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



Items to ditch on your next ski trip

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If you’re planning an end of season ski trip with your caravan or motorhome, it can be tempting to load your leisure vehicle up with everything you might need for every eventuality.

While it’s important to be prepared, it’s also a good idea to pack smartly and only take the items you’re actually going to need.

With this in mind, the team at Ski Vertigo has put together a list of things people regularly pack that aren’t required.

Follow their advice and maintain space to move and live comfortably in your caravan or motorhome between spells hitting the piste.

Alex Dyer, business development officer at Ski Vertigo, said: “Planning and packing light are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable ski experience. Leaving unnecessary items at home allows you to focus on creating lasting memories on the slopes, not wrestling with bulky luggage.”

Cotton clothing

A lot of technology has gone into developing ski clothing over the years, ensuring it performs at its best for you on the mountain.

Much of it is made from synthetic materials with the ability to wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you warm and not drenched in sweat after an exhilarating black run.

Cotton clothing does not have these properties, soaking up sweat instead of moving it away from your body, meaning you could easily get cold the moment you stop skiing.

Leave your cotton items at home, as they’ll just take up space in your cupboards and be strung up around your motorhome for days, as they take a long time to dry.

Full-size camera

It’s understandable to want to capture the excitement of your trip, but bringing a large camera will just get in the way of your fun.

Lots of the action can now be caught on mobile phone cameras, but if you’re looking for more functionality, consider a sports camera.

They’re lightweight, waterproof and compatible with a range of accessories that mean you can keep your hands free on the slopes.

Too many pairs of shoes

You’re in a leisure vehicle, so you can throw in as many pairs of shoes as you like, right?! Well, you can, but that doesn’t mean you should.

Sturdy waterproof shoes or boots for navigating snowy pathways are essential and something comfortable to wear indoors, perhaps even slippers, are required but not much else.

Even when you head out for a spot of apres ski, you’re not going to need anything too fancy, as you’ll have to get to the venue and everyone at the resort will also be there to ski, putting practicality first.

Jewellery

Most jewellery is incompatible with skiing as it can get in the way or even cause injuries if it gets caught or trapped in winter clothing.

Only bring the essentials, such as a wedding ring, and leave the rest at home, because otherwise it will spend most of its time in your caravan or motorhome.

An additional pair of earrings to wear in the evenings is enough to mark the transition from day to nighttime without the worry of ensuring their security.



 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Lars Schneider

Expert opinion: Continental Tyres’ safety advice for touring

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Easter is on its way, marking what is traditionally the start of touring season. While some caravan and motorhome owners may have continued to use their leisure vehicles throughout the winter, others will just be taking theirs out of storage.

Whether you’ve been enjoying your setup for the last few months or not, the changing of the seasons is a good time to review the safety of your rig. CaravanTimes spoke to Steve Howat, general manager for technical services at Continental Tyres UK, about staying safe on the road as staycation season comes into view.

He said: “With the Easter weekend approaching and the prospect of warmer weather around the corner, many Brits will be turning their attention to UK staycations, or European road trips for their holidays this year.

“A motorhome provides the perfect way to see what the UK has to offer, acting as your very own fully kitted out hotel on wheels. Whether it’s a converted van or classic motorhome, safe driving is extremely important, and one major factor all drivers frequently overlook is their tyres.”

Conduct a tyre inspection

Tyres are the only part of your leisure vehicle that connects with the road, making them crucial to safety and ensuring no unnecessary interruptions to your trip. Regular inspections prior to setting off on a touring expedition should be part of your pre-holiday routine, representing an opportunity to rectify anything of concern.

Mr Howat recommended: “Check your tread depth with a 20p coin by simply placing the coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit.

“If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe and should be checked immediately by a qualified tyre professional. Other key areas to spot signs for are uneven tyre wear and damage, punctures, cuts, impacts, cracks and bulges.”

Issues that can affect your tyres

While tread is probably the most widely publicised aspect of tyre safety, there are lots of other factors that can impact their efficacy. This is particularly the case with a caravan or motorhome, which has additional functions to a vehicle like a car.

Mr Howat told CaravanTimes: “There is plenty more you can do before you set off, especially when you pack for your trip. Before travelling, avoid overloading your motorhome to prevent tyre strain and reduced fuel efficiency.

