by Joe Jeffrey
Karen and David give up day jobs to travel to Spain in Elddis Encore 254
When we think of of the term ‘gap year’, we often think of pre-uni students travelling to far-flung places abroad. But for one couple, rather than the teenagers you might expect, Karen and David are fully-formed grown-ups, with established careers, not to mention, bricks and mortar!
Like a growing number of their peers Karen and David have itchy feet. A deep-seated Wanderlust coupled with a ‘get the most out of life’ philosophy that has led to the bold move to take a ‘Mid-Life Gap Year’ – all thanks to Elddis.
In their Fifties and together for over ten years, Karen and David are counting down to a year on the road in a brand new Elddis Encore motorhome, on a voyage of discovery around Spain.
The couple were fortunate enough to take a nine-month round the world trip when they first got together, a highlight of which was exploring New Zealand by motorhome – a first for both of them. This original motorhome adventure left a long-lasting impression on the pair, as Karen and David revealed.
“We feel that there is no better way to completely immerse yourself in a place than to explore it at leisure, by road,” Karen and David said.
Fast-forward a decade and Karen is working her notice as a Financial Controller at a major Russian news agency, as is David who is an experienced IT Manager. Their house is to be rented out, their finances are in order . and their gleaming new Elddis motorhome is about to reach the end of the production line!
Inspired by Rick Stein, the couple from County Durham plan to follow in his footsteps on a culinary quest to discover all that Spain has to offer in an Elddis motorhome. Aiming to get off the beaten track and uncover the less-explored areas of the country, blogging and Tweeting as they go. “If we inspire others thinking of making the leap too, that would be a great thing,” David said.
Of the adventure, Rachel Moncrieff, marketing manager at Elddis said: “David and Karen are not seasoned motorhomers, not by any means. Everything about this trip is a new experience – and a steep learning curve.
“David and Karen are going to blog throughout their year-long trip – essentially showing other potential motorhomers exactly what’s involved and what the benefits of having a motorhome can be.
“Whether it’s taking a motorhome on a ferry, pitching up at a campsite or negotiating a foreign city – we feel Karen and David can share these first-time experiences and challenges with others in a helpful, down-to-earth way,” Rachel continued.
Following choosing the Elddis brand and its all-new luxury Encore range, Karen and David needed to decide on the right layout to suit them, which became possible during the Elddis Factory Open Event in September as previously reported here. The couple were able to compare and contrast the layouts available, as well as talk to other motorhome owners to decide upon the right choice for them. A further trip to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham galvanized their decision – the all-new Elddis Encore 254 with transverse fixed bed at the rear.
“Having seen the Encore 254, we are both overjoyed at the home comforts and luxury that it gives us,” Karen said. “I’m not a good sleeper, but the fixed bed in this model is really supportive and cosy so I do feel that I’ll be able to sleep well in my lovely bed!
“It has also got a brilliant breakfast table at the end of the bed, with windows to the front and side, so we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in what we hope to be stunning scenery at the same time. Better still if David makes me breakfast in bed!”
David feels confident and secure about the technical aspects of the motorhome and is keen to try out the many gadgets and gizmos that come as standard with the comprehensive specification. The couple have also opted for a solar panel, roll-out awning, rear view camera and Fiamma bike rack to aide their trip.
“I’m really impressed with the cooking facilities and kitchen space,” he said. “Everything has been well thought-out, which is great for us wannabe Rick Steins.” And if the recipes don’t all work out, there’s a sizeable fridge for all the local delicacies – and all the Cerveza and Vino they can carry! “We are very, very happy with our new home on wheels!” say Karen and David, “the New Year can’t come soon enough!”
To follow Karen and David on their travels, make sure you visit their dedicated website here. You can also follow the couple’s journey on social media via Facebook and Twitter.
All that remains to say is good luck! We here at CaravanTimes can’t wait to see what this one particular gap year has in store.
