Expert opinion: How to ensure your caravan insurance remains valid

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Like any vehicle you intend to take on the road, your caravan requires insurance, but having it is not enough. You need to follow all the necessary steps to getting the right policy and making sure it remains valid.

With this in mind, CaravanTimes spoke to Adam Summersby, trading director at Towergate Insurance, who gave us the lowdown on everything you need to know. Take his advice for peace of mind that your caravan is fully covered.

Getting the fundamentals right

The most important thing to get right when insuring your caravan is the type of cover, Mr Summersby told us. He said that you need to decide between new for old, or market value.

New for old means that if your caravan is irreparably damaged or stolen, your insurer will pay out for a brand new, equivalent model.

Market value sees your insurer pay you the value of your caravan at the time it was damaged or stolen, meaning you’ll get the going rate for a model of that age and condition.

You also need to get the sums insured right, as this refers to the valuation of your caravan.

Mr Summersby told CaravanTimes: “Once you’ve decided on the level of cover, the valuation is key. The most common mistake we might see is a choice of new for old cover with a sums insured that actually reflects its value today, rather than an equivalent new purchase.

“The worst case scenario is that this leaves the customer underinsured, and could have an impact on the settlement value in the event they make a claim.”

Minimum security requirements

Security is a vital part of ensuring your caravan insurance remains valid, as well as acting as a deterrent against theft.

“Theft is a very real threat and it’s often the case that your insurance will have minimum security requirements whilst stored, on the move and on location, as well on conditions for any security you’ve advised you have,” Mr Summersby said.

“It is really important you are aware of what they are because should you not meet those requirements not only will your caravan be at a higher risk of theft, but your insurance may not be valid.”

Caravans come with a lot of accessories and you may have a setup that affords you extra shelter on your pitch, but consider this in terms of insurance too.

Mr Summersby advised: “When on site you might have an awning that you keep various belongings in, be it furniture or perhaps a TV or heater. Make sure you check your insurance policy for the conditions of leaving items in your awning when you’re away from the van.

“It is possible your cover will be reduced when unattended and you need to take precautions for any valuable items.”

Loss of use cover

Most people are aware that caravan insurance covers perils like theft, storm and accidental damage, but depending on the provider you may have cover for a number of other things.

“A good example is loss of use, which can give you a short term solution to accommodation whilst you’re on holiday, rather than your holiday ending because of damage to your caravan,” Mr Summersby told us.

“It’s a great cover that considers the circumstances of the insured but isn’t perhaps your first thought when something goes wrong.”

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Izabela Mierzejewski



How to value a second hand campervan

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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.

There are no Parkers guides for campervans and the category is such a diverse group of leisure vehicles, making it very hard to put a valuation on second hand models that come to market. Even those based on the same base vehicle can vary in cost new to a magnitude of times two.

So when it comes to valuing a second hand campervan, it’s a bit of a minefield. Perhaps you’re in the market to purchase one and are looking to understand what constitutes value. Or maybe you’re selling yours and need to know where you should be pricing it at.

Trying to work out the exact value to sell or to purchase at is a real nightmare. It’s worth remembering that anything is only ever worth what somebody is willing to pay for it. There is no magic formula, equation or spreadsheet for this – that simply doesn’t work in the campervan field.

There are very few benchmarks and there’s certainly no right or wrong price, making it very difficult to come up with an exact figure. So, here are some of the things you’ll want to consider when working out a valuation:

Start with the base vehicle

Take the year, model and engine of the base vehicle, bearing in mind there’s a reasonable amount of variation in base vehicle prices. Even if the engine’s the same, there’s always things like interior/exterior trim and integrated features like reversing cameras to take into consideration.

If you’re comparing a number of campervans, always start with the base vehicle and work out which was the most expensive to start with.

How the campervan was converted

There are some amazing self converters, but there are also some less skilled self converters and until you’ve lived with a campervan, it’s very difficult to understand all the gremlins there might be in the habitation setup.

I’d always value a campervan that’s come from a known converter higher than one that comes from somebody who did it themselves. I justify this by the fact that a mass manufacturer will usually build a prototype that has a multitude of issues.

The design team has designed a model, which has then been built by the construction team and then the period of change commences. This is when they work out why certain components aren’t working or could be improved.

Those problems with the prototype are then all sorted out before going into mass production. Ultimately, a self converter won’t have the level of luxury to rebuild once they’ve discovered what doesn’t work. It will have some workaround systems that they’d have done differently if they were to build it again.