“What’s more, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial – underinflation leads to sluggish handling while overinflation poses dangers. Optimal pressure ensures even tyre wear, meaning a smoother drive and reduced risk of blowouts. You can find your motorhome’s recommended pressure in the owner’s manual,” he added.

Stay on the right side of the law

With something as crucial as tyre safety, there are laws in place to protect caravan and motorhome drivers, as well as other road users. The consequences of being on the wrong side of the legislation include fines, points on your licence and putting yourself, your family and those around you in danger.

Mr Howat highlighted this: “UK tyre laws cover pressure, tread depth and condition – all key to the comfort and performance of your car, and to the safety of everyone on the road. That’s why if the police find you’ve got illegal tyres, you could receive a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.

“The golden rule is that all of the controls on your motorhome – brakes, steering, acceleration and gears – should be operated slowly and smoothly.  Gently accelerate and shift up the gears as quickly as possible to limit the chances of your wheels slipping.”

The right tyres for the job

If you’ve owned a caravan or motorhome for a while, you’ll have come to notice that there are some things that are specific to leisure vehicles. Swapping these elements out for more generic alternatives can lead to problems, so follow advice and ensure you’re investing in the right features for your van.

Mr Howat told us: “As with all road vehicles, it is essential that tyres of the correct specification be fitted. Tyres originally fitted to motorhomes are usually of a Light Commercial (C or CP) type. CP-type tyres are now widely used as they have been designed to cater for the higher loads imposed by motorhomes. Fitting your motorhome with tyres that are different to the original specification is likely to influence the handling and overall driving experience.”

Continental has been in business for over 150 years, but continues to develop its technology to ensure its tyres are suitable for modern day life. It prides itself on making a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. Continental employs some 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets.



Instagrammable period properties for your next touring holiday

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Brits love period properties and in 2023, we made some 5.5 million visits to these buildings across the UK.

Stopping by a heritage building is a popular activity on caravan and motorhome trips, and it’s hard not to be tempted to snap a picture for Instagram.

With this in mind, The Heritage Window Company has put together a list of the UK’s most popular period properties on the image-sharing app.

Great Dixter, near Rye

With some 102,000 followers on Instagram, the East Sussex estate of Great Dixter has been attracting lots of attention.

Consisting of three properties, dating from the 15th century, the 16th century and 1912, there’s plenty to see, as well as the impressive garden.

Tours of the buildings resume from March 26th. Don’t miss the principal private apartment of the mediaeval house, known as the solar, as well as the parlour and great hall.

The Royal Crescent, Bath

Bath’s Royal Crescent, with its distinctive shape, has attracted more than 6,500 posts and often been used as a filming location for period dramas.

Consisting of 30 terraced houses and apartments, fans of Bridgerton and Persuasion will recognise the famous facades.

The perfect Instagram photo is said to be taken from the green opposite the properties, which date from between 1767 and 1774.

Forty Hall, Enfield

Forty Hall is built in the Jacobean style of the 1620s, with a particularly charming aesthetic, set within 273 acres of grounds.

The Grade I-listed manor house’s iconic sash windows make for a stunning period feature and are much photographed in the 23,600 posts on Instagram.

Looking out of them across the pond also makes for a pleasing shot, with the landscape stretching out beyond.

Cardinal’s Hat, Lincoln

While period properties are often found within idyllic countryside, Cardinal’s Hat is a Tudor townhouse right in the heart of Lincoln.

The wide windows of the upper floors offer a bird’s eye view of the streets below, where you can people watch to your heart’s content.

Now converted into a pub, many of the more than 1,000 posts on Instagram are centred around the iconic building’s food.

Brantwood House, Cumbria

With just over 5,000 tagged Instagram posts, Brantwood House could be considered something of a hidden gem.

Once the home of writer and artist John Ruskin, he converted it from a humble cottage into a much larger property after purchasing it in 1851.

The best pictures of the house are those set against its stunning natural setting, as the surrounding woodland imparts a whimsical atmosphere.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Nik



What type of motorhome is best for prolonged off-grid camping?

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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.

When judging the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Design Awards 2024, it was clear that one of the biggest advances was in off-grid capabilities. You may love your site and your electric hook-up, but there’s a huge push from both an intrepid consumer base and the industry to provide more off-grid functionality.

Such capabilities have been rapidly expanding over the last five years or more, due to advancements in things like solar panels, fast-charging systems, lithium ion battery packs, converters and more functional monitoring systems. They mean better ways to charge, bigger batteries and the ability to know how much charge you have left.

