The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015 is now star struck

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by Dan Hughes

Star studded line-up at Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015
Stars are lining up to walk the red carpet at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2015. From 17-22 February next year, the NEC will play host to the UK’s biggest start-of-season holiday showcase and the star studded guest line-up just made it even bigger.

The show will feature many well-known personalities, including TV’s wilderness bushcraft expert Ray Mears and inspirational Olympic champion Sally Gunnell. Both stars will speak about their passions and undertake audience Q&As in the Experts’ Theatre. Sally will also star in the Dog Agility feature with her dog, Diggy.

TV and radio personality Matt Baker will also make an appearance on opening day. He will play host to a range of activities on The Caravan Club Stand. If that wasn’t enough, professional surfer Melodie King from Cornwall, will appear throughout the event in the Expert’s Theatre.

Ray grew up in Southern England on the North Downs, where he learnt about nature’s finest moments and how to track foxes in the forest. Now, he is recognised throughout the world as an authority on the subjects of bushcraft and survival and will be making an appearance on Thursday 19 February.

Sally is better known for her golf medal winning run in the 400m hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. She is now seen as part of the BBC Sport team and has made appearances in numerous TV shows, A Question of Sport and Total Wipeout. Sally will appear on Wednesday 18 February.

Professional surfer Melodie King, is one of the sports rising stars, being only 17-years-old and currently placed fifth in the UK in the under 18s ladies division. Melodie will be present for the entire event. Two time BAFTA winning presenter, Matt Baker, will appear on Club Day, Tuesday 17 February.

The NCC Events managing director, Andrew Whalley, is excited to see the stars bring new excitement to the show, and stated: “It’s fantastic to have such well-known personalities coming to our show and I am sure they will be a hit with visitors of every age.” He continued: “All of them have a passion for the outdoors and visitors to our event will see how a caravan, motorhome or tent can be the enabler to getting outside as a family, enjoying quality time together and being active.”

Don’t miss out! Enter our competition and win yourself a pair of Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show tickets!

Storms, winds and yellow weather warnings in England

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by Jo Subramaniam

Affected areas to be hit by snow and gale

Winter has officially set in, and it looks like it has definitely brought its A-game. Following weather alerts in the North East yesterday reportedly by your favourite Caravan daily, several other areas have been issued warnings. The affected areas include the North West, Merseyside, the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Cheshire, East Midlands, West Midlands, South West England, Wales and Yorkshire among others, while the Highways Agency has advised high-risk vehicles such as caravans to stay off junction 12 of the M56 at Clifton in Runcorn. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled three sailings, and the Stena Line has cancelled a sailing from Belfast to Birkenhead. The Met Office has also issued amber warnings for Northern Ireland, Strathcylde, and the Highlands and Eilean Siar. A spokesperson for the Met Office commented on the severe weather, stating: “Gusts of 60-70mph can be expected within the warning area, with 70-80mph in western and northwestern exposures. The strongest winds will slowly ease on Thursday morning.”

This more than unpleasant spate of weather is being caused by a deep low pressure system moving eastwards between Scotland and Iceland. Strong winds, gale, wintry showers and even floods could affect some areas, so your travel plans might have to be put on hold, to say the least. The Highways Agency has stated: “Drivers are advised to plan for their journey before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions and to leave extra time if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.”

Weather forecasts for specific areas are available at the Met Office, but it’s not all dark skies after all. It could get sunnier through the weekend, so you might just be on the open road again before you know it! Stay safe and warm folks!

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Lunar caravans expands UK distribution

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by Jo Subramaniam

Blackmore Vale Leisure appointed as retailer

Lunar caravans have expanded their distribution in the UK, with the appointment of Blackmore Vale Leisure in Dorset as its newest retailer. New and used caravans from Lunar and Venus will be available at the dealership, in addition to brand new 2015 models.