Specifications of basic utilities

Big expensive components in the habitation area allow you to live in your campervan. These include the heating and hot water system, which could be run on electric, gas, diesel or a combination. Find out if it’s from a known manufacturer, as most retailers will fix issues, even if it’s outside of warranty.

Fridges and cookers need to be specifically made for leisure vehicles, as domestic-style appliances are not appropriate, making too much noise and having different electrical loads. A proper leisure vehicle fridge costs thousands as opposed to a £100 alternative from the high street.

Specialist equipment

If you want or need off-grid capability, you’ll be looking for lithium ion batteries and solar panels, which are much cheaper to buy in a second hand vehicle than a brand new one. Make a list of what you want and add an appropriate value for this specialist equipment.

Dealers and aftercare

Whether you buy through a retailer or private will have an effect on the price and the service you receive. It’s easy to see something similar to your own campervan at a dealership when you’re valuing yours and assume it’ll be worth the same.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Selling on the private market offers a much larger reduction in the value than there is in the dealership world. The reason for this is that the dealers will offer some form of aftercare.

Good ones will have checked, serviced and tested campervans before putting them on the market. So, a lot of the things that could be wrong with a leisure vehicle will already have been identified and fixed. The aftercare offered can be really helpful if you discover issues once you’ve driven off the forecourt.

This means that buying from a dealer adds a premium to the price to the tune of 20 or 30 per cent. It comes with ease of use, which many people will decide is worth paying for. Falling in love with something being privately sold means you may have to use the money you saved to fix any issues and live with some things you’d potentially want done differently.

Take all of this into consideration but also decide if this is the right layout for you. With so many makes, models and specifications around, it’s about setting your expectations for what you need and how much you’re prepared to pay.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Florian Schreiber

Add a zoo to your touring itinerary

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April 8th is National Zoo Lovers Day, giving you the perfect excuse to visit one of the more than 350 zoos dotted across the UK.

If you’re packing up your caravan or motorhome with the aim of adding a zoo to your touring itinerary, which ones have great campsites close by?

Edinburgh Zoo

Famed for its daily Penguin Parade, Edinburgh Zoo has an emphasis on education and immersive experiences, with the chance to feed some of the animals and walk among the wallabies. Koalas, chimpanzees and sun bears are just some of the highlights of the 171 species housed at Edinburgh Zoo.

Pitch up at Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, a 20-minute drive from the zoo.

Northumberland Zoo

Boasting snow leopards, lemurs and capybaras, it’s safe to say that the family-run Northumberland Zoo is well worth a visit. Regular keeper talks and displays offer insight into the more than 80 different types of animal that call this corner of the north east home.

Stay at Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, which is 20 minutes away and right by the beach.

Chester Zoo

Dating back to 1931, Chester Zoo is one of the biggest in the UK and home to more than 31,000 animals. From aardvarks and black rhinos to cheetahs and flamingoes, there are species to enchant every member of the family. The zoo is also home to botanical gardens, where visitors can discover the national collections of orchids and cacti.

Park your leisure vehicle up at Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club Site, 24 minutes away.

Marwell Zoo

Located near Winchester, the 1,208 animals at Marwell Zoo are spread across 149 species. While tigers, white rhinos and snow leopards are among the most impressive creatures to visit, the meerkats and sloths are just as charming. Don’t miss the chance to do something truly unique with one of the zoo’s special Animal Experiences.

Book a pitch at Marwell Resort, which couldn’t be more convenient at just six minutes’ drive from the zoo.

London Zoo

No list of zoos would be complete without this gem in Regent’s Park, but most people don’t associate a city break in London with pitching up in a caravan or motorhome. It’s actually a great option, with public transport taking you into the city and the 10,000 animals waiting at London Zoo. From leafcutter ants to silverback gorillas, there’s plenty to marvel at.

Plan to stay at Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park in North London and use public transport to travel to the zoo.

Newquay Zoo

Visit lemurs, otters, penguins, red pandas, lynx, armadillos, meerkats, birds and reptiles all set against the tropical garden backdrop of Newquay Zoo. There are no fewer than 1,000 animals living at the zoo and many are the subject of daily talks by qualified professionals to help you learn more about these fascinating species.