There’s also a slight move to electric-only appliances, such as condenser refrigerators, and diesel heating hot water systems. All of these elements are contributing to the ability for motorhome owners to spend more time away from traditional sites, exploring off the beaten track.

What type of leisure vehicle lets you go off grid for the longest?

Apart from cost, the main things you have to look at when going off grid are all to do with the battery. These include ways of charging it, the size and space it takes up, and safety considerations like ventilation for the device. The surprising answer to the question of which motorhome best serves these off-grid needs is probably a huge, expensive A-class.

This will shock everybody, because nobody thinks of these as potentially being the leisure vehicles capable of going off grid for the longest. However, they have a huge surface area on the roof that can host up to six 200-watt solar panels, which are incredibly effective charging methods if you’re somewhere hot.

Additionally, they often have large, well-ventilated garage spaces where you can drop a lithium battery with a cage around it to ensure there’s plenty of space for ventilation. If you think about it, whether you’re a family or a couple, just because you’re in a big motorhome doesn’t mean you have more cups of tea, seven fridges or eat five meals a day. The actual electrical load on a large A class is very similar per capita to the load on a small vehicle.

Potential downside of an A class as an off-grid vehicle

The only downside of the A class as an off-grid capable vehicle depends on your interpretation of off grid. If your idea of off grid is parking up on a remote beach head at the end of a two-mile gravel track, then potentially it’s not going to get there, given that it’s the size of a bus. 

So, herein lies the paradox. We have to ask ourselves if there’s any solution going forward. One of the solutions is to opt for a smaller motorhome that is capable of going to more places and use the engine to charge a battery that’s not quite as large. A fast, dedicated charger from the engine to a lithium battery allows it to be charged in under an hour, which is very effective.

Depending on what you’re planning on doing, that one hour of charge could last you a couple of days off grid. With a low load, just using lights, keeping the fridge cold and watching tablets, while spending most of the day outside of the vehicle, it’s certainly a viable possibility.

The Frankia 7400 PLUS Platin Pure Edition

According to my basic calculations, the Frankia 7400 PLUS Platin Pure Edition, which was a category winner in the awards, is the best off-grid option. With a 300 Ah-LiFePo battery, three 115-watt solar system panels and a power charging booster option, you could be all set to hit the open road.

 

Photo credit: Frankia



Which famous families would you like to pitch up next to?

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When we heard that new research shows the Weasleys from Harry Potter are the family most Brits would like to live next door to, it got us thinking about ideal pitch neighbours.

After all, who you’re camped next to in your caravan or motorhome can have a significant impact on your trip. In fact, many people who meet at campsites can go on to become lifelong friends.

Families will be particularly aware of that wonderful moment when you realise there are kids of similar age to your own on the pitch next to yours.

Preferred famous neighbours

The study, which was carried out by Bluestone National Park Resort, found 19 per cent of Brits would like to be neighbours with the Weasleys, while 14 per cent preferred the Trotters from Only Fools and Horses.

In third position with 12 per cent of the vote was the Royles, while the Kardashians and Barlows from Coronation Street took the fourth and fifth spots with 11 per cent and ten per cent respectively.

Welcome to our Neighbourhood campaign

Bluestone is a luxury family-friendly holiday destination, located in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

It conducted the research as part of its Welcome to our Neighbourhood campaign, which it hopes will highlight the importance of feeling part of a community.

Claire Lewis, head of guest experience at Bluestone, said: “Creating a sense of community at our resort is a huge part of our offering to guests. We want to provide not just luxury accommodation, but a space for families and friends to create unforgettable memories together.

“From kayaking across our lake, exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of Pembrokeshire’s beaches, coast path and harbours, to recharging in the resort’s award-winning Well Spa, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

What makes good neighbours?

Opinions may differ on what makes someone a good neighbour, but the poll suggested 71 per cent of people value trustworthiness, 57 per cent like them to be quiet and 53 per cent want next door to be kind.

On a campsite, these traits are important too, especially when it comes to noise, as loud partying on a nearby pitch after lights out can spoil everyone’s sleep.

Kind fellow campers may also lend you a mallet to secure the guy ropes on your awning or even invite you to join in with their barbecue.

The best neighbours when you’re away in your leisure vehicle, however, are the ones who watch out for you and let you know if you’ve forgotten to lock your bikes up or your wheels are sinking in the mud.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production

What do you need to know when caravanning in Europe?

