Real-life testing the Bailey Alora motorhome in the Dolomites

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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.

The CaravanTimes team headed off to the Dolomites with Bailey for real-life testing of the Alora slimline motorhome range. As well as a drive of over 2,000 miles and some skiing, there were two specific elements of the Alora we were keen to put through their paces: the Truma Diesel Combi D4E blown air heating and hot water system; and the Thetford 138 litre compressor fridge.

Such components have been popular on the continent for a long time, but are relatively new to the UK market. With every weather condition under the sun experienced during the trip – snow, sleet, storms, sunshine – we were able to put them through their paces. Two of the nights spent in the motorhomes were -20 degrees C!

Truma Diesel Combi D4E blown air heating and hot water system

Bailey offers the option of combi gas, the Alde and now the combi diesel systems across its ranges, but in the new Alora, customers will enjoy the diesel option. Previously, diesel heaters had been the stalwart of smaller campervans in the UK, however, on the continent they’re often used in larger leisure vehicles.

The diesel heating system is incredibly similar to the gas system, working in the same way whether you have the four kilowatts or six kilowatts options. On the way back from the Dolomites, we met with Truma and they helped us to dispel a lot of myths.

It can heat the whole van and ten litres of hot water in the same time as the gas alternative. It’s worth noting the life expectancy of the unit is very similar and the intervals for service checks are no different.

There are advantages to both systems, but with the diesel, there’s less of a reliance on gas. That means there’s no need for a large gas locker to store two 11-kilogram bottles of gas. It’s much easier to fill up, as every single petrol station has diesel and your diesel tank is a lot larger. On some motorhomes it’s 85 litres, which gives you the ability to carry a lot of fuel with you.

As the Alora is a slimline motorhome, it’s easier to drive and easier to park, but space is at a premium. Not having those gas lockers and that additional weight means more space and extra payload, which is a big selling point for the diesel system. It’s also worth considering the European touring element, as everywhere on the continent, there are different gas connectors. 

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

  • Just like the gas system has electric capability, so does the diesel alternative, so if you want to use electric-only, you can.
  • You can’t run your diesel dry. It will cut out while there’s a quarter of a tank of diesel left, allowing you to drive and fill up again.
  • When it comes to green credentials, gas does burn leaner and produce fewer emissions than diesel, but Truma has worked to certify the diesel heaters to run on biofuels when they become available.

Thetford 138 litre compressor fridge

Most people will be more familiar with absorption fridges in their motorhome, but the compressor fridge is a new addition to the Bailey leisure vehicle offering. Thetford does make both types of fridges and Bailey fits both, but on the Dolomites trip, we tested this new approach. To put these appliances in context, a compressor fridge is the type you have in your kitchen at home.

Absorption has traditionally been used in the leisure vehicle and boat industries, allowing fridges to run on gas. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both types of fridge. The main advantage of compressor fridges, which was demonstrated at Thetford on our way home from the Dolomites, is that it keeps things significantly colder.

In a 40-degree environment with the two fridges both running, the compressor option was offering up drinks that were chilled far more effectively. Compressor fridges can also have individual shapes, enabling them to be moulded to the round or cut side of a motorhome to fit better and make worktops slimmer.

With less need for insulation, compressor fridges allow more storage space for the size of the appliance. However, they don’t run on gas, being electric only, but Thetford has done a lot of work to reduce the electrical mode and the software minimises their electric usage. With a normal battery, they can run for days, and the proliferation of things like solar panels means it shouldn’t be too big an issue.

A lot of people would be reluctant to have a compressor fridge in their motorhome due to the noise of their fridge at home. The CaravanTimes team went into a soundproof room and tested the two fridges, which had comparable decibel levels. Also, during the real-world Alora testing, nobody was kept awake at night or noticed the sound.



Travel tips to avoid holiday chaos

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While going away in your caravan or motorhome is generally a relaxing experience, there are always things you can do to make a trip go more smoothly.

This couldn’t be more true in the wake of Brexit, when travelling to the continent involves more red tape than ever before.

Luckily, the folks at FlightsFinder.com have made a few suggestions about the precautions you can take for a hassle-free holiday and the CaravanTimes team have added a few of our own too.

Shahab Siddiqui, founder of FlightsFinder.com said: “Tips to ensure the trip runs smoothly include researching the country’s passport validity rules before booking a trip and checking there are free passport stamp pages.” 