The Tregurrian Camping and Caravanning Club Site is just 11 minutes away by car.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Andrew Dawes

How to take your pet caravanning

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April is National Pet Month, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about the implications of taking your dog or cat away in your caravan.

Having your furry friend with you on a staycation or trip to the continent can enhance the experience, but it takes a little bit of planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Prepare for your pet

Caravans can be safe spaces for pets, but it’s important to think carefully about certain elements to ensure they remain so. These include:

  • Ventilation – this will stop your vehicle and pet from overheating.
  • Boundaries – zone your caravan to limit where your pet can go, as some human foods and other items can be dangerous for animals.
  • Pet space – bring a play tent or wind breaker to allow your pet space to move around.
  • Safety accessories – equipment to keep your dog or cat secure while travelling.
  • Pet-friendly campsites – choose sites that not only allow pets but have the facilities to make them feel truly welcome.
  • Creature comforts – pet beds, blankets and toys will help make them feel at home.
  • Pet passports and vaccinations – if you’re travelling abroad, you’ll need all the right documentation for your dog or cat.

Touring with dogs

Dogs are a fairly common sight at holiday parks these days, as they tend to be quite adept at travelling, but it’s important to take your own dog’s temperament into consideration when planning a trip.

It’s a legal requirement for dogs to be restrained during the journey and there are a number of ways to achieve this from harnesses to dog crates, so you can select the most suitable.

Even dog-friendly campsites won’t take too kindly to pets wandering free and onto other campers’ pitches, so make sure you’ll be able to control your pooch.

Think carefully about the activities you’re intending to do during your touring holiday. If you’re likely to be doing lots of walking and going to lots of beaches where dogs are allowed, then bring Fido along.

Trips that are based around a hobby that won’t include your dog could mean lots of time left alone in the caravan and therefore it might be better to make alternative arrangements for your four-legged friend.

Caravanning with cats

You’re likely to see fewer cats in caravans than dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to take your feline on a touring trip.

Cats can become anxious with change, so it’s important to ease your cat into the caravanning lifestyle gently.

Start off by introducing your cat to the caravan before you leave home. As well as letting them explore your leisure vehicle, take them on short journeys in the towcar before embarking on a longer trip.

Your cat should be secured in a pet carrier for the journey and you’ll need to set up a litter tray when you pitch up to prevent cats pooping elsewhere on site.

Kit out your cat with a collar or tag in case they escape out of the caravan, and set up fly screens over your caravan doors and windows to help keep your cat inside.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Carolina Rincon



Visit the Garden of the Year 2024 shortlist

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Gardens are great places to visit on a touring holiday and the shortlist for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2024 have just been announced.

These six locations have been selected from hundreds of gardens, parks and grounds that are open to the public through membership of Historic Houses.

The organisation represents independent castles, homes of heritage value and gardens across the UK.

Packing up your caravan or motorhome to tour a few of them could make a great spring expedition. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite on the website.

Ursula Cholmeley, chair of the Historic Houses Gardens Committee, said: “These gardens are amongst the finest in the country and we hope that you will get great pleasure from visiting some of them and voting for your favourite.”

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

Hidden behind tall walls on the Thames Embankment, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London for its apprentices to study medicinal plants and their uses.

It’s unique in being the only botanic garden collection focused on medicinal, herbal and useful plants, but remains a fascinating and beautiful place to explore.

Holker Hall and Gardens, Cumbria

Situated between the Lake District and the sea, Holker Hall is in a great location for visiting as part of a touring trip to Cumbria in your leisure vehicle.

Beauty, history and art can all be found in the 23-acre estate, which includes themed spaces, like the Summer Garden, Oak Lawn and Woodland Garden. Don’t miss the Cascade, Fountain and Lily Pool water features for added drama.

Hever Castle and Gardens, Kent

It’s hard to believe that at the turn of the last century, these 125-acre gardens were marshland, but now feature more than 5,000 roses and a topiary chess set.

The importance of Italy cannot be overstated, with Hever Castle’s gardens boasting a Pompeian Wall, classical statuary and a water feature inspired by Rome’s Trevi Fountain.

Picton Castle Gardens, Pembrokeshire

Exploring Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline in a caravan or motorhome is one of the most rewarding things to do in Wales, but it’s worth taking a detour inland to visit Picton Castle Gardens.

Even to garden enthusiasts, this is a destination unlike any other, with a formal Walled Garden, two ice houses, 18th century cascades, a Dew Pond and plants including everything from rare rhododendrons to banana trees.