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Some 60,500 searches for caravan holidays have already been made so far in 2024, according to Towergate Insurance.

While many of these touring trips will be within the UK, others will venture over to the continent to spend time in their trusty leisure vehicle.

With this in mind, the experts at Towergate Insurance put together some tips to ensure your caravanning holiday in Europe goes as smoothly as possible.

Get your documents in order

Organising all your documents so you can grab them easily is a good idea. Of course, you’re going to need your passport, but taking a caravan abroad requires additional paperwork.

Here’s a handy checklist of the documents you’ll require:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Vehicle registration document
  • Insurance certificate for the towcar and caravan

Requirements for taking your caravan to France

Hopping aboard the ferry or Eurotunnel to France is a popular option for UK holidaymakers, but there are some strict laws about driving with a caravan in the nation.

When towing a caravan in France you are required to have a high-visibility vest and warning triangle in your vehicle.

It is also a legal requirement to switch your headlights on during the day when towing, which may come as a surprise to most British drivers.

France checklist:

  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit
  • Reflective jackets for every passenger
  • Nationality sticker
  • Breathalyser kit

Rules for driving your caravan in Spain

With over 5,000 miles of stunning coastline, it’s not hard to see why Brits have a longstanding love affair with holidaying in Spain and taking your caravan makes beach trips even better.

In Spain, it’s the law to have a warning triangle in your vehicle when driving, but this increases to two warning triangles when towing. You also need high-visibility vests for everyone in the car. 

If your combined vehicle and caravan measure over 12 metres, it’s also compulsory to use a marker board to indicate your outfit length.

Spain checklist:

  • Two warning triangles
  • Spare tyre
  • Reflective jackets for each passenger
  • Spare bulbs
  • Nationality sticker
  • Two external towing mirrors

Considerations for caravanning in Italy

From the beauty of the Alps to its stunning lakes, caravanning around Italy is an appealing prospect.

With just 1,500 miles lying between Calais in France and Italy’s capital, Rome, it’s a fairly straightforward road trip to undertake.

Driving in Italy is also less hassle as you just need a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, first aid kit and nationality sticker.

Be sure to have your headlights switched on when travelling through a tunnel in Italy, as this is mandated by law.

Italy checklist:

  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit
  • Nationality sticker

Caravanners are reminded that since September 2021, the nationality sticker required is UK as opposed to GB.

Some nations fine drivers or even prevent them from entering the country if they’re not displaying the right sticker.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Salah Ait Mokhtar



The UK’s top dog-friendly caravan parks

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Nothing is better than getting away in your caravan or motorhome with the whole family and that includes your four-legged friends too.

Owning a leisure vehicle makes it easy to include your dog in your holiday plans, but it does mean finding the right caravan park to accommodate you.

The folks at caravan specialist Ropers Leisure have put together a list of dog-friendly sites to open up the possibility of more beach walks and trail adventures.

They used reviews, credibility checks and analysis of the facilities on offer to select the best parks to stay at with your trusty companion.

Weymouth Bay Holiday Park, Dorset

Located on the south coast, Weymouth Bay Holiday Park is one of the most dog-friendly sites in the UK, offering easy access to the Dorset countryside and amenities including a pool.

Just a ten-minute drive will take visitors into Weymouth itself and there’s a bus stop conveniently located right outside the caravan park.

Park Cliffe, Lake District

Dogs and their owners can set off from the Park Cliffe Caravan Site and head up the hill to take in wonderful vistas of the surrounding Lake District countryside.

While the region is home to a number of dog-friendly holiday parks, it’s the pet-orientated facilities and surroundings that really set it apart.

California Cliffs Holiday Park, Norfolk

Take advantage of the dog walking area on site at California Cliffs Holiday Park, as well as the nearby town of Scratby Beach.

While there are plenty of pitches for caravans at the park, there are also some dog-friendly chalets available for guests and their four-legged friends.

Orchards Holiday Park, Isle of Wight

Exploring the Isle of Wight’s many beaches with your dog is always a joy and after your pet’s perhaps taken a paddle in the sea you can return to the holiday park and swim in its pool.

Orchards Holiday Park has specific areas for dogs on site and is close to great trails perfect for “walkies”.

Vale of Pickering Caravan Park, Yorkshire

With your choice of the Yorkshire Moors and seaside resorts on its doorstep, the Vale of Pickering Caravan Park is a good dog-friendly option.