Passport validity

Soon-to-be expired passports can lead to the holder being denied entry to certain countries. For many destinations, travel documents must have at least six months left on them after departure, so it’s a good idea to follow this rule wherever you go.

Brexit changes

UK citizens are now classed as ‘third country nationals’ under EU regulations, which comes with a new set of rules to follow. For example, passports must have been issued in the past ten years no matter their validity and have at least three months left on them.

Free passport pages

If you’ve been taking your leisure vehicle to countries all over the world, it’s important to check that there are still empty pages in your passport. There must be two blank pages in your travel document to accommodate new stamps on your latest trip.

Roaming costs

Everyone has become accustomed to relying on their phone, but roaming charges abroad can soon add up. Check your roaming package before leaving the UK and switch to flight mode and only use Wi-Fi when it’s available if your provider is going to charge you daily.

UK stickers

It used to be that vehicles travelling abroad had to display a GB sticker, but these now need to say UK instead. Remember to have such stickers for both your towcar and your caravan, unless your number plates include the UK identifier.

Register your caravan

Non-commercial trailers over 3,500kg gross weight must be registered as trailers to travel to most of the EU. Check the weight of your caravan on the information plate or sticker, which is generally located on the side of your caravan by the door. Remember it will weigh more when loaded.

Sidestep Dover to Calais

When thinking about taking your caravan or motorhome to the continent, everyone immediately assumes Dover to Calais is the only route. Consider alternatives such as Newhaven to Dieppe or even Harwich to the Hook of Holland for a quieter, less stressful experience.



 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Martin Kallur

Driving in adverse weather conditions

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Storm Isha is currently battering parts of the UK, making it important to heed warnings and cut down on non-essential trips.

For when travel can’t be avoided, however, Select Van Leasing has shared a list of tips for how to stay safe on the road.

Always remember that caravans and motorhomes handle differently to other vehicles, so there are additional elements to consider.

Weight distribution

Think carefully about how you pack your leisure vehicle and its weight limits. This is true for all journeys, but especially when there are high winds like there are at the moment.

Graham Conway, managing director of Select Van Leasing, said: “Ensure that your van’s load has been distributed evenly to maintain an appropriate balance for the size of your vehicle and that anything loaded into your van is properly secured.”

Exceeding your caravan’s weight limit could result in a fine or even jail time, as well as presenting safety issues.

Give yourself extra time

Rushing to complete a journey is never a good idea, but time pressures during bad weather can be disastrous.

Mr Conway said: “Make sure to factor in that you may encounter severe road conditions throughout your journey, so leave plenty of time to get from A to B in a safe and timely manner.”

Inform the campsite that you may arrive later due to taking extra care on the roads or expect to return from your trip later as a result.

Reduce your speed and brake with care

Take care to accelerate and brake as gently as it’s safe to do, in order to prevent wheelspin and a loss of traction.

Extreme weather can make your caravan or motorhome behave in a way you’re not expecting, so driving at a slower speed and not braking suddenly reduces the chance of an accident occurring.

Mr Conway confirmed: “Whether you’re in a car or a van, you should always lower your speed when there’s snow or ice on the ground to ensure complete control over your vehicle in treacherous conditions.”

Increase the distance between vehicles

Leave more space than usual between your van and the vehicle in front of you to allow for increased stopping distance, which could double in wet conditions and multiply by ten on snow or ice.

Mr Conway added: “A loaded van has additional weight which increases the van’s momentum, making it more challenging to bring the vehicle to a stop.”

Hopefully you won’t need to come to a sudden stop, but braking unexpectedly is always a possibility and crashing into the vehicle in front is a real risk.

Maintain visibility

Cleaning the windscreen is an obvious task for most people before they set off on a journey, but make sure you have visibility elsewhere too.

Lift the windscreen wipers away from the glass the night before a trip to prevent the wipers from freezing in place and top up cleaning fluid to make sure any dirty marks are easily removed.

“You should ensure you can see clearly out of all windows and also clear any snow from the roof of your van, as you could be penalised if it were to fall onto the windscreen or into the path of another road user,” Mr Conway summarised.



 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Frames For Your Heart

Motorhomes are no longer just white boxes

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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.

