Annie the Ambulance offers a unique touring experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annie’s makeover

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

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

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

Spacious living quarters

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

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

Hiring Annie

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

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

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

About Camplify

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

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

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



Warning: A European touring trip could leave your passport invalid

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know the passport rules

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Future changes to the rules

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

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

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

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ethan Wilkinson



Travelling in your caravan with allergies

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

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

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

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

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

Research and plan ahead

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

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

Learn key phrases

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

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

Pack safe snacks

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

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

Carry medical supplies

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

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

Know emergency procedures

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

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

Check your travel insurance

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

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

Reducing allergens in caravans and motorhomes

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

To reduce allergens in your caravan or motorhome:

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

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Berkin Üregen



Top staycation spots for dogs

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One of the best things about owning a caravan or motorhome is that you can pack up your pooch and take your beloved dog on holiday with you.

There are lots of dog-friendly caravan parks to choose from, but that’s not the only thing to consider when planning a trip with your four-legged friend.

What if you choose a destination that was well known for welcoming dogs into its cafes, restaurants, pubs and even spas?

With this in mind, the team at Petsure have looked at 40 of the most popular holiday locations in the UK and analysed them for dog suitability.

Here are the top five:

Lymington, Hampshire

It’s no secret that dogs love beach walks, so a trip to Lymington in the New Forest will be sure to get those tails wagging, as this coastal town is blessed with plenty of sand and sea.

There’s a grand total of 169 trails for you and your dog to explore and if you build up an appetite, head to one of the 19 dog-friendly restaurants or 57 pubs that welcome furry companions.

Bournemouth, Dorset

Discover iconic landmarks like Hengistbury Head, as you tackle some of the 80 hikes around Bournemouth that are suitable for dogs.

While over a fifth of the pubs and bars in the town welcome four-legged friends, less than ten per cent of restaurants do, so it could be a pub meal or dinner back at your caravan or campervan if you head here.

Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear

Tynemouth Longsands is a dream destination for dogs, offering a huge expanse of beach for stretching furry legs.

There are 25 dog-friendly hikes on offer and head to King Edward’s Bay come mealtimes to relax in a deckchair with your dog at your feet and a portion of seafood from Riley’s Fish Shack to enjoy.

Dartmouth, Devon

Take a walk along the River Dart or 21 other hiking trails while on holiday in Dartmouth with your four-legged friend.

The pub scene is particularly accommodating of dogs with no fewer than 72 allowing them in. There’s also 12 restaurants that welcome pooches, so you have a number of options at mealtimes.

Bamburgh, Northumberland

If you’re a fan of taking Instagram snaps of your dog, then you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop than Bamburgh. Its vast beach is crowned with an iconic castle and the pretty town is fun to discover.

Bamburgh may be small, but half of its restaurants welcome pets, there are 13 dog-friendly pubs and bars, as well as three spas where Fido can come along too.

Top 5 electric cars for caravan towing in 2024

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The new Labour government is accelerating the move towards phasing out petrol and diesel cars in favour of electric alternatives.

While this sounds like a positive thing for the environment, there’s a certain amount of range anxiety associated with using an EV to tow a caravan.

Nobody wants to be stuck trying to charge their car during a touring trip, so it’s worth understanding which EVs are best for towing.

The experts at Pure Leisure have a lot of experience in towing and have put together their recommendations for your peace of mind.

Kia EV9

With space for seven people, incredible charging speed and all-terrain drive, the Kia EV9 is a towcar worth considering.

The 99.8kWh battery offers 349 miles per charge, recovering up to 154 miles in just 15 minutes, which is ideal for those worried about wait times during long-distance caravan trips.

Additional features include:

  • 14-speaker Meridian sound system
  • Panoramic dashboard heads-up display (HUD)
  • Finger-print sensor ignition
  • Mobile phone door key
  • Touchscreen navigation
  • Collision detection
  • Forward collision avoidance
  • Wireless phone charging

BMW iX

The award-winning BMW iX is equipped with iDRIVE, the manufacturer’s intelligent operating system, which means you can take advantage of everything from gesture controls to mobile phone integration.

When using a high-power charging station, the battery recharging speed is good,  but at £70,985, you might expect the battery range to be better.