Inveraray Castle and Gardens, Argyll

If you’re heading up to Scotland to complete the NC500 this summer, why not stop off at Inveraray Castle and Gardens on the way?

Out of 180 acres of mainly woodland, 16 acres of the estate has been made into formal lawns and flowerbeds, with each consecutive duke evolving the gardens by planting species in their own preferred styles.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens

Rhododendron lovers should not miss out on Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens, which has been lovingly brought back to life by volunteers since 2017.

The former Catholic seminary is surrounded by 38 acres of formal gardens, woodland and walled gardens, where rhododendrons are the biggest draw.

CampWild launches self-guided hiking trails

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CampWild, a project to encourage accessible and adventurous camping experiences, has launched a series of self-guided hiking trails.

The multi-day itineraries take participants to remote locations, where they can enjoy wild camping and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Wild Trails take inspiration from hiking traditions in Canada and North America, offering an opportunity to leave modern life behind for a while.

Three routes have been announced as part of the launch, all of which can be found on a Highland estate in Perthshire.

The 12,000-acre Scottish estate is owned by Oxygen Conservation, a partner of CampWild.

All levels of outdoor experience will be catered to on the trails, which will allow visitors to enjoy diverse landscapes, wildlife, habitats, geology, history and find out more about local conservation efforts.

The benefits of completing a self-guided trail include improving navigational skills and spending time in nature for physical and mental wellbeing.

Tom Backhouse, co-founder of CampWild, said: “Wild Trails offer the opportunity to explore an area so wild it transports you to another world entirely.

“Wild Trails will blow your mind, instil gratitude, change perspectives, challenge you, reconnect you to nature, make you laugh, leave you in awe, slow you down and etch a lasting memory that we promise you will never, ever forget!”

The trail maps have been developed with Ordnance Survey to ensure they act as a comprehensive guide to the terrain.

Participants are encouraged to use them as a type of journal to document their trip and capture their memories.

Mr Backhouse added: “If you are looking for a complete escape to untapped, remote wildness, the Wild Trails are for you.

“We have mapped and walked each trail and the experiences from each are truly etched in our memories; we are so excited to now launch the Wild Trails to the CampWild community and encourage more people to ‘go wilder’ in 2024.”

CampWild offers access to more than 250 campsites through its online platform. Each of these wilder sites has been fully vetted to ensure the best experience for visitors.

Members also benefit from a selection of other features, including planning tools, a community platform and brand-partner discounts.

CampWild also has a number of brand ambassadors who host webinars, workshops and events, answering any questions those new to the platform or wilder outdoor experiences might have.

Membership to CampWild costs £20 per year and there are a number of gifting options available, allowing people to purchase nature experiences for others.

 

Photo credit: CampWild



Get ready for Stress Awareness Month

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April is Stress Awareness Month, making now a good time to start thinking about ways you can reduce its impact on your life.

Getting away in a caravan or motorhome is an effective way to help alleviate stress and it fits in with many of the recommendations from the life coaches at BEN.

BEN is the charity for the automotive industry, offering advice and support for anyone who is or has been employed in this arena.

Spend time in nature

Having access to a leisure vehicle offers plenty of opportunities to get out in nature. It can come in many forms, with green therapy meaning you could head to the woods or blue therapy advocating for the sea.

Among the suggestions put forward by the life coaches to relax in nature were walking barefoot on the grass or taking a minute in the countryside to feel gratitude for your surroundings.

Connect with others

A trip away in your motorhome or caravan can be a great chance to spend quality time with your loved ones without the distractions of day-to-day life.

It can also be a great way to meet new friends, especially if you’re pitching up at a sociable holiday park, where you might all barbecue together or swap stories from your days’ activities.

Be on your own

Depending on your personality, it might actually be time on your own you crave, as opposed to socialising with others.

In that case, pack up your leisure vehicle and head somewhere secluded. Giving yourself space to do exactly as you please is a great form of self care and can leave you feeling refreshed to look after others if that’s your norm when you return.

Disconnect from technology

You may have a fully fitted out rig or perhaps are going back to basics in a minimalist campervan, but getting away can be a good time to disconnect from technology.

Without the need for so many screens and devices, some good old fashioned board games or time reading books might be just what you need in order to destress.