Once again I’m privileged to have been asked to judge the Caravan and Motorhome Club Motorhome & Campervan Design Awards and Buyers Guide. While I can’t make any comment on the specific entries at this stage, I’ve been blown away by the ever-expanding choices available in the motorhome market.

These awards are the largest and most thorough within the industry, overseen by a dedicated team at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, as well as a panel of independent judges. Before we go to the February show and see the entrants in the flesh, we spend three weeks scoring them based on their handbooks and websites.

While it’s an intense period of scrutiny, it means I’ve had the opportunity to get a really great feel for the market. Going back only ten years, the choice was confined to an array of white boxes on Fiat chassis. You could have a small one, a medium one, a large one or a very large one, but with very little to differentiate the interior between brands, ranges and models. 

Now this market has exploded! It’s the fastest-growing segment in the leisure vehicle industry with the sale of coachbuilts and A-classes both increasing. Here are some of the things I’ve noticed during the digital part of the judging and through my general exposure to the motorhome industry recently.

Innovative design features

Among the innovations that demonstrate how far motorhomes have come from being a standard white box is a coachbuilt with an over-the-cab bed that inflates. That means you don’t have a big windsock while you’re driving, but there’s lots of thermally-insulated space to sleep.

There are now comfortable lounges in motorhomes and U-shaped rear-end living rooms, with drop-down beds above that offer the best of both worlds. Having a great seating area complete with a bed you can leave made up is transformative.

Motorhomes from different vehicle suppliers

There are now motorhomes from so many different suppliers, whether base vehicles or direct from the factory. We have VW, Fiat, Citroen, Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes, which means there’s much more choice and driving configurations than there’s ever been in the UK motorhome market.

Manufacturers are listening to consumers

Among the features that really work for the motorhome lifestyle are:

  • Showers that can be turned into a massive storage closet if you prefer to use on-site facilities.
  • Drying facilities in the back of motorhomes or in the garages, complete with power and lighting.
  • Motorhome storage lockers that can be detached and carried out and used as bags.
  • USB-C chargers in the habitation areas and completely wireless bluetooth entertainment systems.
  • Lights that can be moved around on sliding rails or that can be detached from one part of your motorhome and used elsewhere.

Motorhomes designed for lifestyles

Motorhomes have been developed that run inverters and huge batteries meaning you can go off grid for days on end, cook on electric hotplates and boil your kettles. This is just the beginning, as there are some vehicles that have been designed with specific lifestyle needs in mind.

These include 4x4s with jacked up suspension; small models that can carry four bikes inside the vehicle and convert the space to sleep six people; and eight-berth motorhomes for large families.

Rapidly-expanding market

From specialist vehicles to innovative design features through to even having a motorhome with a washing machine and air compressor in the garage, the market has come a long way. It’s easy to see why it’s growing so quickly and why everyone can find a motorhome that suits them. Prices range from £50,000 to £500,000 new and there’s so much choice and distinction in this rapidly-expanding market.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Alexander Schimmeck

Discover British TV and film locations in your motorhome

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TV and film can be a great form of escapism, but now you can escape to the real-life locations from some of your favourite on-screen moments.

Pack up your motorhome or caravan and head to the destinations used as sets for the likes of Saltburn and Bridgerton.

The travel experts at Quotezone.co.uk have put together a few suggestions to inspire your next adventure inspired by a trend known as set-jetting.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “The UK is known for its passion for great TV, with Brits spending nearly three hours a day watching broadcast TV content alone. 

“The nation’s love affair with television and film continued last year and viewers were treated to an array of acclaimed hits.

“Fans of last year’s major triumphs in the TV and film industry can now plan a trip around the country to immerse themselves in real-life settings.”

Happy Valley – West Yorkshire

Filmed in the Calder Valley region of West Yorkshire, the BBC’s Happy Valley has gone on to achieve Bafta success. The small market towns of Hebden Bridge, Luddenden and Todmorden feature heavily within the series.

Follow in the footsteps of Catherine Cawood, Tommy Lee Royce and others as you walk the cobbled streets and soak up the iconic landscapes. The towns provide a stunning backdrop to the crime drama, so they’re worth seeing for yourself.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Shonda Rhimes’ prequel spin-off to Bridgerton has proved just as popular as the original show and features many of the UK’s most prestigious stately homes. Blenheim Palace deserves a special mention, however, as it doubles up as Buckingham House.

