor that explains your allergies and the need for your medications can help ensure there are no problems at border control points.

Know emergency procedures

Save the local emergency number in your phone and make a list of hospitals local to the destinations on your touring itinerary.

Time matters with allergic reactions, so having this information to hand can speed up the process of being treated.

Check your travel insurance

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is always necessary when venturing overseas, but it’s worth checking your policy for its cover relating to allergies.

That will ensure you’re not out of pocket if you do need to visit a hospital for emergency care relating to an allergic reaction.

Reducing allergens in caravans and motorhomes

Not all allergies are related to food and leisure vehicles can harbour other triggers that can cause an adverse effect.

To reduce allergens in your caravan or motorhome:

  • Clean your leisure vehicle well before a trip
  • Remove all soft furnishings, clean and air them
  • Keep windows closed to prevent pollen particles entering
  • Fit a fly screen on your caravan door so mosquitoes and other biting insects stay outside

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Berkin Üregen