Catherine McCrystal at Blackmore Vale Leisure shared her thoughts on the new development, stating: “The new 2015 ranges from Lunar and Venus are the best yet offering a wide choice of high quality lightweight touring caravans for customers at every life stage and price point.” She added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming caravanners keen to see at the new ranges to our showground over the coming months.”

Lunar Sales Manager Lee Roberts also spoke about the appointment, commenting: “We only want to work with businesses that we know will look after new and existing Lunar and Venus customers extremely well.” He added: “The high standard of customer service and the commitment and passion demonstrated by the team at Blackmore Vale Leisure makes them a perfect addition to our network. We’re looking forward to working with them.”

In addition to the sale and hire of caravans, Blackmore Vale Leisure also have an onsite accessory store, and offer servicing and habitation.

Find your favourite models instantly with Product Finder at the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2015

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by Dan Hughes

Innovative product finder will help you navigate the hundreds of caravans and motorhomes on offer at the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2015

With such a wide range of Caravans and Motorhomes at the Caravan & Motorhome Show 2015 this coming January in Manchester (15-18 January 2015), we’d imagine it won’t be difficult to get lost whilst looking for your favourite one. Luckily, there is an answer. The show organisers have released their very own snazzy product finder to help you determine where your favourite models are and how you can find them, without getting lost and finding out you are in the completely wrong pavilion.

Each model is handily listed for you with its own individual layout and specification so you can find the exact one you are looking for without the hassle of searching around aimlessly like a headless chicken.

To find your favourite caravan model click here or to look your favourite motorhome model, simply click here. You can even find your favourite holiday homes by clicking here!

To read about all the action at the show and to get the best deal on your tickets, visit here.

Does Maps.Me’s new free app spell the end for the sat nav?

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by Dan Hughes

A global map, without any of the fuss; Maps.Me looks set to revolutionise caravanning and motorhoming

Have you ever made a wrong turn because your sat nav’s map wouldn’t load quickly enough? Or maybe you’ve gone through a rural area that hasn’t got any signposts at all? Perhaps you have had to use your smartphone’s maps and checked your bill to find extensive roaming charges? Well now there’s an app, which can solve all of these problems and much more – without having to fork out for a standard sat nav – or anything for that matter!

The Maps.Me app is one of the world’s most convenient and easy to use mapping applications of the modern world – trust us, we’ve tried a good few! Previously you were charged to purchase this app but thanks to Mail.Ru, the Russian internet company, the app has been made available for free.

The app was built off the back of the OpenStreetMap project and, originally launched in 2011,.offers extensive offline maps, routing information, offline search and the ability to bookmark locations. According to Maps.Me, the app is totally offline, worldwide, really fast and very detailed for all popular devices from mobile phones to tablets – we wouldn’t recommend you pulling out your iPad whilst driving along though!

So, how does it work? Well, the OpenStreetMap project works pretty much like Wikipedia articles in that many people edit and add to them as and when. Anyone can edit maps, add towns, roads, locations and points of interest. Maps.Me incorporates changes made into their database, constantly updating the app thanks to the global community of enthusiasts, which has recently grown above 1.8million members. It also encompasses over 345 countries and islands, and is one of the top rated apps in the Travel category.

To find out how to download Maps.Me straight to your device for free, click here.

Static Caravans to no longer act as polling stations

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by Dan Hughes

Rural Polling stations face abandonment

In September this year, we saw citizens living in rural areas given the chance to vote in the Scottish referendum thanks to the trusty caravan. Makeshift caravan polling stations provided an integral role in enabling those living further afield to vote, providing people with the chance to vote who would not usually have been able to make it to their nearest main polling station due to logistical reasons.

Now, owing to an unfortunate decision from members of Highland Council’s Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities committee, many of these polling stations are set to be removed. The committee has found that one particular caravan at Coulags near Locharron does not meet any access requirements and therefore will no longer be used.

Despite some caravans being in use for nearly 30 years for the purpose of voting, elections manager at Highland Council, John Bruce, told the committee that staff during a recent by-election had been forced to sit with hot water bottles due to the low temperatures.