Not only is this the residence of King George, but also where the scenes of the memorable final ball take place. Since Buckingham House made way for Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Palace is the closest you can get to this English Baroque gem in modern times.

Saltburn – Drayton House, Northamptonshire 

Emerald Fennell’s satire of wealth and extravagance puts the Catton family’s flamboyant estate front and centre. The scenes depicted are mainly filmed at Drayton House and the film has seen fans flocking to visit.

Hopefully your caravan trip to see the Grade I-listed mansion won’t be as dramatic as the experiences of Felix, Oliver et al, but it’s still likely to be memorable. Just perhaps don’t head into the hedge maze alone!

Fool Me Once – Arley Hall, Cheshire

TV fans can be forgiven for thinking that the country house location used as Farmwood in Netflix’s Fool Me Once looks a little familiar. It was also put to work as the set of Tommy Shelby’s home in Peaky Blinders.

Arley Hall therefore has good TV pedigree. As well as the Grade II-listed building, the estate boasts an attractive chapel and extensive gardens. Pitch up close by to enjoy a day out exploring this North West gem.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production



Overcome Blue Monday with your caravan or motorhome

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Blue Monday falls at the beginning of the third week in January each year and is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be.

While it’s true that finances tend to be depleted after Christmas, the weather can be dreary and the novelty of being back at work has worn off, there’s still hope.

Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts can use their leisure vehicle to help improve their spirits today and in the weeks to come.

Create a cosy hideaway

It may not be practical to head off in your caravan or motorhome right now, but it’s still a great resource even if it’s just parked in your driveway.

Use your leisure vehicle as a cosy escape from the pressures of the modern world. Fill it with comfy cushions and blankets, and spend an hour or two reading or listening to music there after work.

Just getting away from the usual routine can be enough to feel refreshed, so create your own little sanctuary.

Get out in nature

Green and blue therapy, which essentially means getting out into nature, has been linked to a number of physical and mental health benefits.

It can be difficult to get motivated to spend time outside when it’s cold, but your caravan or motorhome is a great way to facilitate more time in the countryside or by the sea.

Take your vehicle out for the day and after a walk, cycle, swim or other activity, you’ve got the perfect place to get warm and cosy again.

Plan an adventure

Anticipation is a powerful emotion and looking forward to a trip away is a great way to lift your spirits, so start planning your next adventure now.

Perhaps you were given some caravanning books for Christmas or you’ve been thinking about tackling a long-distance route like the NC500 for a while?

January is a great time to get into the finer details of planning your next adventure, as your social diary is likely to have calmed down and there’s still time to book campsites before the summer.

Give yourself a sense of purpose

If you used your caravan or motorhome as a breakout space when relatives were staying over the holidays or a handy place to store and wrap Christmas presents, it might be time for a tidy up.

Cleaning out cupboards, wiping down surfaces and giving your leisure vehicle an airing by opening windows means it’ll be in fine shape for the next time you head out in it.

Your van is a relatively small space, so it won’t take long to get it looking good, giving you a sense of achievement, which is always good for boosting a low mood.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Roberto Nygaard



Why you really should use your leisure vehicle in winter

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

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

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

Hang out in your leisure vehicle

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

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

For the more intrepid…

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

Economic

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

Availability

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

Romance

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

Try before you buy

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

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/atarin michaeli



The UK’s best stargazing sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galloway Forest, Scotland

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

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

Northumberland, England

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

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

Malin Head, Northern Ireland

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

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

Brecon Beacons, Wales

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

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

Top tips for stargazing on your next caravan or motorhome trip

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

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Amanda Mocci



The best ski resorts to head to in your leisure vehicle

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

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

Among the criteria were:

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

Zermatt takes the top spot

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

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

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

Splash the cash

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

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

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

Money-saving options

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/15964219



Benefits of enjoying a skiing trip with your leisure vehicle

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

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

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

Swap flights for the ferry

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

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

Choose the bigger resorts

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

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

Campsite facilities

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

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

Top tips for a leisure vehicle ski trip

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

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

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Patrick Mueller



Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights this winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lake District, Cumbria

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

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

Isle of Anglesey, Wales

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

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

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

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

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

Shetland Islands, Scotland

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

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

Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

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

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

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/rauschenberger



Lean into January with these simple pleasures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get cosy

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

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

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

Get outside

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

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

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

Simple pleasures

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

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

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

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

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Rune Haugseng