Europe’s top surfing spots

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Surf tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the wake of the pandemic, according to the experts at Camptoo, and it can be easily combined with a caravan or motorhome trip.

Travellers are exploring new ways to see the world post-pandemic. Surfing has become a go-to choice for adrenaline junkies to get their fix while reconnecting with nature. 

Surf tourism is expected to reach a global market size of $4.6 billion (£3.9 billion) by 2026. 

Ed Bassett, head of wanderlust at campervan and motorhome hiring company Camptoo, said, “Aside from the endorphin boost, the appeal of surfing isn’t just the activity itself, but the lifestyle that comes with it.

“The van life and surf community are inextricably linked – think a carefree existence of chasing the sun, bronzed skin, salty hair, beers and BBQs with new friends, and putting your head down in your very own hotel on wheels.”

Mr Bassett shared with us his round-up of the best spots to catch a wave in Europe this summer.  

Hossegor, France

Situated on the Cote d’Argent, Hossegor is a hotspot for seasoned surfers and beach lovers from all over the world. 

Here you can carve up powerful hollow waves during the day and spend the evenings relaxing at one of the beach-side bars while you watch the sun go down. 

There are plenty of spaces next to the beach to park your leisure vehicle. 

Mundaka, Spain

In the heart of the Basque Country in the North of Spain, Mundaka is a popular destination for tourists and surfing enthusiasts. It’s a breeze to access this beach with your leisure vehicle, and it delivers more than 200 metres of fantastic waves and soft sand for relaxing in between. 

Peniche, Portugal

Whether you’re an expert or a complete beginner, Peniche offers a range of stunning beaches with waves for every type of surfer. When you fancy a break from hitting the waters, Peniche is home to plenty of beachfront spots to enjoy delicious fresh fish and other types of seafood. 

Croyde Beach, England

Starting off a bit closer to home, you might be surprised to know that Croyde Beach in Devon is one of the best places to surf in the world. 

Surrounded by sand dunes and rock pools, this idyllic spot is ideal for first-time learners and accomplished surfers alike. 

There are plenty of companies offering lessons for beginners, as well as gear hire and organised events to take advantage of.  

 

 

Image credit: Sacha Verheij / Unsplash

New name at the top at Jerba Campervans

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Jerba Campervans has appointed a new managing director after an intensive four-month search to find someone who will fit with the company ethos.

The employee-owned firm was set up by Simon Poole and his wife Cath in 2006 and has built its reputation on its values ever since.

Now, Paul Kimberlin has moved back to the UK from Canada to take on the role at the North Berwick conversion company.

He has an abundance of experience in leadership positions at major construction and engineering businesses that is likely to come in useful at Jerba.

Mr Kimberlin will be overseeing a team of 15 employees, who specialise in converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 models.

Jerba is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a converter of the model and has gained a patent for its unique pop-up roof, which it adds to all of its Volkswagen projects.

As well as being employee-owned, Jerba has gained Living Wage and Fair Tax certifications. It is also certified by the Good Business Charter.

Last year, Mr Poole was awarded SME Director of the Year at the Institute of Director Scotland awards, meaning the new managing director has large boots to fill.

Mr Kimberlin said: “I’d never been involved with an employee-owned company before as all of the firms I have worked at have been larger, privately owned businesses. It is a great way to go and I think more companies should be following this route.

“The company already has a lot of great ideas and products lined up for the future, which I am looking forward to help developing. One of the main projects we will be working towards is utilising the new range of electric vehicles from VW, and the integration of more environmentally-friendly processes and materials in our design for these vans.”

Mr Poole will continue to be involved in the business he co-founded and will take up the position of chair going forward.

 

The best summer touring destinations in the UK

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Summer is (technically) here and it’s time to start planning your next touring adventure. 

With the current airport chaos derailing holiday plans on the continent, many people are searching for memorable UK staycation destinations. To help you decide where to go, we’ve put together a list of the best summer touring destinations the country has to offer.

From Scotland’s top beaches to Wales’ best national parks, there are plenty of stunning spots to park or pitch up across the UK. 