Voters will now have to travel much further afield and utilise the polling stations in Lochcarron Hall, or alternatively resort to postal voting.
The change has come following the council’s decision to review polling districts and polling places in the highland council area and in line with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 which began in November last year.

At least 13 other polling stations are coming under approval for removal. The main reasons being considered for closure of stations are mainly linked to lighting, heating and lack of access for the disabled.

On top of this, the council is considering the push for postal voting to become the default voting system used within rural Scotland. Would you rather send a postal vote, or walk in to a polling centre? Let us know what you think.

WEATHER WARNING: North East on alert

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by Dan Hughes

Strap yourselves in, the start of winter is set to blow you away

CaravanTimes has recently given you lots of tips surrounding winter care for your caravan, as well as a stark warning to prepare for the worst winter has to throw at you as many caravanners and motorhomers preparing to set off on the road remain unprepared for winter conditions. And now it’s time to put this advice into action. Winter has officially hit as the North East has been one of the first regions to see snow. And now the weather looks set to only get worse.

Tonight (9 December) from around 9pm, the North East is expected to experience gale force winds with speeds of up to 70mph as well as up to 10cm of snow expected.

According to the Met Office, severe gales are set to affect North Wales, Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from this evening, continuing through to Wednesday and the early hours of Thursday, with the risk of storm-force winds for parts of Western and Northern Scotland thrown in for good measure. The strongest winds will slowly ease on Thursday morning according to current forecasts.

The Highway Agency winter services manager, Andrew Olive, said of the warning: “We’re expecting high winds across the region from Wednesday morning so we’re urging motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and to drive at appropriate speeds.”

We too are urging travel enthusiasts to stay off the road over the next couple of days unless travel is absolutely necessary and especially not to venture out with your caravans in tow.

If you do need to make a journey, we here at CaravanTimes highly advise you to check traffic bulletins or visit the official site for the Highways Agency here to plan your trip in advance. Be safe and not sorry!

Norfolk caravan parks join forces for flood defence

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by Jo Subramaniam

Norfolk coast benefits from caravan park fund raising

Chancellor George Osborne‘s autumn statement was made on Wednesday, in which £7 million was pledged for refurbishing the coast of Norfolk.

The town of Lynn in West Norfolk, which was among those hit by tidal surges last year, will receive a boost in funds to reinforce flood barriers. This is one of twelve projects across North West Norfolk which will receive shares in a £2.3 billion programme of flood defence works. However, around £3.5 million needs to be raised locally in order to meet the refurbishment costs.

And that’s where the friendly neighbourhood caravan parks come in. Earlier this year, landowners and caravan park operators kicked off a community interest company to manage fund raising, and these efforts are set to become part of a national model for similar projects.

West Norfolk Council deputy leader, Brian Long, shared his thoughts on the caravan parks’ efforts, telling Lynn News: “I think it is a model that is being looked at nationally to deliver schemes that wouldn’t normally qualify for any funding.” He added that security would be provided in case the group fails to raise the required funds.

Other areas in Norfolk set to receive funding include Tilney-cum-Islington, Stow Fen and South Creake. Some work is already being undertaken with government funding, but we’ll just have to wait and see how big a role caravan parks play in the projects being completed. Could these unassuming parks be the next revolution in crowdfunding? Move over Kickstarter, Caravanstarter’s coming to town!

COMPETITION: Win AMAZING prizes in our Caravan & Motorhome of the Year Awards 2014

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by Joe Jeffrey

Have your say in the CaravanTimes Caravan and Motorhome of the Year Awards 2014 and you could walk away with some great prizes worth over £500!

2014 heralded in the arrival of a fresh new offering of caravans, motorhomes, accessories and so much more – and what better way to highlight the crème de la crème within the industry than with our annual CaravanTimes Awards?

This is where you, the caravanning and motorhoming public come in. We need YOU to help decide which caravan and motorhome should be awarded with the prestigious number one spot for 2014. We also want you to decide upon the additional ten options, which are equally as important.

