Tips for buying a second-hand campervan privately

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

If you’re looking to buy a second-hand campervan from a private seller, this article is for you. This week, I’m going to be talking through the trials and tribulations of picking up a camper directly from its previous owner, as well as everything you need to look out for.

But first, let’s consider two scenarios:

Scenario one

The first scenario involves Chris, who works in our office. 18 months ago, he bought a self-converted 2006 VW camper which he’d found on Facebook Marketplace. It had clocked 200,000 miles and he paid £16,000 for the vehicle.

Since then, it’s had a new intercooler, fan sensor, alternator, central locking system and immobiliser. Additionally, Chris has had to change the sliding door hinge mechanisms and seals, replace a handful of batteries and take care of a few more consumable parts and habitation issues on top of that.

Scenario two

In March this year, I picked up a 1982 VW T25. It’s bright green and those familiar with Vanny Adams will know it’s become an important part of the Cartwright family.

Initially purchased as a test vehicle, it’s been used daily on both long and short trips and has proven especially trustworthy on school runs, as well as other journeys to the coast and camping.

To be fair, I did take it straight for a major service upon buying it, which included all of the belts. But apart from needing a new tyre, there have been no issues at all.

Decisions to make before buying second-hand

This is a good time to clarify that I’m not talking about how much better I am at picking a second-hand campervan than Chris. There’s always a lot of luck involved. You can’t check out every aspect of the leisure vehicle before buying and sometimes consumable parts wear over time.

However, there are a few tips I can offer when it comes to selecting campervans to view, as well as some things you should inspect thoroughly when you see them.

Make, model and layout

Before you even open eBay, Autotrader, Facebook Marketplace or any other website that shows second-hand campervans for sale, take the time to decide what model you really want. Figure out if you want to have a pop top or high top and don’t compromise on the habitation layout. 

Essentially, consider the overall style you want and start to set a clear budget. There are lots of places to help with the valuation of a campervan, such as Parkers or Autotrader. This will be based on factors like mileage, the quality of the vehicle for its year of manufacture and, of course, the model.

Purpose-built or converted?

Now, it’s time to decide whether you want a campervan that was purpose-built, a professionally converted vehicle with work carried out by an accredited company, or a self-conversion.

This is a big decision to make. The first two options, on the whole, are less of a risk in the second-hand market. When it comes to self-conversions, however, you could open the door to plenty of issues.

Whilst somebody could be a fantastic carpenter, electrician, plumber or mechanic, successful self-conversions require an individual with experience. This means knowing the most specific and intricate details, like how every intercomponent part works in conjunction with the battery and electrics.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t look at self-conversions. Some people, of course, have the skills required to complete this kind of work. However, I’d highly recommend a purpose-built or professionally converted motorhome, as even the smallest of electrical issues can lead to massive, expensive repairs. Just ask Chris!

How to pick the right second-hand campervan

Now you’ve sorted out the preliminary decisions, it’s time to start the search for your private sale campervan. Keep your list of what is reasonable to you close at all times and stick to your choices. Most importantly, don’t be distracted by something just because it’s cheaper, or has a fancy paint job.

When looking at listings, particularly on sites like Facebook Marketplace, make sure any vehicles that pique your interest are priced closely in line with the actual value. If a camper is too cheap, or too expensive, don’t pursue it.

Take your time and visit a few options. Most models are abundant, so go and view some at the top and bottom of your price bracket. Remember not to panic and think you have to buy one immediately after viewing it.

By viewing several campervans, you’ll start to understand what the differences are between various motorhomes in your price range. Something that I’d always pay for is a full service history from a reputable dealership, which you should scrutinise to see what has been done at each level. This will tell you how well-maintained the campervan is and if things have been replaced before breaking, that’s a very positive sign.

When it comes to any second-hand marketplace, take the time to communicate with a seller before going to see a vehicle. A lot of the time, listings don’t tell the full truth and if you need to spend half a day driving to a van you’re interested in, it’s best to be sure it’s the real deal. 

