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 

France’s best cheese routes

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All eyes will be on Paris this summer for the Olympic Games, but if the thought of France fills your mind with food, then there are fantastic routes you can follow to discover the country’s best cheese.

So, pack up your caravan or motorhome and hop across the Channel to taste everything from Camembert to Comté on the cheesiest of adventures.

La Route des fromages AOP de Normandie

The first itinerary on our list is La Route des fromages AOP de Normandie, with the region being home to four PDO cheeses.

PDO stands for protected designation of origin, meaning this specific type of cheese can only be made in this one place.

As well as sampling Camembert de Normandie, Livarot, Pont-l’Evêque and Neufchâtel, foodies will want to try the apple cider, scallops and herrings the region is also known for.

Of course, the cider should be reserved for when your caravan or motorhome is safely parked up for the evening and you won’t be driving anywhere.

La Route des fromages AOP de Normandie takes in four villages, but there’s also coastal walks, beautiful countryside and plenty of heritage sites to discover in this part of France.

Les Routes du Comté

Comté is a pressed cheese made from cow’s milk and comes from the mountains of the Jura region, where you can visit farms, fruit groves, dairies and cheese caves to see how it’s created and stored.

It’s become a favourite cheese of chefs all over the world, but nothing compares to trying comté in this beautiful area of France.

After some time visiting the different comté producers and sampling their wares, you’ll become familiar with the variations, which can be a result of the time of year and maturing period.

To mix things up a little, cheese lovers can also try Morbier and Bleu de Gex, which both hold PDO status, as well as the famous Cancoillotte.

La Route d’Auvergne

As you traverse the valleys, lakes and gorges of La Route d’Auvergne’s dramatic landscape, there’s no fewer than five PDO cheeses to enjoy.

Saint-Nectaire is a soft, mild and creamy cheese, whose rind is never the same colour, while Cantal has a fresh buttery taste, which becomes fruitier and more intense with age.

Fourme d’Ambert is produced at 1,968 ft of altitude, Salers can only be made between mid-May and mid-November and Bleu d’Auvergne is one for blue cheese lovers.

While you’re in this area steeped in cheesemaking tradition, try Gaperon, which is flavoured with cracked peppercorns and garlic for something a bit different.

 

Safe BBQing on your caravan trip

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Caravan holidays and BBQs are a great combination, with the scent of sizzling sausages filling the air one of those quintessential summer memories.

As the weather heats up and you feel the temptation to extend cooking facilities outside, it’s a good opportunity to remember some important BBQ safety advice.

Nobody wants a well-intentioned cook up to cause a wildfire, sickness or carbon monoxide poisoning, so be sure to follow these tips from the team at StressFreeCarRental.com.

John Charnock, CEO of the website, said: “Summer is the most popular season for barbecues all around the globe, but it’s important to use them responsibly to avoid accidents and wildfires – particularly the disposable kind.

“Following a few basic safety tips can help ensure a fun and safe barbecue experience.”

Select a safe location

The first thing to consider before you light your BBQ is the best location to ensure it doesn’t become a fire hazard.

That means situating it away from natural combustible materials like trees, bushes and grass, but also flammable camping equipment like tents and furniture.

Many holiday parks have dedicated BBQ areas, so be sure to make use of those, as they’re likely to be well set up with safety precautions in place.

Never leave a BBQ unattended

Even after you’ve finished cooking, a BBQ can remain hot for a long time, making it a potential risk for burns and other accidents.

Make sure there’s always an adult supervising the BBQ and that pets are kept away from the hot apparatus, as the smell of cooking food can be a temptation to four-legged friends.

A bucket of water or sand is a good precaution to keep close by in case there’s a need to put out the flames quickly.

Don’t light a BBQ inside

The obvious thing to do when the rain sets in on your caravan holiday is to bring your BBQ under cover, but it should never be used in enclosed spaces.