If you want to admire England’s natural beauty at its finest, consider planning a trip to the Peak District or the Lake District in the north. 

Both destinations offer ample opportunities for camping, touring and exploring. If the sun is shining, you might even consider a spot of wild swimming in one of the pristine (freezing!) lakes that characterise these areas. 

If your idea of a summer holiday typically involves the beach, there are plenty of spots around the UK to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. 

Cornwall is a top spot for British holidaymakers. The region’s rugged coastline offers plenty of opportunities to pitch up and take a dip – it’s no wonder it’s referred to as the “English riviera”. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at a spot of surfing?

Another gem in Southeast England, Devon is a great spot to explore in your leisure vehicle. Roam along sandy beaches, fossil lined cliffs and quaint mediaeval towns as you lap up some vitamin D.

Still in England, North Yorkshire is full of idyllic rolling hills and charming villages and hamlets waiting to be explored. 

If you want to enjoy a peaceful country getaway, the Yorkshire Dales offers miles of moors and breathtaking views. Or, if you’d rather breathe the salty sea air while admiring coastline views, why not try Yorkshire’s Route YC – six itineraries that are ideal for exploring in a leisure vehicle. 

If you’re eager to explore the best of Wales, head to Pembrokeshire where you’ll find miles of pristine coastline, incredible castles and popular seaside towns like Tenby and Saint David’s. With such beautiful spots to discover, it’s no wonder Wales is a hotspot for motorhomers. 

Over in Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast is one of the best areas to experience the country’s rugged wilderness and cliff top ruins. It’s also home to the Giant’s Causeway, one of the UK’s seven natural wonders. 

We recommend spending a few days driving along the coastline and stopping at one of the many holiday parks in the area to pitch up at night. 

All the way up north, Orkney is the place to be this summer. Located in Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago home to neolithic sites, seal colonies and stunning beaches. If you are hoping for a truly memorable holiday, Orkney’s spectacular scenery is guaranteed to impress. 

With all of this and more on your doorstep, it’s guaranteed to be a summer to remember. 

 

 

Photo credit: angela pham / Unsplash

UK staycation popularity continues to grow amid airport chaos and cancellations

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Award-winning Lake District holiday park Skelwith Fold has reported an increase in reservations amid the recent airport chaos and last-minute flight cancellations. 

It was already clear that the great British staycation was experiencing a renaissance in light of easing Covid-19 restrictions, with 70 per cent of British people agreeing they’d prefer regular UK breaks to an annual overseas holiday. 

Skelwith Fold says that their sudden uplift in bookings reflects a wider trend as Brits switch to UK getaways to escape the current drama involved in jet-setting overseas. 

Henry Wild, chairman of the park, explained that people were deciding to prioritise guaranteed happy holiday memories by staying at home rather than deal with the headaches of travelling overseas post-Covid.   

He commented: “Holiday parks are proving the perfect antidote to the hassle of travelling abroad.”

“Many families made this discovery during the pandemic, and are now re-booking stays because the experience is so much more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone,” he continued.

Mr Wild also reflected on the growing popularity of holiday caravans as people commit to exploring the UK. 

There’s plenty of evidence to corroborate this idea. For instance, in February 2022 the Camping and Caravanning Club reported bookings for its 100 sites were up by 33 per cent on Easter 2019 and in April the Guardian announced that one in five British adults went caravanning or camping during the pandemic. 

It’s no wonder that people are embracing the concept of domestic travel instead of overseas adventures. 

As Brits scramble to secure their summer breaks, airlines continue to cancel flights leaving travellers stranded across the continent and beyond. Regardless of flight cancellations, people are experiencing huge queues throughout the airport. 

The UK has plenty to offer for first time campers, touring enthusiasts, or those who prefer the creature comforts of a BnB. From the coast of Scotland to the Lake District, to the seven natural wonders of Britain – the UK’s diverse landscape has something for everyone. 

 

Image credit: Marco López / Unsplash

How to check your caravan or motorhome for damp

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Caravans and motorhomes are the perfect confined living spaces for trapping moist air and becoming damp, so it’s worth checking regularly for this issue.