Enjoy exercise

Physical exercise pumps endorphins around your body helping you to feel less stressed, but it also gives you an outlet for emotions that have built up.

While most of us know the importance of exercise and its role in combatting stress, it can be difficult to fit it into our everyday routines. On your camping trip, you’ll have more time to walk, jog, dance or whatever your exercise of choice is.

Get organised

No matter how messy your house is, you can leave it all behind when you head off in your caravan or motorhome.

A leisure vehicle only has a finite amount of space, with shelves and lockers to stow everything away. It’s almost impossible to feel stressed when you see each item carefully put back in its place.



Parents’ packing survival guide

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Caravan holidays can be great for all the family and teach younger children skills they can call upon for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, however, there are unexpected events like the weather that can get in the way of carefully made plans.

With this in mind, the experts at Pure Leisure have pulled together their best packing tips to ensure parents are prepared for every eventuality.

Emergency games

The temptation can be to put children in front of screens when the weather turns bad, but it’s a great opportunity to spend some time playing board games and puzzles as a family.

Jemima, marketing manager at Pure Leisure, said: “The games you should bring really depend on the age of your children, but I’d avoid Monopoly. It’s a bit too long to keep young children engaged. Consider quick-fire card and board games like UNO, Frustration, Guess Who? or Bananagrams.”

Home comforts

Research suggests nearly half of children feel anxious about going on long car journeys, so it’s important not to forget to pack something familiar to calm their nerves.

Jemima recommends involving children in the packing process, asking them to choose a couple of toys to take with them in the car and to play with throughout the holiday.

Everyone’s wellies

Even if the weather forecast looks good, it’s always a good idea to pack the family’s wellies just in case. Sometimes areas can be muddy from previous rainfall and most kids can’t resist jumping in puddles.

“Instead of cancelling your outdoor activities, pack appropriate waterproofs and join the kids in the childhood excitement of wet weather. It’ll be one of the many core memories they’ll look back on when they remember their childhood caravan holidays,” suggested Jemima.

First aid kit

At home, most parents can put their hands on a plaster or some child-friendly medicines really easily, but often forget to pack these when heading off in a caravan.

Jemima said that children love to be outdoors on holiday and should be encouraged to play in nature, but climbing trees and spending time with the dog increase the possibility of a scraped knee or a tummy ache.

Activity plan

Even if you end up having to adjust it, making an activity plan before you go away is a great way to maximise your time on a caravan holiday.

“A rough plan outlining what you want to do with your family is great for remembering the crucial items to pack, especially if you plan on swimming or long walks,” Jemima suggested.

Zone your caravan

Here at CaravanTimes we suggest organising your leisure vehicle into areas for each member of the family, so everyone knows where their belongings are and which lockers to put things back into.

This prevents all the kids rooting through each other’s things trying to find their coat or beloved teddy and making the small space feel tiny.



 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Gantas Vaičiulėnas

Easter walks in UK cities

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Easter is nearly upon us and many caravan and motorhome enthusiasts will be venturing out for trips to some of the UK’s finest cities.

With Google searches for “city walks’ up 84 per cent in the last year, Village Hotels has put together a list of convenient strolls to enjoy after a traditional Easter lunch.

A spokesperson for Village Hotels said: “For many Brits, rest and relaxation comes in the form of taking a leisurely walk, whether that’s checking out the urban landscape or the countryside.”

Here’s some inspiration for your next city walk:

Meanwood Valley Trail, Leeds

Start the Meanwood Valley Trail at Woodhouse Moor and follow the route for seven miles through villages and natural green areas.

Highlights along the way include Meanwood Park and the ruins of Victorian aqueducts, as well as the Myrtle Tavern, where you can stop for some refreshment.

Norwich Bridges And Churches Trail, Norwich

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this four-and-a-half-mile loop will take you past historic bridges and picturesque churches, as you wend your way along the banks of the River Wensum.

You’ll also get a chance to glimpse parts of the ancient city, including its old walls and the remains of its castle.

Cathedral to the Necropolis, Glasgow

For some of the best views in Glasgow, walk from the city’s gothic cathedral to its famed Victorian cemetery, taking in all sorts of sights along the way.

This 30-minute walk may also result in spotting some wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for roe deer, finches and kestrels around the Necropolis.

Swansea Bay to the Mumbles, Swansea

Just short of nine miles, this walk from the city to the Mumbles, at the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, is a bit more than an after-lunch stroll.