This includes tents, awnings and even the leisure vehicle itself, as a lack of ventilation can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Around 50 deaths a year in the UK are caused by BBQs being brought into tents or caravans, according to the Public Health Agency, so don’t let your party be among them.

Practice good food hygiene

There are lots of ways that a caravan BBQ can lead to food poisoning, which is not a good way to spend the rest of your holiday.

Storing food properly when camping can be a challenge, and ensuring meat is properly thawed and raw ingredients are kept separate from cooked items are all crucial considerations.

It’s also difficult to gauge cooking temperatures on a BBQ, with a common problem being that food is burnt on the outside and raw in the centre, so check all sausages and burgers thoroughly before serving.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Evan Wise



Hidden UK beaches for a summer road trip

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Staycations show no signs of waning in popularity, with a third of Brits saying they’ll holiday in the UK this year.

If you have access to a caravan or motorhome, then a summer road trip can be a lot of fun, with the beach likely to be high on your list of places to include in the itinerary.

While many of the UK’s beaches will be crowded when the sun’s shining, LeaseCar.co.uk has put together a selection of locations where you and the family might be able to enjoy a peaceful escape.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “For those planning to stay in the country this summer, there are plenty of stunning hidden beaches around the UK that can tick all the boxes when it comes to peace and relaxation.

“Just a short drive away from the more busy tourist spots lie several secret beaches offering picturesque views of sparkling sea waters and majestic coastlines.” 

Lantic Bay, Cornwall

Despite being located on a well-known area of Cornwall’s coast between Fowey and Polperro, Lantic Bay is a much quieter destination.

That’s mainly due to the fact it takes some effort to navigate the steep descent down to the bay, putting off many visitors.

Those who do tackle the route are rewarded with a white sandy beach and clean blue water that could rival many international locations.

North Landon, Yorkshire

If you have children, you’ll know that a relaxing day at the beach can be greatly enhanced with fascinating features for the kids to explore.

At North Landon in Yorkshire, there’s not only rock pools full of sealife to identify but also a series of caves and rock formations to spark the imagination.

Between March and July, puffins can be seen nesting in the cliffs that line the beach.

Hackley Bay, Aberdeenshire

While Scotland draws large numbers of caravanners and motorhomers to its NC500 route every year, there are still parts of the country where visitors can escape the crowds.

Located between Newburgh and Collieston in Aberdeenshire, Hackley Bay is one of the most hidden beaches in the northeast of Scotland.

The combination of sand dunes and dune heathland means it’s home to a huge variety of wildlife.

Monk Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire

If you’re walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as part of your touring trip, then planning a rest day at Monk Haven Beach could be the perfect opportunity to give your legs a break.

This sand and pebble beach is sheltered by the red sandstone headlands, yet still manages to offer spectacular views.

There are a number of interesting manmade features to spot too, including a 19th-century crenellated wall and the remains of a watchtower.

White Park Bay, County Antrim

Venture off the Wild Atlantic Way touring route to discover Northern Ireland’s White Park Bay, which boasts a huge arc of white sand.

Despite its vast size, this beach rarely attracts a large number of visitors due to its secluded location beyond the sand dunes.

In the summer months, the walk to the beach is surrounded by wildflowers, adding to the overall feeling of having found something truly magical.

 

 

 

Photo credit: Shutterstock via LeaseCar.co.uk



Discover Scotland’s lochs with a getaway to Lossiemouth

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Scotland is home to more than 30,000 lochs and Lossiemouth is ideally situated as a base to explore some of them.

Situated in the heart of Moray, this picturesque town is set to be the ultimate summer destination, close to crystal-clear waters, breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.  

The team at the Park Holidays resort has put together their recommendations for the best lochs in the vicinity of Lossiemouth to visit on your next caravan or motorhome trip.

A spokesperson for Park Holidays said: “As the summer sun casts its golden glow across the serene landscapes of Scotland, Lossiemouth invites travellers and nature enthusiasts to explore its stunning lochs, each offering a unique blend of tranquillity and adventure.”