If there aren’t enough images, ask for more. Make any enquiries you want, from how the seat mechanisms work to where the fridge is, if you can’t identify this from the pictures. For professional conversions, ask about who did the work, then check out what models they have, if they’re still in business and whether or not you can get information about all the components through the handbook.

The checks you need to make before buying

When you’re viewing a campervan for the first time, do the same things you’d do for any other vehicle. 

First, make sure it isn’t already warmed up before you start it. If the engine is already warm, walk away and try to return another day at short notice to see how it starts from cold.

Ask the seller to take you for a longer runout, then make sure you do a little bit of driving yourself. This will help you to clearly understand how the leisure vehicle runs.

Habitation checks

Having already decided on the type of layout you want, the habitation area is where you should get very touchy-feely. Open and close every locker, slide the seats and move all of the mechanisms. 

Basically, try out anything that moves to ensure that each component is in working order. These things can all break and some of them are a pain to fix. This means it’s best to physically see the gas running, too. It’s no good saying “we don’t have a gas bottle” – bring your own, rig it up, test it out.

Damp testers cost around £20 and that’s money well spent if you’re viewing leisure vehicles with the intention of buying. It’s unlikely that you’ll actually have damp or rot in a conversion, but still check and especially focus on the flooring, which is often plywood, as this can become rotten.

I’d recommend a good 45 minutes to an hour in the habitation area trying out everything you can think of. If anything is broken, you need to know what it is and how to fix it before you pay for the campervan.

Aesthetics

My wife and I often go back and forth over this one and the only way to get around it is to quantify it. How much are aesthetic factors such as the colour, alloys or ‘go faster’ stripes worth to you?

This is coming from a man who drives a bright green T25 (that the wife loves!). You need to place a value on these aspects and, perhaps most importantly, don’t compromise on the habitation, service or anything else just because a motorhome looks beautiful.

The functionality needs to be taken care of first and that often means waiting longer or paying a little more to get those desirable elements on top, but the wait will be worth it.

Service your new campervan

Finally, once you’ve decided to purchase a leisure vehicle, I’d always budget an additional £500 for an immediate major service. Even if it’s recently had one, it’s ideal for your own peace of mind when spending thousands of pounds.

So, drive it directly from wherever you’ve picked it up to a reputable dealership or garage and book it in for a major belt, filters, oil and fluids service. At least if anything goes wrong after that, you know you’ve done everything you can and it’s just a case of bad luck.

Photo credit: Ricky Esquivel / Pexels

Budget-friendly UK cities for your next touring holiday

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Plenty of Brits have felt the squeeze of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Consequently, holiday budgets have been revised and reduced, with lots of us switching flights abroad for a staycation in the UK.

Despite this, high inflation means that even a short break at home can become expensive. Luckily, the experts at Savoo have researched the most affordable, must-visit cities for a UK city break.

Those planning an autumn touring holiday who aren’t sure on a destination should look no further for inspiration. With cities across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland featuring, there’s certainly something for everyone.

For each city, this list factors in the number of free attractions, the average cost of a coffee and meal, the price to park your vehicle for a day and even how ‘Instagrammable’ it is – or in other words, how many hashtags it’s garnered on the platform.

The UK’s most affordable city staycations

Coming in first place is the hometown of The Beatles – Liverpool. The city topped the chart based on its plethora of museums and art galleries, making up a whopping 100 total free attractions.

While this is less than second-place London’s 186 free attractions, the Merseyside city’s average parking cost of £9.66 is a lot more appealing than in the capital, where dropping your leisure vehicle off for the day could set you back £51.39 on average.

Taking the bronze medal is Derry and, if parking is your biggest concern, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s no charge here! Northern Ireland’s only fully intact historic walled city is small and walkable, packed with things to see and do that don’t require you to splash the cash.

Notable additions to the top ten list include Wells, Nottingham, Stirling and Manchester, with the latter boasting over 18 million Instagram hashtags – the second highest of all studied, making it a top destination for tourists looking to take some great pictures.