It can charge to around 62 miles in six minutes and 264 miles in total, but there are cheaper and more efficient options available.

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is able to zip around corners with a twin motor, boasting the fastest acceleration in any Volvo ever and is particularly comfortable on long-haul trips.

This seven-seater comes with a free home charger, so you can take full advantage of electric home charging without the extra cost.

Its modest battery range of 214 to 298 miles, depending on model, means any long-distance towing trip would require some planning and possibly stop-offs along the way. The EX30 charges from ten to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The 404-mile range on this Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a total gamechanger, meaning most destinations within the UK could be achievable while towing your caravan in one go.

A spokesperson for Pure Leisure said: “This vehicle is a luxury workhorse perfect for caravan towing, staycation-goers and travellers, but the hefty price tag reserves this vehicle for finance or enthusiasts.”

Despite its large 108.4kWh battery size, the EQS SUV can go from ten per cent to 80 per cent in 31 minutes on a fast charger and from 10 per cent to 100 per cent in five and a half hours when connected to a wallbox.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 goes from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and has some little touches to the interior that make it feel premium.

Opt for the larger 77.4 kWh battery on the IONIQ 5 if you’re planning on towing a caravan and you will benefit from its enhanced efficiency.

Features include:

  • 5-star Euro NCAP rating
  • Full BOSE sound system with 64 ambient lighting variations
  • Wireless charging
  • USB ports at the front and rear
  • Clever regenerative braking technology, which refills your battery as you drive
  • Digital HUD

Top UK caravan sites for families

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As the summer school holidays get underway in England and Wales, families across the country will be packing up their caravans and heading off on staycations.

With this in mind, GO Outdoors did some research into which caravan parks were the most family friendly.

The experts then compiled a list of the top ten, helping you narrow down the options and decide on the best site for your brood.

A spokesperson for GO Outdoors said: “Caravan holidays are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

“They are also an ideal way to explore nature and create priceless memories with family, including learning how to fish, birdwatch and cycle. A caravan holiday is the perfect setting for bonding with friends or family while enjoying scenic landscapes.”

We take a more detailed look at the three holiday parks that were deemed the creme de la creme for families, with options in Scotland, Somerset and Cornwall.

Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Scotland

Located on the coast of Dumfries and Galloway, Auchenlarie Holiday Park is one of Scotland’s most idyllic caravan parks.

It boasts a games room, swimming pool and on-site entertainment to keep the kids happy, while the park’s own shop means parents can pick up any necessities they need.

This pet-friendly site is just a five-minute walk to Auchenlarie Beach and only a short drive away from the stunning Galloway Hills.

Bucklegrove Holiday Park, Somerset

The memorable views of the Somerset Levels and Brent Knoll are what set this caravan park between Cheddar and Wells apart.

An indoor pool and on-site bar and restaurant mean there’s no need to rely on the British weather to come through to have a good time.

The children’s play area and warm welcome for four-legged friends make Bucklegrove Holiday Park a great option for families.

Tencreek Holiday Park, Cornwall

Close to picturesque coastal destinations of Looe and Polperro, Tencreek Holiday Park is a convenient base for exploring Cornwall.

On-site facilities include a ​​games room, swimming pool and shop, while the park also hosts a packed schedule of entertainment.

It’s pet friendly and situated just a ten-minute drive from the closest beach, meaning it has everything most families could want.

Rounding out the top ten

The rest of the sites that made it into the top ten were:

  • Whitehill Country Park, Devon
  • Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Devon
  • Atlantic Bays Holiday Park, Cornwall
  • Stowford Farm Meadows, Devon
  • Lanyon Holiday Park, Cornwall
  • Burton Springs Holidays, Somerset
  • East Crinnis Holiday Park, Cornwall

Want to earn some cash off your campervan?

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Campervan owners now have a new way to earn money from their trusty leisure vehicle after Camplify launched a new programme known as Camper+.

The peer-to-peer campervan and motorhome sharing company aims to enable owners to maximise earnings from their side hustle.

Camper+ is an exclusive membership scheme that Camplify says is designed to revolutionise the rental experience.

Many of Camplify’s van owners turn to the platform because they only use their vehicle a few times a year.

In fact, the average campervanner has four trips away annually, leaving plenty of potential for lending it to others.