RSPB Reserve Loch Spynie 

Just a 15-minute drive from Lossiemouth Holiday Park is Loch Spynie, whichshould be first on the list for bird watchers.

As well as tufted ducks, wigeons and goldeneyes, other types of wildlife have been known to visit the loch, which boasts diverse habitats and rich biodiversity.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness needs little introduction due to its eponymous monster, but it truly has something for everyone.

The historic Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition bring added interest to the breathtaking loch, which is steeped in myths and legends.

Loch Oire 

Smaller and more peaceful, Loch Oire is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of life to discover Scotland’s unspoilt beauty.

There’s lots to enjoy at Loch Oire, from exploring the surrounding woodland and spotting wildlife to fishing in its pristine waters.

Millbuies Loch 

Millbuies Loch is man-made and was created by damming two small streams. It’s well-stocked with rainbow trout, making it a particularly rewarding spot for fly fishing.

Look out for herons and woodpeckers, which are regular visitors to Millbuies Loch, and spend some time discovering the wider area of Millbuies Country Park.

Lochindorb

Lochindorb is particularly memorable due to the castle that sits at its centre. This medieval fortress dates back to the 13th century and was involved in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Situated within the Cairngorms National Park and not far from Grantown-on-Spey, Lochindorb makes for a good day trip from Lossiemouth.

Lossiemouth Holiday Park

While the nearby lochs may be a draw at Lossiemouth Holiday Park, you’ll never be far away from water.

Set on the banks of the stunning River Lossie, the park is also just a  short stroll from the unspoilt sandy beaches of Scotland’s north east coast.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tallie Robinson



Drummohr Campsite wins second prestigious award

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Scotland’s Drummohr Campsite has won a second well-respected award in the space of six months, putting the East Lothian holiday park firmly on the map.

Just a few months ago, we reported on the fact that Drummohr won Campsite of the Year at the Camping Awards 2024 and now it’s scooped another prize.

The five-star campsite, which is located on bus route 26 into Edinburgh, has been named the best in Scotland by outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com.

Situated between Musellburgh and Prestonpans, Drummohr is just eight miles from Edinburgh city centre, but with the beaches of the Firth of Forth on its doorstep.

It received full marks from reviewers on the Pitchup site, which praised its strategic location, offering the best of both worlds with city and countryside in close proximity.

Angie Purves, site manager at Drummohr, said: “We always aim to go the extra mile for our guests and I think the fact that both awards came from either reviews or votes from the public reflects the hard work, passion and dedication of the entire team.

“We want to ensure that everyone who visits Drummohr gets the best experience possible, from the moment we receive their booking to the moment they leave our gates. We hope this encourages them to come back and stay with us and recommend us to family and friends.

“Ultimately, our job is to help our guests make wonderful memories which will last a lifetime.”

Pitchup Awards

The Pitchup awards take more than 171,000 verified reviews from guests into consideration when declaring the best places to camp or park up your leisure vehicle overnight.

Caravan and motorhome owners who booked through the online platform during 2023 were among those invited to give their opinions on places to stay.

Sites were evaluated on aspects such as:

  • Location
  • Value for money
  • Quality of accommodation
  • Activities and cleanliness

Drummohr Campsite

The Drummohr site sits within the grounds of a former monastery and has been endorsed by VisitScotland, which has awarded it five stars.

As well as offering grass and hardstanding pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes, Drummohr also rents out self-catering luxury lodges with hot tubs, glamping pods and en-suite bothies.

It’s particularly family friendly with themed wizard, adventure and fairy glamping pods, as well as a large playground.

You can even bring Fido along, as Drummohr has its own scenic dog walk, a dog wash and pet-friendly accommodation.

Campers can bring up to two dogs to its touring pitches free of charge.



Expert opinion: How to avoid motorhome accidents, damage and theft

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With the summer holidays nearly upon us, many motorhome owners are looking towards their next trip. However, there are simple things that many owners overlook when it comes to protecting their leisure vehicles, leaving them at risk of accidents, damage and even theft.