All you need to do to have you all-important say is complete the form below and submit your responses by the deadline of Wednesday 17 December. Once all votes have been counted, we will announce the winners in a special video presentation due to be announced Friday 19 December in the Christmas edition of our newsletter.

This year’s awards are bigger than ever, with twelve categories for you to vote in, meaning you can help ensure that your favourite parks, dealers, accessories, motorhomes and caravans get the recognition they deserve.

These awards are recognised and highly regarded across the motorhome and caravan industry and this is your perfect opportunity to get your message across.

We’re not going to let you walk away empty handed though, and this year’s prize package is pretty nice if we say so ourselves – actually it’s amazing and worth over £500. Up for grabs this year are the following:

A Vorwerk Kobold handheld vacuum cleaner, a TyrePal Tyre Pressure Monitoring system, an Autoglym Perfect Bodywork, Wheels and Interior collection, £100 Hi-Tek hiking boots voucher, a Misfit Flash fitness and sleep monitor, an Ice cream maker and a popcorn maker

We’ve also got some great runner’s up prizes of Bailey golf umbrellas for three runners up, so make sure you complete all of the form below to be in it to win it.

To be in with a chance of winning these great prizes, just vote for your favourite in each of the twelve categories below and like our Facebook page before the deadline of midday on Wednesday 17 December.

Don’t forget to include a valid e-mail address, so we can let you know if you’ve won. Best of luck to all those entering and happy caravanning!

Also, please ensure you cast your vote for ALL 12 categories. If you have an nomination you’d like to see that isn’t listed, please add your vote to the ‘Other’ category.

Competition rules:
The lucky winners will be picked at random at midday on 17 December 2014 and will be notified via the email supplied in the entry form
Only one entry per person
No purchase necessary
No cash or alternative will be offered
This competition is open to new or existing CaravanTimes members and Facebook fans only
No employees of CaravanTimes or StantonPace Ltd may enter
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 and over

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Christmas accessory gift ideas for your caravan and motorhome 2014

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by Joe Jeffrey

Struggling to figure out what to buy that caravanner or motorhomer who’s got everything for Christmas? Or maybe you’re looking to treat yourself. Our quick guide to choosing the perfect present may be just the thing you need

Christmas is coming and – let’s be honest here – seeing as it’s the season of good will, you know what that means: presents. And try as they might to tell you they don’t want anything, your loved ones will be expecting you to come up trumps this year. And that’s where CaravanTimes comes into the mix.

We’ve got to admit though, when it comes to caravans and motorhomes, there’s not a great deal that you can buy that’s associated with them. After all, with the amount of stuff that comes as standard with the average motorhome or caravan these days, you’d be pretty hard pressed to find something original. That’s why we’ve gone to the effort of looking at some great gift ideas, so you don’t have to. So, without blowing our own trumpets any more than we already have, check out our top ten list of ideal gifts for the caravanner or motorhomer in your life.

View Quest Retro Mini DAB/DAB+ FM Bluetooth radio

Looking for a gift that oozes retro appeal and will fit compactly into your caravan or motorhome without taking up too much space? View Quest may have just the answer.

The Retro Mini is ideal for use both indoor and outdoor use thanks to the option of using either standard power (UK or EU plug) or batteries, with the former option providing typical usage lasting up to 15 hours.

You’d be surprised to find a plethora of features packed into such a compact radio. For starters, clear quality audio comes courtesy of the DAB+ radio as well as real wood constructed 5W premium speakers. Wireless connectivity is also an option, enabling you to pair up your smartphone via Bluetooth. The only thing we’d say about this, however, is the Bluetooth functionality still needs some work; when switching from DAB to Bluetooth and then back again on the device we tested, we found a fault whereby the radio would freeze and wouldn’t switch back, rendering the Retro Mini defunct. To counter this, the only option was to unplug the whole device and wait for it to work again. Dual alarm functionality makes this the perfect bedside companion and provides the option of setting one alarm for the weekend and one for Monday morning and that trip back home – or even a his ‘n’ hers option dependent on what time you wake up.