Introducing Camper+

While it’s free to join and list a leisure vehicle on Camplify, the new scheme is designed to offer greater peace of mind to van lenders.

Features likely to appeal to owners under the new programme include improved security and efficiency in the hiring process.

Flavia Robles Lorente, marketing manager for the UK and Spain at Camplify UK, said: “With Camper+, we’re offering owners more than just a membership – it’s an investment in the future of their rental business.

“By reducing commission to six per cent plus VAT and providing comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover, we’re ensuring that owners can keep more of their rental income while protecting their vehicles all year round.”

Features of Camper+

  • Predictable monthly costs with no hidden fees, starting from £169.
  • Only six per cent commission on rentals, plus VAT.
  • 24/7 roadside assistance, including national recovery, for both rental and private use.
  • Unlimited rental insurance that comes at a fixed cost regardless of rental frequency.
  • Access to a personal account manager to optimise rental success and support any additional needs.

Is Camplify for you?

More than 5,000 owners list their vans on Camplify and the average payment they receive for the first booking is £515.

It could be an effective way to offset the initial cost of purchasing your campervan, bringing down the price of holidays even further.

All hirers go through licence and ID checks, making it more straightforward than if you tried to rent out your van on your own.

Camplify started out in Australia in 2015 and has grown to be one of the biggest caravan and motorhome sharing platforms in the world.

Its motto is to make van life accessible to all and after coming to the UK in 2019 has facilitated more than 100,000 nights away by sharing vehicles.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Arthur Franklin



Touring locations for wildlife spotting

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A touring trip in your caravan or motorhome offers a great opportunity to see more of the UK’s native and exotic wildlife.

After all, pitching up in the countryside increases your chances of spontaneous encounters with animals, which can be particularly special if you live in a city.

Park Holidays is keen for its visitors to embrace the nature around its sites and has studied the destinations with the most animal sightings to help inform your next trip.

It found that Suffolk stands out as the region with the widest variety of species, while Yorkshire took the top spot for animal encounters.

Some 7,380 sightings of animals including Eurasian otters and Siberian chipmunks were reported in the county in a year.

Dorset was revealed as the best UK location to find rare Sika deer, which have yellow-brown fur with white spots that changes to a greyish-brown during the winter months.

Spot hedgehogs, rabbits and moles in Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s moors and dales have long been recognised for their stunning scenery and a chance to get up close with nature.

Small species such as squirrels, hedgehogs and rabbits are plentiful in this part of the UK and 905 sightings of the European mole have been reported.

Less common are glimpses of red deer and American mink, which have been spotted six and 12 times respectively.

Derbyshire for water voles and badger sightings

Channel the Wind in the Willows on a touring holiday in Derbyshire, as you keep your eyes open for the European water vole and Eurasian badgers.

Hiking the county’s rolling hills and plentiful trails offers plenty of opportunity for wildlife sightings, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Some of the more unusual sightings have included Eurasian pygmy shrews – seen 20 times – and even seven polecats.

See deer in Dorset

Brown hares are a stunning sight streaking across the landscape in Dorset, with hedgehogs and squirrels also often seen.

The southern county is best known for its dramatic coastline, with many nature lovers heading to the likes of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

A true highlight of a visit to Dorset would be an encounter with the Sika deer, which only 47 people have reported seeing.

Top tips for wildlife spotting

  • Plan your outdoor time. Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times to see wildlife.
  • Stay quiet and be patient. Don’t scare the animals off by talking or wearing brightly coloured clothes. Patience is key to spotting elusive species.
  • Pack binoculars. Stashing a pair in your caravan or motorhome means they’ll be to hand for spontaneous sightings.
  • Visit diverse habitats. You’ll see different species in woodlands, wetlands and meadows.
  • Respect the environment. Avoid disturbing animals in their habitats and be sure to take all your litter away with you.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Vincent van Zalinge

Tips for sleeping on a camping or caravanning trip

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Camping and caravan trips are a quintessential part of the British summer experience, but if you’ve never slept in a tent or leisure vehicle before, it can be difficult to drift off.

From the unfamiliarity of the setting to worrying about venturing out to the toilet block, there are a number of factors that might keep you awake.

Luckily, sleep experts at WinstonsBeds.com and the writers at CaravanTimes have some top tips to help you get as much rest as possible on your next camping or touring trip.

Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at the company, said: “If you’re new to camping you may be wondering how good of a sleep you’ll get.

“Sleeping somewhere new can be tricky so it’s important to make the experience as comfortable as possible. 

“Checking the weather before you go and packing sleeping masks and ear plugs are some of the things you can do to prepare for a good sleep.”

Think about the position of your camp

There are a number of factors to bear in mind when deciding where to pitch your tent or park your caravan or motorhome.

Both types of shelter will be more comfortable if you can position them on flat and even ground. If this isn’t possible for your leisure vehicle, levelling blocks can help.

For tents, it’s worth laying down inside on top of your mattress before pegging the canvas into the ground to ensure you’re not on a slope or bump.

Protect yourself from the elements

Wind, rain and sunshine can all have an impact on the quality of your sleep when you’re staying outside, so think about the protection available.

A pitch that’s shaded by a tree in the morning can help prevent being woken up early by a hot tent or caravan, while the wind direction can be important to stop rain being blown into the tent door and seams.

Even in the summer months, it can get cold at night, so bring a warm enough sleeping bag and extra blankets in case you need them.

Block out noise and light

Many of us are used to sleeping with blackout curtains at home and noises that we’ve become accustomed to, like roads or the sounds of our neighbours.

Light nights, early sunrises and the sounds of the countryside can make sleeping in a tent or caravan much more difficult.

Think about this in advance and prepare a plan, whether it’s an eye mask and set of earplugs, or caravan blackout blinds and a bluetooth speaker to play white noise.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Clay Banks



Commonly misunderstood road markings to know before your staycation

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Hitting the road in your caravan or motorhome for a staycation means you’ll likely be driving in areas you’ve never visited before, which could lead to encounters with unfamiliar road markings.

Remaining in the UK means the driving experience won’t be as different as going to the continent, but there are still lots of regional anomalies to look out for.

The AA has found that local authorities generated £127.3 million in revenue from bus lane fines in one year alone, with London accruing the most of this revenue at £48.5 million.

It’s not just bus lanes catching road users out either, with failure to comply with any white line road markings landing motorists with a potential £1,000 fine and three points on their licence.

Luckily, the experts at Instarmac have put together a list of some of the most commonly misunderstood markings to look out for on your next caravan or motorhome trip.

Richard Moss, head of civils at Instarmac, said: “It never hurts to brush up on your driving knowledge, especially if you are going on a staycation or road trip.

“Some of these markings are almost exclusive to big cities or country roads, so it’s not a surprise that those of us from towns scratch our heads every once in a while!”

Hazard warning lines

Hazard lines differ from the standard centre lines in that the painted sections are longer in length than the unpainted gaps between them.

They indicate a hazard that isn’t immediately clear, warning drivers of features like a central refuge or junction coming up.

Double white line, nearest broken

Characterised by one thick line and one parallel broken line, these lines mean you should pay close attention to what is on your side of the road.

If the nearest line to you is broken, you may overtake traffic ahead if it is safe. The solid white line is to be used as a guide and you must be able to overtake the car before the solid line is on your side of the road.

Double white line, nearest solid

When the lines are the other way round, you must not cross over or straddle the solid white line unless it is safe. If you do so, it must be to enter adjoining premises or a side road.

Other overtaking that is allowed here includes getting in front of a cyclist, horse, maintenance vehicle that is travelling at a speed of 10mph or a parked car.

Coloured cats’ eyes

Most drivers are familiar with the lights known as cats’ eyes, but may not have noticed the different colours that denote a variety of meanings.

  • White – a lane division in the centre of the road
  • Red – a restriction, which cannot be crossed
  • Green – a slip road or layby, which can be crossed

Red lines

Yellow lines are replaced by red lines in some cities, such as London, with a single one representing a parking restriction, which should be accompanied by times.

Double red lines means no parking, just as double yellows due in the majority of the UK.

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Kampus Production



Expert advice: Top food cooling tips for off-grid staycations

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Summer is, allegedly, on its way, which makes it the perfect time to venture off in your caravan or motorhome. But with so many destinations like the NC500 experiencing overcrowding, off-grid adventures have never looked so appealing.