If you make it to the end, however, you’ll be rewarded with delicious fresh seafood and stunning views of Wales’ coastline.

Sheffield Round Walk, Sheffield

This 15-mile walk has it all – from Beauchief Abbey to the charming Mayfield Alpacas – meaning there’s something to keep all the family interested.

Start and finish your walk at Endcliffe Park, taking in woodland, rivers, streams and some of the city during your excursion.

Easter caravan and motorhome preparations

The Easter break is traditionally the start of the touring season, which means many people will be taking their caravan, motorhome or campervan out of storage for the first time this year.

If that’s you, then be sure to prepare your leisure vehicle carefully before heading off on a trip in it.

Here are some of the tasks you’ll need to carry out:

  • Clean the interior and air it out, opening windows and welcoming in the fresh spring breeze.

  • Check your tyres and make sure they’re not only safe but also legal.

  • Restock the cupboards with all the essentials you’ll need for the rest of the season.

  • Reconnect your water system and check gas and electrical appliances.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Arek Adeoye

Tourist spots that have banned the selfie

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Snapping a selfie may feel like the most natural thing on your caravan or motorhome holiday, but there are some places where it’s illegal.

That’s right, some tourist spots have banned selfies for a number of reasons, meaning whatever you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing it for the ‘gram.

To make sure you’re pre-warned before heading off on your next trip in your leisure vehicle, the team at StressFreeCarRental.com have put together a list of these places.

John Charnock from StressFreeCarRental.com said: “We all snap a few selfies while we’re on holiday whether it’s to show our family and friends what we’re up to or to hold onto as a memory.

 “The truth is that selfies are actually banned in some places and snapping a pic where you’re not allowed could land you in trouble and even result in a fine!”

New York big cats

You can snap away on Brooklyn Bridge or at the top of the Empire State Building, but not while visiting the big cats at any of New York’s zoos, carnivals or circuses.

The rule to ban selfies comes in the wake of a worrying trend in which visitors were putting themselves at risk while trying to capture pics with tigers and other large cats.

Jewel House at the Tower of London 

Taking selfies with the Crown Jewels is a security risk and there are 100 CCTV cameras set up to ensure visitors don’t break the rule.

In fact, no pictures at all are allowed of the glittering pieces, which are made up of more than 23,000 gemstones, and include the items used in the coronation of new kings and queens.

Garoupe Beach in southern France

This ban is not for security reasons or your own safety but for the sanity of others. The popular Garoupe Beach banned selfies to stop visitors from bragging on social media.

Instead, it encourages holidaymakers to enjoy the moment, making the sandy stretch a haven to escape cameras and camera phones.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona

Another place where you really shouldn’t be focusing on taking a selfie instead of concentrating on what unpredictable animals are up to is the Running of the Bulls event in Spain.

Each year, spectators are injured as the bulls make their way through Pamplona’s streets and you could get a €3,000 (£2,580) fine.

West Japan Railway Company

The temptation to get an impressive sweeping view of the whole train by leaning out of the window with a selfie stick has proven too strong for some travellers aboard the West Japan Railway Company.

Selfies have therefore been banned, as the apparatus used to capture them can come into contact with the overhead wires and cause electrocution.

California wild bears

Just like getting up close and personal with NYC’s big cats is not advisable, neither is taking selfies with the wild bears of California’s Lake Tahoe region.

The authorities decided that the combination of large numbers of bears and selfie-taking tourists was not safe and banned the pictures.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Steve Gale



The rise of the overlander

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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.

Overlanders are nothing new, but back in the day they were Land Rovers with tentboxes on the top, often set against a backdrop of the African savannah. These off-road vehicles that you can camp in used to be quite rudimentary, but not any more.

Fundamentally, overlanders allow you to head off the beaten track and camp, with the ability to go to the most remote locations. Overlanders always used to be self-made vehicles with custom parts and specialist suppliers enabling the most intrepid to live out this dream. However, they’re now starting to trickle into the mainstream. 

The emergence of fully-fitted overland vehicles

Now, niche manufacturers are starting to bring fully-fitted overland vehicles to market. When I was judging the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards 2024 recently, there were four or five overlanders submitted this year.

Manufacturers such as Richard Price and Eura Mobil are releasing off-the-shelf overland models in a way that hasn’t been seen before. There’s no longer a need to source your own parts or assess capabilities, as these manufacturers have worked out what you need for your overland adventure and provided it all.