Most notably at this site is a huge dog walking area that has sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, making it a particularly enjoyable space to spend some off-lead time.

South Meadows Caravan Park, Northumberland

Situated on the edge of the village of Belford, which boasts a local pub where dogs are welcomed, South Meadows Caravan Park is a good base from which to discover Northumberland.

The spacious pitches and dedicated area to walk your dog mean you should all feel relaxed during a visit to this well landscaped park.

Read top tips for taking your dog on your next caravan or motorhome trip here.

Travel advice worth ignoring

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It seems like everybody has wisdom to impart for your upcoming caravan or motorhome trip, but which travel advice is worth taking and what tips are best ignored?

The International Drivers Association has put together a list of things you’ve probably been told in the past but can lead to missing out on memorable experiences.

Don’t talk to strangers

This is advice that’s been handed out to most people since they were children, but anyone who has pitched up at a friendly campsite and got to know their neighbours will understand that talking to strangers is all part of the experience.

Stick to the plan

Planning some of your trip and perhaps booking a campsite for the first night is often a good idea, but part of the joy of owning a leisure vehicle is being open to spontaneity. If you’re not as enamoured with an area as you thought you’d be or get a tip from a local, it’s time to embrace the unknown.

Pack for all eventualities

While having a caravan or motorhome likely allows you to bring more luggage and ‘just in case’ items than flying to your destination, it doesn’t mean you should bring everything. Unless you’re going well off the beaten track, it still pays to pack sensibly and not overfill your living space.

Stick to the tourist route

It’s true that many tourist sites are popular because they’re beautiful and there’s lots to see, but often the most charming experiences happen when you get off the beaten path. Julianna Marshall, travel expert at the International Drivers Association, said: “Maintaining a balance between famous sites and local secrets can provide a well-rounded travel experience.”

Book everything in advance

Increasingly, there’s a need to book top sights in advance or risk not getting a chance to see the Sagrada Familia or the Alhambra. This advice also goes for reservations at high-profile restaurants, but it can leave you rushing around on your holiday trying to honour these time slots and leave you closed to other experiences.

Don’t travel alone

The idea of a solo trip can seem daunting, but can lead to some of the best experiences. Without the need to consult anyone else, holidays without a companion can be empowering and allow you to see everything you want to see. Take some precautions to stay safe and be open to meeting people along the way.

The International Drivers Association can help facilitate travel to more than 150 countries with its International Drivers Permit. This document should not be used instead of your native driver’s licence but in addition to it.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kristaps Ungurs



Insurance tips for young travellers

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Touring on the continent can be a great first trip for young travellers, but there are some things to consider if you’ve never organised your own holiday abroad before.

The travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have put together a list of tips for Gen Z before they set off in a caravan or motorhome.

Tiffany Mealiff, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Travelling is confusing at the best of times, it’s tough to keep up with the changing dos and don’ts especially if you’re taking a gap year and travelling to multiple countries as part of one trip. 

 “We’ve compiled a handy list of essentials that all young travellers should be aware of before heading off.”

Know your EHIC and GHIC

With the NHS being free at the point of service in the UK, it’s very easy to forget that should you require medical assistance abroad it must be paid for.

You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if the former has expired, to access healthcare at the same price as locals.

Claiming on your travel insurance should then reimburse you for the cost of any medical care required on your holiday.

Travel insurance trip lengths

Annual travel insurance may sound like the perfect solution if you’re heading off on a gap year or extended vanlife trip.

But usually these types of policy, while enabling you to take multiple trips over a 12-month period, have a maximum trip length.

This often means you can’t travel for more than 31 days at a time without returning home and may need a more specialist travel insurance policy instead.

Beware of boozing before activities

Apres ski is a well-known part of the winter holiday experience, but make sure that it remains after any adventures on the slopes.

Drinking alcohol before undertaking activities such as skiing or swimming can invalidate a claim should you get injured.

Keep the partying until you’ve finished any adventurous activities and your caravan or motorhome is pitched up for the night.

Don’t leave items unattended

It can be tempting to leave items outside of your caravan or motorhome when you head out for a day of exploring, but they won’t be covered by your travel insurance.

For example, camping furniture could be susceptible to theft and leaving it unattended would be considered not taking “reasonable care” of it in the eyes of your insurer.

Apply this rule to all of your belongings and beware that some of Europe’s most popular destinations have the highest levels of petty theft.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Daniel J. Schwarz