CaravanTimes spoke to Nick Long, head of insurance at Lifesure, to discuss the common mistakes owners make and how to avoid them. Here’s what we found out about ensuring you and your motorhome stay safe this summer.

Common motorhome insurance claims

Motorhomers often put their leisure vehicles into storage over the winter months and with a disappointing spring, weatherwise, may not have been out in them very much. Mr Long suggested motorhomes are usually only used for around eight to 12 weeks a year, meaning drivers can become a bit rusty.

He added: “When it comes to driving the vehicle, owners can be out of practice and this can lead to accidental damage claims. For example, drivers can find themselves running into bollards, or other vehicles, scratching paint or knocking off rear-view mirrors due to driving too closely to walls or gates.”

During the summer months, there’s a higher demand for motorhomes, making them an appealing target for theives, as they can be sold on quickly. With vehicles taken out of storage and parked on drives ready for use or positioned at the roadside on day trips, motorhomes are more vulnerable to theft at this time of year.

Protecting your motorhome

Mr Long said the most important thing to do is ensure you have the right insurance in place to cover all eventualities. Make sure you have your insurance policy details and contact details to hand should you need to make a claim on your trip. Here at CaravanTimes we recommend you keep a folder in the same place in your motorhome at all times so you can find them easily.

“Comprehensive cover for vehicles is the most popular as it covers theft and damage caused by fire, damage to other drivers if you have an accident and will pay out to repair or replace your motorhome if it’s damaged in an accident or suffers malicious damage,” Mr Long added.

Maintenance tips for motorhome owners

Poorly maintained vehicles are likely to get damaged and break down, which can jeopardise the overall safety of the vehicle. Luckily, there’s lots owners can do to keep on top of this themselves. Mr Long recommends:

  • Checking the oil and coolant levels and topping up as soon as possible if needed.
  • Making sure your MOT is done and that your insurance is valid and up to date before going on a trip.
  • Having your vehicle fully serviced to avoid issues when you’re on the road.
  • Charging the battery in a motorhome if it hasn’t been driven in a while, otherwise it might not perform correctly.
  • Before taking your motorhome on the road, carry out checks on the tyres to make sure they are in the best possible condition.

Commonly overlooked considerations

Mr Long advised: “Sharing driving duties with another person during journeys is common and checking before the journey that the other driver is insured to drive is very important. It is something that people overlook, but if you are involved in an accident, you will not be insured unless you have made sure the second driver has been added to the policy.”

Relying on the other driver’s ‘driving other car’ extension, if they have their own motor insurance policy can be insufficient, but if you’re unsure, check with your insurer. Understanding who and what is covered is key to getting the most out of your motorhome insurance.

Lifesure also recommends taking out breakdown cover before any trip, as support during unexpected emergencies can reduce the stress exponentially. Knowing you have this back up can help with peace of mind equally during a family holiday or a couple’s break away.

Protecting gadgets left inside leisure vehicles

When it comes to insuring gadgets during a trip, motorhome owners should peruse their insurance policy to check the personal belongings cover. It is often the case that this type of cover won’t protect gadgets, in which case owners should ensure they are covered on their home insurance policy.

Mr Long said: “Most home insurance policies include personal belongings cover that offers protection for gadgets no matter where the policyholder is in the UK. However, we would urge owners to review their motorhome and home insurance policy and consult their insurer or broker to make sure they are fully covered.”

How to avoid underinsurance

Understanding insurance jargon like ‘sums insured’, ‘market value’ and ‘agreed value basis’ is key to ensuring your motorhome is not underinsured. If you have any queries about this, a good insurer should be happy to talk you through the terminology and what it means in practice.

Mr Long said: “We recommend that drivers check their sums insured and speak with their insurer or broker to confirm how their vehicle has been insured. Often vehicles are insured on a market value basis, so in the event that the vehicle is written off, the maximum they will receive from a claim is the total market value amount.