Read on for the full list of the UK’s most affordable city staycations.

City Number of free attractions Cost of a coffee Average cost of a meal Cost to park your car (daily) Number of accommodation options £100 and under Number of Instagram hashtags
Liverpool 100 £2.88 £15.00 £9.66 97 16,463,627
London 186 £3.47 £20.00 £51.39 102 158,467,876
Derry 11 £2.32 £10.13 £0.00 5 516,981
Wells 47 £3.00 £10.00 £4.14 34 351,068
Nottingham 95 £3.13 £12.00 £12.99 35 3,791,319
Stirling 56 £2.75 £12.00 £3.84 3 580,346
Durham 80 £2.75 £13.50 £9.42 11 3,116,201
Stratford-upon-Avon 73 £2.75 £13.50 £13.25 8 452,827
York 34 £2.92 £14.00 £22.19 55 4,978,588
Manchester 53 £3.24 £15.00 £28.72 70 18,361,398

 

Image credit: Miroslav / Pexels

Easy entries to the leisure vehicle world

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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.

Every year, as the evenings grow darker and the temperature cools down, there’s an influx of people looking to sell their leisure vehicles, rather than keep them over the off-season. However, for some, this poses a perfect opportunity to pick up a bargain.

This week in the Cartwright Chronicle, I’m going to be talking about exactly that and showing you some of the best deals I’ve spotted on the market right now. These listings represent fantastic entry points for those looking to pick up their first leisure vehicle, but also great value for more seasoned readers hoping to add something new to their collection.

So, without further ado, let’s go bargain-hunting!

Camping: Jamet trailer tent, £250

At this price, it’ll pay for itself in just two or three nights of camping. Jamet trailer tents are an absolute joy with huge amounts of space, giving you that authentic camping experience without compromising on room to move around.

The best thing of all is that a trailer tent leaves the back of your car available as a space for all of your camping paraphernalia, from bikes and skateboards to clothes, coolers and anything else you might need.

This Jamet tent also comes with a detachable kitchen area, which is incredibly handy and, again, saves precious boot space. Between us, I’m actually trying to convince my wife on one of these at the moment.

Campervans

Next, let’s take a look at a couple of campervan options. Before that, a word to the wise – I’d personally steer well clear of self-converted models. There are lots of them around and, although some are incredible, many are very risky unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. For the most part, it’s safer to just go with either a professionally converted campervan, or a production model.

VW T28, less than £5,000

Everyone loves these, right? This VW T28 has a pop top, it’s great for the family and comes with additional sleeping areas. It looks professionally converted, although it doesn’t say who did the work. 

Either way, this certainly isn’t a DIY job. With everything you’d expect from a great campervan, including electric hookup and a side dinette, this listing looks fantastic, with plenty of pictures and a detailed description.

Autosleeper Duetto, £6,700

This one is a high-top van conversion, so you’ll be getting a proper seating area, separate from the driving and travel seats, as well as an inside toilet/bathroom. 

Being an Autosleeper, you can expect that classic, practical layout, with great build quality to boot. You’ll have a full three or four-burner hob, a separate oven and grill, a large fridge and I think it may even have an additional roof sleeping compartment.

Motorhome: Autotrail Scout, £5,600

This is a beauty! The Autotrail Scout in question is as high spec as it could have possibly been in 2007, with only 57,000 miles on the clock and an asking price of £5,600.

This motorhome looks like it’s been lived in and loved, with a great family layout including the bed above the cabin. There’s optional leather habitation seating inside and, a little favourite of mine, this is the model built on the Mercedes chassis and engine configuration. So, at 57,000 miles, it’s barely got going. What a bargain!

Caravan: Bailey Pageant, £4,000

You can, of course, pick up caravans for much less than this Bailey Pageant. However, I wanted to highlight it because it boasts my favourite layout – the double lounge (front and back), with all of the service aspects situated in the middle.

It’s a fairly large caravan, with plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably and those two beds that make up either side are very large, perfect if you’re particularly long like myself.