The Retro Mini comes in a vast array of colours, including cream, blue and, for the more vibrant person on your Christmas present list, radiant orchid or hot pink. If you want a digital radio and can do without the Bluetooth, this is definitely the radio for you.

The View Quest Retro Mini DAB/DAB+ FM Bluetooth radio is priced at £59. Click here for more information

Autoglym Perfect Bodywork Collection

It goes without saying that we all take pride in our caravan’s appearance, but we often overlook the other set of wheels that manages to get that caravan from A to Z – our car. Autoglym’s Perfect Bodywork, Wheels and Interior collection is set to change that.

This high-end collection of nine carefully chosen products and accessories will ensure your car is primed and polished to perfection in no time, whilst also enabling it to remain protected from all your favourite wintery, muddy site has to throw at it, providing your vehicle with a durable high-gloss shine.

As an added bonus, all Autoglym products are British made on-site at their factory in Letchworth and, with nearly 50 years’ experience, the company’s products are used by racing teams, vehicle manufacturers and are royal warranted too, so you know it’s good stuff – all at an affordable price.

The perfect Bodywork, Wheels & Interior collection includes shampoo conditioner, super resin polish, gloss protection and a whole lot more, including all the sponges and high-tech finishing cloths you need to make it look like your car’s just left the showroom, both inside and out. What’s not to love?

The Autoglym Perfect Bodywork Collection is priced at £60. Click here for more information

Deliman Christmas Cream Tea hamper

Devon’s own award-winning online fine food and gift emporium, Deliman, is really going all out this Christmas to offer you the ideal opportunity to impress your loved ones this Christmas with the prestigious company’s Christmas Cream Tea Hamper.

Featuring two Devonshire Scones, freshly baked on day of dispatch, Devonshire clotted cream, extra fruity strawberry jam and mincemeat shortbread slices, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice – well at least someone will be. And if that’s not enough to tantalise your taste buds, some delectable chocolate and cranberry brownies along with West Country tea are thrown in for good measure.

The delicious Deliman gift set comes wrapped in a rustic gift box and you’ll even get a wooden gift tag from the Gisela Graham range, which would also look good on anyone’s Christmas tree.

Deliman’s Christmas Cream Tea hamper is priced at £21. Click here for more information

Shake ‘n’ Make Ice Cream Maker

Know someone who considers themselves the next Heston Blumenthal when it comes to creating an edible masterpiece? Then we might have just landed upon the ideal gift this Christmas. The Shake ‘n’ Make from Mustard offers you the opportunity to make ice cream in just three minutes. Yep, in three easy steps, you could be sitting down to watch your favourite Christmas repeats on TV all over again whilst devouring your very own tasty creation.

With no need for electricity or batteries, all that’s required in order for you to be tucking into your very own latest signature dish of icy proportions is a hand to shake it with! And if you’re stuck on ideas as to which flavour ice cream to think up next, the bonus recipe ideas included should allow you to unleash your culinary creativity. Remember: it’s never too cold for ice cream.

The Shake ‘n’ Make Ice Cream Maker is priced at £15. Click here for more information

Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor Pro

We’re pretty much all for the great outdoors and everything which comes with it and we’re sure you are too, so if you’re looking for something different this Christmas we might just have the answer.

The Wi-Fi plant sensor, by plant care experts Koubachi, is designed for those of you with green-fingered tendencies to keep an eye on your plants wherever you are, with Koubachi’s ingenious sensor accurately determining the health and vitality of plants in a cutting-edge, innovative way like never before.

Featuring the ability to check on the health of your plants, letting you know when your plants need watering and fertilising, as well as even monitoring the soil temperature and artificial light measurement, the Plant Sensor Pro will notify you via your smartphone.

Available for both indoor and outdoor plants, the outdoor model also includes a weather forecast integration feature that takes into account the high-probability of rain… pretty impressive if we say so ourselves.

Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensors are priced from £89. Click here for more information

Hi-Tec winter/snow boots

Looking to get out and about this Christmas or know someone who is? Then Hi-Tec may just have the answer.

Hi-Tec’s new AW14 collection of insulated, cozy winter boots is all about comfort, with the long-established footwear manufacturer focusing on keeping your feet warm, yet breathable, no matter what the season.

Fully waterproof, whilst being insulated with 200g of Thinsulate insulation, each range within the collection has had oil and dirt repellent treatment applied to it, ensuring these boots will fend off everything adverse weather can throw at them whilst keeping your feet warm, confortable and snug.

Available in a number of styles for both men and women, you can rest assured Hi-Tec will provide your feet with sheer protection from the elements this Christmas – ideal for venturing out from your caravan or motorhome to hike into the wilderness or even enabling you to complete the more arduous task of hitting the January sales!

Hi-Tec’s new range of winter/snow boots start from £54.99. Click here for more information

Vorwerk Kobold VC100 handheld vacuum cleaner

There’s nothing better than taking pride in our caravans or motorhomes and the Vorwerk Kobold VC100 is the ideal answer for ensuring you can do exactly that.

This handy little battery operated vacuum cleaner, perfect for cleaning your caravan, motorhome or car, is made by Vorwerk – a German company established for over 130 years and renowned for its cutting edge technology and innovative design.

Vorwerk Kobold vacuum cleaners have an unrivalled reputation and the VC100 is no different. Weighing in at the same as just two cans of Coke, the mini marvel proved its worth when we put it to the test, enabling us to suck up anything from dry mud to pet hair. The sleek and stylish design, powered by a small charging station packs a powerful punch.

For those looking for something larger, the Kobold VK150 seems to be a wise choice. Including a number of clever attachments such as the duo-clean hard floor cleaner, which allows you to mop and hoover at the same time, the VC100’s bigger brother is large enough to do it all, but light enough to tackle even the most out of reach places.

Vorkwerk’s innovative vacuums start from £149. Click here for more information

Heat ‘n’ Eat Microwave Popcorn Maker

When it’s time to get stuck into the latest Christmas blockbuster, what better way is there to do it than by pigging out on some fresh, hot popcorn? Well now you can, thanks to Mustard’s microwave popcorn maker.

Recreate the feeling of really being at the movies and get ready to dim the lights, before getting stuck into your very own tub of popcorn, but within the confines of your very own caravan or motorhome in three very quick and easy steps. The reusable tub, ideal for sharing, makes a great novel way to create your very own cinema setting wherever you pitch up – all at a fraction of the cost!

With lots more innovative gift options available over at justmustard.com, including cool cactus oven gloves, cheesy boards (in every sense) and eggspress egg shapers, only one question remains – salted or sweet?

Mustard’s Heat ‘n’ Eat Microwave Popcorn Maker is priced at £20. Click here for more information

Christmas Hamper from moonpig.com

Show the one you love how much you care this Christmas with breakfast in bed courtesy of a Christmas breakfast hamper from Moonpig.

London-based company Moonpig, better known for personalised greetings cards rather than luxury hampers, looks set to impress even the fussiest of eaters this Christmas, ensuring a breakfast in bed experience they’ll never forget.

Containing award-winning Srumchus Granola, Ouse Valley Four Berries jam and St Clement’s marmalade with whisky, all you’ll need to do is grab a bowl and throw a couple of slices in the toaster to remain in your other half’s good books for some time to come.

And if all that builds up a thirst, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the selection of beverages thrown in for good measure, including Twinings English breakfast tea, Brazilian Real Trade ground coffee, Folkington’s Valencia pure orange juice and even a bottle of Lanson champagne in a Santa jacket as an added incentive to get those festivities started early.

Moonpig’s Christmas Hamper is priced at £40. Click here for more information

Misfit Flash Fitness + Sleep Monitor

Looking for something for that fitness fanatic who’s got everything? Then look no further than the Flash from Misfit Wearables.