“However, some insurers provide motorhome cover on an agreed value basis, which means that if a motorhome has been insured for £40,000, that is the amount that would be paid out. Drivers should double check this to make sure that they have the correct cover in place and won’t be left footing a hefty bill should a claims payout not meet their expectations,” he added.

About Lifesure

Lifesure was founded by Colin Barnes in 1972 and has recently won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for the third year in a row. As an insurance broker, it works with carefully selected partners, such as AXA, Ageas, Allianz, Aviva and LV to provide you with insurance for your motorhome.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/lucas Favre



How to stay cool in your caravan or motorhome: Busting the myths

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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.

We are finally at the stage of summer where the weather is delivering what’s expected of the time of year. It has come much later than usual and it’s not consistent, but as we head into the summer holidays, it’s worth asking how to stay cool in your caravan or motorhome.

There’s a lot of myths to dispel on the subject and other things to try. My advice comes from years of experience, so I’m not steering you away from techniques I haven’t tried myself. If your solution is climate-controlled air conditioning, you can stop reading now.

Air con is always going to be the best option, but most people who don’t already have it are unlikely to be investing in it now. So, if this is you, what should you do and not do to keep your leisure vehicle cool when the sun finally shines more regularly?

Pitch up in a shaded area

One of the most effective things you can do to prevent the heat from building up in your caravan or motorhome is to choose your pitch carefully. Park up in a shaded spot as opposed to one where the sun will beat down on your leisure vehicle all day.

As the sun moves over the sky, the shade will shift. So, think about when you’re most likely to be spending time in your caravan. If you’re an early riser who returns mid-afternoon to spend time in the campsite, then make sure you’ve got the shade at this time of day.

For those who enjoy a leisurely morning on site, before being out all afternoon and evening, then pick a spot with morning shade. This one factor, when combined with looking at the amount of airflow at different positions within the campsite, will have the most impact.

Be sure to choose your shade carefully.

Don’t introduce a wet element

Putting bowls of ice in front of fans is one of the most commonly touted myths about cooling down a caravan or motorhome, but it’s a terrible idea. There’s such a huge temperature differential between the inside and outside, you can cause a lot of moisture, which gets into your soft furnishings and onto your surfaces.

While the first time you do it, it may feel like there’s cool air blowing at you, the next day the moisture in the furnishings will start to evaporate. Then you end up with a hot and humid caravan or motorhome. It’ll also be harder to dry out when you put it into storage at the end of the season, often resulting in a damp smell when you come to use it next spring.

So, avoid any form of wet cooling options.

Awnings don’t shade the side of your leisure vehicle

Using awnings on the side of your caravan with the aim of keeping it cool is the worst thing you can do. I’ve seen it offered as advice often, but having tried it in practice and due to a basic understanding of science, I know it doesn’t work.

The theory behind it is that the awning on the side of your caravan will be hit by the sun instead of the rays reaching your leisure vehicle. In reality, your white caravan or motorhome will reflect light and heat, absorbing less than the blue or green-coloured awning.

These dark-hued awnings will heat up very quickly, creating a microclimate of even hotter air on the outside of your caravan, while at the same time removing the air flow. These are two things that would make your leisure vehicle stay as cool as possible.

If you do need an awning, for storage purposes for example, then open it up on hot days. Roll up all the doors and walls to promote the movement of air around both the awning and the caravan. You’re also likely to pitch up on grass, so the transpiration from the plants can make awnings humid if you don’t let fresh air in.

Get air to flow through your awning or remove it.

Move air around your caravan or motorhome

Make sure the air temperature in your caravan or motorhome is always the same as or lower than outside. It must be able to freely move between the interior and exterior to stop things like excess condensation, which will affect you the next day. Ideally, have your windows open and a fan going.

You may also want to consider moving the fan to the kitchen area when you’re cooking to help disperse the latent heat from the oven or cooker.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Raphaël LR

What would you include on a touring road trip playlist?