The experts at WeBuyAnyMotorcaravan have put together their advice on how to spot telltale signs of damp and what to do if you find them.

Firstly, you should always check your leisure vehicle when taking it out of storage for the season, but also on a regular basis to ensure no new areas of damp have developed.

Areas to pay particular attention to include:

  • The seals and sealant around the windows and doors
  • Places where equipment or accessories meet the main body of the vehicle
  • Soft furnishing and fabrics that may smell musty
  • Wallboards, which can become uneven, spongy or wet
  • Discolouration or black spots on the walls
  • Unusual creaking on the floor
  • Internal screws that have become rusty

Shane Malpass, director at We Buy Any Motorcaravan, said: “Older motorhomes and caravans are more likely to suffer from severe damp, especially models that have wooden frames.

“And while many of the newer models have designs intended to prevent water ingress, they are not immune and water may still get inside.”

There is such a thing as a moisture meter, which may be worth investing in to test for damp throughout your caravan or motorhome.

If you do find areas of damp, you should deal with them straight away to contain the problem and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the vehicle.

Protect yourself with gloves, goggles and a face mask when tackling mould and mildew with a bucket of warm water and detergent.

A tablespoon of clove oil in a spray bottle filled with water can be applied to areas that have been cleaned to help prevent issues in the future.

Squirt the surface and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping away and drying carefully.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Towfiqu barbhuiya

Adria launches new Supersonic motorhome

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Leisure vehicle manufacturer Adria has announced its new range of motorhomes, the Supersonic, which is powered by Mercedes Benz.

This exciting launch has been inspired by the latest in luxury yacht, home and automotive design to bring a new level of sophistication to the market.

There are four layouts to choose from within the new Supersonic range, with them all seating and sleeping four people.

Choose a 780 DC or 780 SL model for a total length of 7,800mm and width of 2,320mm, as well as 2,960 height.

The roomier 890 LL and 980 LC measure up at 8,900mm long, 2,320mm wide and 2,960mm tall.

Features include a Mercedes chassis, electric parking brake and leather steering wheel, with THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control for your comfort.

All-season tyres, airbags and the Mercedes Benz emergency call system will give you full peace of mind out on the road.

The kitchen is well-equipped and even boasts a coffee machine, as well as a three-flame cooker and electric oven and grill.

There’s a DAB radio for roadtrip tunes and loudspeakers in the dashboard so everyone can sing along.

Expect Adria styled upholstery and a separate shower cabin complete with a solid door. Beds have slatted frames and a spring mattress for a good night’s sleep.

Additional bells and whistles include a rain sensor, darker cabin windows and a heated luggage box.

The team at Adria say its decades of experience have informed the Supersonic range to ensure everything is in the right place in terms of layout and construction.

Adria was founded in 1965 and is responsible for the most leisure vehicle sales in west European markets.

Scotland’s best beaches for the summer touring season

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Summer is fast approaching and there’s no better time than the present to start planning a touring trip around Scotland’s top beach spots. With 70 per cent of Brits agreeing they’d prefer regular UK breaks over annual overseas trips, Scotland has plenty to offer.

Scotland boasts an array of pristine beaches, sandy coastlines and offshore islands waiting to be explored. To help you choose where to pitch up this season, the team at VisitScotland have compiled a list of the best seaside gems to visit this touring season. 

Home to some of the cheapest pitching spots in the UK, there are plenty of sites to park your leisure vehicle or pitch a tent around Scotland, so you can take in all that it has to offer. 

First on the list is Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, a great spot if you want to combine a city getaway with the best that nature has to offer. 

Waterfront Place in Dundee and Aberdeen Beach are two more urban seafronts to snag places on the list.

For those looking to take the kids on a family road trip, there are plenty of options to choose from. Nairn Beach in the Highlands is especially popular, attracting visitors all year round but particularly in the summer months. You might even catch sight of some dolphins among the waves. 

Another family-friendly seaside location is Lunderston Bay near Glasgow, which offers sandy shores and rocky enclaves ideal for building sandcastles and rock pooling. Or head further south to Brighouse Bay in Dumfries and Galloway on the South West Coastal 300 route. 