Working as an activity tracker that can be worn in a variety of places on your person (think wrist, ankle), the Flash is a subtle yet nifty piece of kit that monitors the day’s activities by using a built-in triple axis accelerometer thanks to Misfit’s clever computational biomechanics. Recording your physical activity and sleep, the Shine is able to differentiate between what activities are undertaken, be it a brisk walk through woodland to cycling, swimming or tennis.

The Shine’s dedicated app for smartphones works via Bluetooth and records all activity, enabling the wearer to set goals they wish to achieve. You can even share your progress on Facebook should the need arise to want to brag to your mates about how those New Years’ resolutions are remaining firmly in place.

The Shine weighs in at just 9g, which is a huge plus, as you’d hardly notice it on, and with a battery which lasts for up to four months, unlike other activity trackers that need to be charged using a USB, this is the ideal choice.

The Misfit Flash Fitness + Sleep Monitor is priced at £49.99. Click here for more information

So there you have it. If you could choose anything to receive under the tree this year, what would it be? There are no bonus marks for answering with “Peace and goodwill”, so let us know in the comments section below.

Shebeen: Your very own caravan bar

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by Jo Subramaniam

Pint on wheels caravan takes Irish pubs onto the road

What started out as a hobby has now turned into a full time business for Galway resident John Walsh. He’s the brains behind Shebeen, the traditional Irish pub that’s been given a modern twist on wheels. This up-for-hire bar is housed in a carefully constructed caravan with an offbeat design, and has become a runaway hit with all those who venture inside.

Shebeen first started out as a project at John’s company Clinical Cabinets, and took six months to be transformed into a traditional Irish pub, complete with pub memorabilia and patterned wallpapers. John told the Irish Post how the project began to grow, commenting: “It started out as a team building exercise. There was an old caravan I bought about two years ago and I came up with a design to turn it into a traditional Irish pub.” He added: “Most of the design work I did myself but my colleague, Claire Finnegan, had a good bit of input. She came up with a lot of the interior design; where the bar would go in the caravan and the memorabilia and that so we worked hand in hand on it.”

For those of you who are wondering where that catchy name comes from, Shebeen is taken from the Gaelic word síbín, which refers to a small mug measure of ale in Ireland in the 18th century. Alcohol was often sold in secret bars in Ireland to avoid English taxes, but Shebeen is far from a secret now. John has already received design orders from the US, where a Boston based company has requested plans in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. He shared his thoughts on expanding the business, commenting: “There would be people calling all the time for our business and the Shebeen generated an awful lot of interest. So about three quarters of the way through we began to think it could become something more.”

The original pub is still available for hire around Ireland, but John has had to produce more design plans as the demand for his business grows. He plans to ship to Britain, Europe and America, and we would love a Shebeen parked permanently outside CaravanTimes HQ! Cheers to the most wonderfully quirky caravans that can lift our spirits no matter what the day brings!

Hire a GlamperVan today!

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by Dan Hughes

It’s almost the holiday season, travel in retro style this winter

Are you a fan of getting out onto the open road, finding a beautiful location and pitching up your tent? Thanks to The GlamperVan hire company you can do all of that, minus the struggle to set up a campsite! With four retro, classic campervans for hire, your holiday needs are all in the once place.

Each campervan comes fully equipped with a cooker, sink, fridge, heater and a great stereo system so you can blast those Christmas tunes this winter. The three quirky VW campervans, Doris, Wendy and Tilly, Commer PB campervan, Bonnie, as well as a vintage caravan, can all be hired for one, two, three or seven night adventures or even weddings.

Business owner Aly Long explains her passion for travel and her motivation for starting up GlamperVan: “It’s the freedom first and foremost, along with the friendships you make, whether young or old, the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside and if you have children, when they’re sleeping (eventually), you can continue to enjoy yourself.”

This year’s Christmas is going to be a very cold but beautiful one. Add some warmth and a retro style to your next winter adventure with the comfort from a GlamperVan.