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Picture the scene; it’s you and your loved ones in your towcar or campervan with the open road ahead of you and a summer touring trip underway.

So, what have you got on shuffle? The tunes we listen to on holiday help form the basis of many happy memories and are remembered for years to come.

Music streaming giant Spotify has a whole category of tracks selected for their cruiseability and organised by genre, decade, time of day, movie soundtrack and even how well you can scream them in your leisure vehicle.

The staycation experts at Pure Leisure have combed through Spotify’s road trip playlists to identify the most popular options for your next road trip.

A spokesperson for the holiday company said: “There we have it – a hand-picked selection of road trip-ready anthems from some of Spotify’s most-liked playlists.

“Now you’ve got some inspiration, it’s time to add your favourites to the mix. If you

need some more help, you can always add collaborators to your playlist so your passengers can join in with the fun.”

Songs to Sing in the Car

With 10.8 million likes on Spotify, the Songs to Sing in the Car playlist is made up of 100 tunes, featuring the likes of Natasha Bedingfield and The Eurythmics.

What makes this selection so appealing is the number of tracks everyone will be able to sing along to, including Tracy Chapman’s iconic Fast Car.

Running for five and a half hours, there’s a good chance you’ll have arrived at your first campsite before you get through the entire playlist.

Classic Road Trip Songs

Classic Road Trip Songs does what it says on the tin and some 6.1 million people have given it a like on the music streaming app.

For six and a half hours, you’ll be served up tracks from the ‘60s up to the ‘90s and everywhere in between.

With David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and The Human League, there’s a good chance you’ve played these tunes to your kids on road trips before, or you’ve heard your parents singing along to them on family holidays.

My Life is a Movie

No, My Life is a Movie isn’t a collection of show tunes but songs that give those who hear them the main character energy in an epic way.

This playlist has a more modern vibe to it than some of the others, but 1.9 million fans have still given it their seal of approval.

Expect to hear the likes of Modest Mouse, M83 and Chappell Roan coming out of your towcar or campervan’s speakers.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Will Truettner



Ribble Valley Holiday Park wins Transformational Tourism Award

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A holiday park in Lancashire has won a prestigious tourism award after its team gave “exceptional customer service” while the site underwent an extensive upgrade.

Ribble Valley Holiday Park offers pitches for touring caravans, as well as glamping pods, lodges and static caravans.

It won the Transformational Tourism Award for the work, which was carried out under the challenging conditions of the Covid pandemic.

The improvements included doubling its holiday home capacity; upgrading the site services; and resurfacing all the roads and pathways within the park.

A brand new children’s play area was constructed, the bar area extended and a new dog walking section put in place to ensure there are facilities to suit everyone’s needs at the family-friendly site.

Tom Pridmore, tourism officer for Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: This business has undergone extensive upgrading and expansion whilst maintaining excellent service and continuity during the development works.”

The Ribble Valley Holiday Park was previously known as Rimington Leisure Park before being acquired by the Holgates group in 2019.

Holgates is a family-owned business, which was begun in 1956 and has grown to include ten holiday parks across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Many of them are perfectly positioned for enjoying the beautiful scenery and captivating wildlife of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape.

Other Holgates parks include Silverdale with its views over Morecambe Bay; Beetham, which has won several environmental awards; and Silver Ridge, where caravanners can enjoy a woodland setting.

Michael Holgate, director of Holgates Holiday Parks, said: “The Stars in Tourism Award is a testament to the effort and dedication of our team at the Ribble Valley Holiday Park and we are delighted all their hard work is being recognised.”

Visitors to Ribble Valley Holiday Park benefit from a peaceful, countryside location with views across to Pendle Hill.

It’s popular with hikers, due to a wide selection of walking routes, while those who like a little more hustle and bustle can stop by the nearby towns of Skipton, Clitheroe and Colne.

A little further afield but still within striking distance are Ilkley, Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales, making the park a good base for exploring.