For those with an adventurous spirit, check out Loch Morlich in Aviemore which, although technically not a beach, has plenty to offer by the way of sandy beaches and forests. Here you can take part in a variety of lakeside activities or get your adrenaline pumping on a mountain bike trail. 

If you want to relax and take in breathtaking scenery, Calgary Beach on Mull is surrounded by cliffs and offers exceptional views of Coll and Tiree. Balephuil Bay on the Isle of Tiree is a favourite spot for surfers and its turquoise waters and white-shell shores are why it’s known as the “Hawaii of the North”.

 

 

Photo credit: Petia Koleva / Unsplash

National Camping and Caravanning Week to coincide with the Jubilee

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This year’s National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW) is set to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Organised annually by the Camping and Caravanning Club, NCCW is designed to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the great outdoors under canvas or in a leisure vehicle.

It has been running since 2001 and this year the events will centre around a royal theme as the nation is treated to an additional bank holiday to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

The Club’s expecting to welcome thousands of visitors to its sites now that the touring season has officially begun.

Tea parties are to be held at a number of Club sites, including Sandringham in Norfolk, which is situated within the grounds of the royal estate.

Campers can join in with a barbecue and street party at the Cambridge Club site, while there’ll be a complimentary cream tea for guests at the Bala Club site in north Wales.

Michelle Jewell, partnerships and events marketing manager at the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “There’s still time to join in with our on-site Jubilee celebrations.

“Take a look at our website to find out what’s taking place at a campsite near you and to enter our fantastic competitions.

“We have exclusive National Camping and Caravanning Week competitions with prizes totalling over £1,400 up for grabs, plus there’s a chance to win a Swift Basecamp 6 and Vango RVA – two awnings worth £27,000.”

The Camping and Caravanning Club was founded in 1901 and has grown to encompass nearly 100 sites across the UK.

It has more than 700,000 members, who have access to exclusive campsites and other benefits, such as discounts, advice and support.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Hello I’m Nik

Hybrid working boosts demand for caravans and motorhomes

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New trends within the world of working have caused a huge shift in how and where people can work from, according to the Swift Group.

The caravan and motorhome manufacturer found ‘workation’ and ‘bleisure’ options are more widely taken up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its consumer trends research noticed that demand for leisure vehicles is increasing as the hybrid working model allows employees to do their job from anywhere.

Touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans have been proven to be useful working from home spaces throughout the pandemic, but they also represent the chance to embrace blended travel.

While many leisure vehicles became makeshift offices parked up on people’s drives in recent years, now that restrictions have been lifted, some owners are enjoying working holidays in their vans.

If you don’t have to go into an office, then you can work from a more picturesque location in your caravan or motorhome, as long as you have an electricity supply and secure Wi-Fi connection.

Amy Archer, deputy managing director of the Swift Group, said: commented: “Lockdown gave many people the opportunity to experience a dramatically different way of life and a new work-life balance.

“As a result, people are finding new ways to work, including creating mobile office spaces in leisure vehicles that can function as both holiday vehicles and mobile workspaces with the comforts of Wi-Fi, a washroom, cooking facilities and heating.

“The joys of remote working means work can be done where and when you choose it to be.”

This has resulted in unprecedented demand for all types of leisure vehicle, with both new and used models being snapped up as soon as they become available.

John Lally, director general of the National Caravan Council, highlighted that at the end of 2021, sales of new touring caravans were up 23.5 per cent on 2020.

Most romantic honeymoon road trips revealed

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Road trips make a great honeymoon option, especially if you have access to a caravan or motorhome, but where to explore on your post-wedding holiday can be a hotly contested topic between couples.

New research from Confused.com has revealed that the German Alpine Road, which stretches for 326 miles, is the most romantic route to take.

With a romance score of 9.56 out of ten, the German itinerary takes lovers past the Linderhof Palace and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.

Coming in second place was Puglia in Italy, which received a score of 9.13, but came up short in terms of length at just 112 miles.

Two other Italian road trips were featured on the list, with the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany both featuring in the top five.