Such convenience comes at a price

While most of these overlanders are equipped with kit beyond all reasonable expectations, it’s worth mentioning that these vehicles are not cheap. Before you get excited about having a washing machine and air compressor in the garage, you need to know they come in at between £150,000 and £250,000.

There are two main strands to their capabilities, with the first being getting somewhere remote and the second, staying off grid. They all use a tried and tested 4×4 chassis, with the two most popular being the Mercedes-Benz Vito and the MAN. Combine this with the automatic gearbox and specialist overland satnav systems and you get true off-grid capability.

Once you’re in your remote location, the combination of solar panel lighting, lithium ion batteries, fast-charging inverters and alternator set-ups give you the ability to keep everything running. All the technology that allows you to monitor these elements on your smartphone or other apps will give you increased peace of mind.

Layout and storage

Storage is at a premium on the van conversions and it’s worth understanding that these vehicles are designed with a different purpose to many of the motorhomes and caravans on the market with more traditional leisure holidays in mind. The overlanders all cater to kit storage and have the unexpected in at the forefront of their functionality, with equipment like a full air compressor in the garage.

If you’re spending a lot of time driving and doing extreme activities, the bed is likely to be more of a priority than the lounge areas. That means these spaces, usually reserved for relaxing, can be compromised in overlanders, with just a chair or two to meet this purpose.

Fully customisable

All of the overlander options are fully customisable, so you can be sure you’re getting a vehicle built to your specifications. Some even have a lot of green features, such as composting toilets, if that’s something you’re interested in.

For the price of an average house in the UK, you can buy a vehicle that can take you on that African safari, far-flung Mongolian adventure or round-the-world trip. The market has certainly come a long way from a Land Rover with a tent on the top, a bucket as a toilet and 17 cans of diesel in case you get lost!

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Chris Cordes



Top tips for buying a motorhome

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Every month there are more than 27,000 Google searches for the terms ‘buy a motorhome’ or ‘buy a campervan’ in the UK.

While purchasing a leisure vehicle and enjoying the lifestyle is more popular than ever, the process can be confusing, especially for first-timers.

With this in mind, the experts at Ripe Motorhome Insurance have put together a list of things to take into consideration when buying a motorhome.

Research the market

Purchasing a motorhome is a big financial step, so it’s important to be well-informed so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.

As well as researching what’s available on the internet, it can be really useful to attend caravan and motorhome shows, where you can tour vehicles and ask lots of questions.

Identify your ideal size and layout

Once you start looking into the options, you’ll realise motorhomes come in all sorts of sizes and with a variety of layouts.

Pinpoint the size and layout that will best suit your needs, as these are the elements that will have the biggest impact on touring trips in the future.

Try before you buy

We’ve all seen the vanlife posts, making it easy to fall in love with the idea of owning a motorhome and enjoying the open road, but remember there can be a gap between Instagram and reality.

Hiring a motorhome to try out before making the commitment of buying one is a sensible step on your journey to becoming an owner.

Check paperwork

There are bargains to be had in the second hand motorhome market, but it’s important to check all the paperwork is present and correct.

Peruse the registration documents, service history and repairs that have been carried out. If the vehicle has been converted, make sure this is all above board too.

Look out for signs of damp

Damp can cause serious issues in motorhomes, so make sure you know the signs if you’re planning on buying a used vehicle.

Some minor occurrences can be dealt with, but pointing them out could help you negotiate on the price.

Understand distance implications

Purchasing a motorhome locally can be more straightforward, especially when it comes to things like pre-purchase servicing.

Larger dealerships can organise for vehicles to be transported to locations in your immediate area, but don’t expect this to be offered by all sellers.

Ask lots of questions

If you’ve never been through the process before, there’s likely to be a lot of things you don’t know, so it’s reasonable you’ll have questions.

Make you ask about:

  • Any additional fees or charges
  • Miles capable on a full fuel tank
  • Vehicle weight
  • Towing capacity
  • Previous owners
  • Terms of the warranty

Review your driving licence

A standard driving licence allows you to operate a typical motorhome, which falls into category B and is up to a maximum weight of 3,500kg.

Anything heavier than that and you’ll need to have a C1 entitlement on your driving licence, so don’t just assume you’re legally allowed to drive your new motorhome unless you’ve checked first.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Rob Hayman