Considering the cost of a new caravan of this size and structure, this listing is a very good deal and a fantastic entry point to caravanning. Plus, unlike vehicles that have an engine, there’s much less that could go wrong!

Towcar: Porsche Cayenne, less than £5,000

If you’ve picked up a trailer tent or a caravan, you’re going to need a towcar as well and this is one of my all-time favourites. This 2011 Porsche Cayenne is a car I’ve tested many, many times throughout my years as a Towcar of the Year judge for the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Having driven quite a few different Cayennes, I can safely say they make incredible towcars. The combination of power, torque and stability is just beautiful. The Porsche always wins its category, if not the full award. In fact, most years, it’s hard to find another winner – it’s that good!

Buyer beware

Please note that I haven’t checked out any of these listings in person. I simply wanted to give some examples of what’s out there right now.

So, don’t go and buy one, then blame me if it breaks! But on a serious note, do be very careful. I’ve used Facebook Marketplace to find these, but check out other sources, from eBay to your local newspaper. 

The proliferation of second-hand selling websites means that scams are now more common. I’ve been there myself, but if something looks too good to be true, seriously consider the fact that it might be.

Here’s one potential scam that caught my attention whilst compiling this article. Let us know if you agree!

Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels

The UK’s most famous abandoned buildings

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Exploring the charm and beauty of the UK is often overlooked in favour of cheap flights abroad. We may live on a relatively tiny island, but it’s full of charm, adventure and abandoned buildings. Wait, what?

You read that right the first time. Britain has its fair share of long-lived, time-honoured structures. They are diverse in architecture, full of history and make for a fun day of exploring on your next caravan or motorhome trip. Not to mention, some of them are considered to now be haunted!

If you’re eager to learn about some fascinating, history-rich structures, this article is for you. With help from Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance, here are the five most famous abandoned buildings in the UK that you should know about.

Whitby Abbey, Whitby

With links to Dracula himself, Whitby is a seaside town in Yorkshire, split by the River Esk. There are bits and pieces of the town throughout Bram Stoker’s novel, notably including the Count running up the Abbey’s 199 steps in the form of a black dog.

The bucket list status of Whitby Abbey has only increased over the years, with the 2020 drama series ‘Dracula’ adding to its ‘spooky’ factor, yielding more than 4.4 million TikTok views and over 111,000 Instagram hashtags.

St Dunstan in the East Church, London

Constructed around 1100, the Grade I listed structure of the Church of St Dunstan in the East was caught in the chaos of the Great Fire of London in 1666. Since then, it also fell victim to the Blitz in 1941, at which time it was never repaired.

Eventually, in 1967, the ruins caught the eye of London’s decision-makers, when the grounds were converted into a public garden. Today, the picturesque architecture is a popular spot for tourists of the capital, garnering plenty of attention on social media with more than 3 million TikTok views and over 20,000 Instagram hashtags,

Crumlin Road Courthouse and Gaol, Belfast

Constructed in 1846 and serving its purpose as a prison until 1996, Crumlin Road Courthouse and Gaol is now open to the general public for events, tours and paranormal excursions.

Next to the prison resides a courthouse, both of which are linked via a system of tunnels previously used to transport prisoners. Since the 19th century, it’s been in decay. However, the architecture on-site is beloved by plenty of visitors.

Borley Rectory, Essex

Once a grand Victorian mansion in the quaint village of Borley, this building was destroyed by a fire in 1939, but had already gained a reputation for being one of the UK’s most haunted abandoned structures.

Reported hauntings at Borley Rectory caught the attention of the general public in 1929, when respected paranormal investigator Harry Price covered the building in a Daily Mirror article and dubbed it “the most haunted house in England.”

Two headless horsemen, the ghost of a nun and a phantom carriage are just a handful of the reported paranormal sightings at Borley Rectory. The site was later demolished in 1944, but ghost hunters continue to visit the ruins.

Newsham Park Hospital, Liverpool

This is another Grade II listed site, which opened as Seamen’s Orphan Institution before closing in 1949. Six years later, the building was repurposed as the Newsham Park Hospital, before another closure in 1992.