At just 38 miles, the former can be explored in a single day, while 193 miles of roads through the Tuscan hills could be enjoyed at leisure in your caravan or motorhome.

Closer to home, Scotland’s North Coast 500 made the list at number four and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way was voted in sixth position.

Other slightly less expected road trip destinations that secured a place in the top ten included Icefields Parkway in Canada and Norway’s Lofoten.

Aptly named Romantic Road in Germany came in at number ten, although by rights it probably should have bagged a higher spot.

Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Taking a road trip, at home or abroad, can make for an unforgettable experience.

“And if you’re travelling along some of the most romantic or idyllic routes the world has to offer, take turns behind the wheel. This offers you both the chance to enjoy the scenery while avoiding tiredness.”

Long distance driving routes are becoming more popular, with everywhere from Iceland’s Ring Road to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula attracting newlyweds.

The cheapest pitching spots around the UK

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Planning a summer getaway but don’t want to break the bank? 

There are few spots across the UK where you can enjoy wild camping without spending a penny, while most places require a nightly fee to put your tent up or park your vehicle and use their facilities. 

The experts at Pitchup have you covered with their latest report identifying the cheapest spots in the UK to camp, glamp, tour or caravan at as the weather improves. 

Over 60 per cent of Brits are looking forward to travelling again after years of lockdowns and restrictions due to the pandemic. 

People are also more inclined to travel locally and reconnect with nature on their home ground rather than go overseas. 

The report compared average nightly prices for camping, glamping, touring, and caravan pitch prices in 20 regions throughout the UK. Some of the results might surprise you.

According to their findings, the cheapest spot to pitch up was Northern Ireland, with an average price per night of £15.69. 

If you’re looking for an affordable destination to take the family during the summer holidays – Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline and rolling, green countryside could be the perfect getaway location. 

Plus, at 23 per cent cheaper than the average price per night across the UK – it’s a bargain!

Coming in second place is the East Midlands, which costs, on average,  £15.73 per person per night. Home to numerous spots to pitch up your leisure vehicle or tent, there’s plenty on offer in this verdant region including the cities of Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln. 

Other affordable locations on the list include West Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber, which cost 15.87 and £16.27 respectively. 

Although most of the destinations surveyed in the study were some of the UK’s top holiday destinations, the majority of locations cost, on average, less than £20 per night per person. 

So if you’re looking for a bargain holiday in the glorious outdoors, why not take advantage of the breathtaking and affordable British countryside that’s right on your doorstep? 

Take a look at the results of the full study in the infographic below and start thinking about which part of the UK you’d like to explore next.

 

cheapest pitching sites UK

 

 

Photo credit: Mac DeStroir/Unsplash 

DVSA launches new trailer accreditation scheme

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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a new scheme to help anyone who tows stay safe on the roads.

Aimed at both first-time towers and those who use trailers regularly, the new accreditation will be relevant for anyone who owns or rents a touring caravan.

From today (May 18th), drivers with plans to tow a caravan are urged to take a training course before their next trip.

Mark Winn, chief driving examiner at the DVSA, said: “With the summer holidays fast approaching, we know many families will be looking to tow a trailer or caravan so it’s vital you have the skills to do this safely.”

Trainers have been accredited under the new scheme in the last few months and are offering a selection of options for motorists to sign up to:

  • Towing for beginners
  • Returning to towing after a break
  • Towing larger trailers
  • Refreshing and formalising the skills of regular towers

All of the courses will follow the learning to drive a car and trailer syllabus, which has been developed by the DVSA with experts in the industry.

When seeking an accredited trainer, choose one that specialises in caravan towing and ask for a price upfront, as the course leaders will be setting their own prices.

To find a course, you can email the Safe Towing Scheme at info@safetowingscheme.co.uk.

Baroness Vere, minister for roads, buses and places, said: “Towing safely is an important issue and I urge drivers to access the training to help keep Britain’s roads safe.”

Towing a caravan incorrectly can lead to fines of up to £1,000, so make sure you’re up to speed on safety rules and best practices.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/JESHOOTS