Recent innovations in leisure vehicle design and technological developments mean getting off the beaten track for long periods of time is now easier than ever.

While the capabilities are there, it’s important to plan properly for days without electric hookup and access to clean, safe running water.

Chris Feibusch, director of Penguin Refrigeration, said: “Summer staycations in a caravan or motorhome are fast becoming the nation’s favourite way of spending time ‘off grid’ and away from the realities and pressures of every day.

“That, coupled with the opportunity for a road trip or rural escape, without compromising on the comforts of home, has led to it being one of the popular ways of holidaying in recent years, which was also heightened by the pandemic.”

How to keep your food fresh and your drinks cool

Among the main considerations for those heading off grid in a caravan or motorhome this summer is how to keep food and drink cool. 

Mr Feibusch highlighted: “One of the most pressing concerns for today’s off-grid holidaying is efficiency. With growing demands from customers for ultra-efficient, high-performance amenities, they want to be completely self-sufficient off grid.

“Consumers are more conscious about their carbon footprint and environmental impact, requiring new technologies and sustainable solutions for off-grid escapes.”

Here’s Penguin’s advice to ensure you have the right conditions for keeping food in while you’re pitching up in more remote locations:

Utilise sustainable power

Take advantage of compressor technology and its ability to integrate with solar power. This not only supports sustainable travel but also ensures a reliable power source for your refrigeration needs.

Temperature control

Minimise the frequency and duration of fridge door openings to maintain a consistent internal temperature. Opt for a premium fridge with high quality components, such as aluminium-finned condensers instead of steel.

Ventilation

Ensure your fridge is placed in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to improve efficiency and cooling performance.

How Penguin Refrigeration is innovating cool solutions

Penguin Refrigeration is a leading supplier of specialist recreational vehicle refrigeration and cooling solutions.

Its latest innovation, the Secop Nano NextGen compressor is being rolled out across the Vitrifrigo range. 

Already fitted to Penguin’s best-selling C51 fridge for campervans, this new compressor offers a 44 per cent improvement in efficiency over current market options.

The compact design is 40 per cent smaller and 67 per cent lighter than comparable options, saving valuable space and weight, which are essential considerations for off-grid adventures and road trips alike.



Optional fee introduced for caravans and motorhomes on the NC500

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The Highlands Council has introduced a fee for caravan and motorhome users driving the iconic NC500 route in Scotland to help put money back into the local area.

At present, the charge is operating on an opt-in basis, but the local authority is hoping leisure vehicle owners will do the responsible thing to help keep services they rely on running.

The £40 Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme pass lasts for seven days, with the money raised said to be used to improve public toilets, wastewater infrastructure and environmental protections.

A contribution will also be made to the Highland Restoration Fund, reports the Daily Record.

Scotland’s answer to Route 66

The NC500, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, taking in 516 miles of stunning scenery along the way, has become incredibly popular in recent years.

So much so, the route has been the subject of much debate as it suffers from large numbers of caravan and motorhome tourists every year.

As an incentive to pay for the weekly pass, those who do will be granted access to specific car parks throughout the Highlands during their stay.

This could be a savvy move by the council, as leisure vehicles vye for space to park up during the busy summer months, with many turning to laybys and passing places to spend the night.

First of its kind

It’s thought the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme is the first of its kind by any UK council, but could set a precedent for other local authorities.

Allan Gunn, assistant chief executive at the Highland Council, said: “There is an identified need for facilities to accommodate campervans, motorhomes, roof tents and people who are using vehicles for short stay overs.

“This scheme offers an opportunity for the council to continue to support local priorities relating to tourism and visitor management.

“The Highland Council has also committed funds that will be invested towards improving the existing infrastructure and to provide more council-owned sites.”

Mixed reaction

There have been a number of different reactions to the scheme from the locals, who acknowledge there are issues with the impact of tourers in the Highlands at present.

Some think the scheme should be mandatory, not voluntary, while others suggest that the local infrastructure needs to be upgraded drastically.

A small minority of caravan and motorhome users not disposing of waste properly and leaving rubbish behind are adding to the problem of overcrowding on the NC500.

At CaravanTimes, we remind everyone to act responsibly when enjoying our great outdoors and also suggest travelling to one of the other long-distance routes the UK has to offer to take pressure off the area.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Kevin Schmid