Since then, the property has been dubbed one of the UK’s most haunted places and frequently welcomes thrillseekers and ghost hunters alike, including the star-studded cast of the Channel 4 series Celebrity Ghost Trip.

These abandoned buildings have been made safe to visit and can be the basis of a fascinating excursion on your next touring holiday, especially as Halloween is on the horizon. Never venture into dilapidated buildings where the structure may be unsecured for your own safety.

Photo credit: Barry Jones / Pexels

Top Lake District wild swimming spots to discover this autumn and winter

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As temperatures start to drop across the UK, wild swimmers who continue to enjoy the pastime through the winter may be thinking about combining dips with excursions in their caravan or motorhome.

For many, the Lake District represents the ultimate place to get away, as it’s home to some beautiful scenery and well-equipped holiday parks. It’s also a fantastic destination for wild swimming and Pure Leisure has put together a list of spots to explore.

Haverigg Beach

Beaches may not be what you first think of when visiting the Lake District, but this long stretch of sand boasts a backdrop of the area’s famed fells. Known as a particularly clean beach, Haverigg offers six miles of access to the chilly Irish Sea.

Silecroft Beach

A pretty shingle beach on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Silecroft Beach offers perfect conditions to swim at high tide. With excellent water quality and coming Marine Conservation Society-recommended, it’s a great swim spot, with plenty of amenities close by.

Windermere

The largest body of water in England can be particularly spell-binding in the colder months, as the surrounding areas take on a frosted charm. Swimmers must be careful of boats, as they also use the lake. A tow float to increase visibility and awareness of the surroundings is crucial.

Blea Tarn

Unusually for a mountain pool, Blea Tarn is easily accessible due to its proximity to a car park, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty. Enter the water on the south side of the tarn and enjoy its cool, calming effects. Continue through the Langdale Valley to make a day of it with a walk after your swim.

Coniston Water

It’s easy to feel like you’re at the beach when swimming from Monk Coniston, as this easy-access point is sandy underfoot. It’s not the only place to get into the water, however, as this five-mile lake is dotted with great swim spots. The lake is also blessed with plenty of parking and public toilets.

St Bees Beach

Located on the western Lake District coast, St Bees Beach is something of a hidden gem. Complete with Victorian promenade and impressive cliffs, it’s a stunning destination to take a dip and then warm up in a cafe afterwards.

Swimming safety

Wild swimming can be enjoyed throughout the colder months of the year, but it’s important to go in slowly and not stay in too long. Follow the advice outlined in this guide and that of the Outdoor Swimming Society to ensure you’re swimming safely.

Swimming and caravanning

Wild swimming and caravanning or motorhoming really is the perfect combination, as it can give you somewhere to get changed and warm up afterwards. There are also some caravan parks with swimming spots conveniently close by, which could be perfect for an autumn or winter adventure.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios

The annual vehicle checks you should make now

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Despite the sun making an encore, autumn is fast approaching and that means it’s the perfect time to start preparing your vehicle for colder, wetter excursions.

Many caravan and motorhome owners will be getting their leisure vehicles ready to enter storage until the next touring season. However, intrepid adventurers may be bracing for their next road trips.

From mid-September onwards, forecasts predict a wet and thundery outlook, with nights set to become noticeably darker. All of this means your driving experience will be impacted, so it’s vital to be prepared.

With that in mind, the experts at Select Car Leasing have compiled some essential steps all drivers should be taking now to ensure safe travels throughout the coming months.

Tyres

Before the weather takes a turn for the worse, check the condition of your tyres. This applies to your towcar and your caravan. Inspect the tread depth, ensure they are inflated to the appropriate level and don’t forget to look them over for any cracks or anomalies.

Remember, the legal requirement for tyre tread depth in the UK is at least 1.6 millimetres. Disregarding this rule could leave you with a £2,500 fine to pay, as well as three points on your licence for each worn tyre.

Lights

With the days becoming shorter and the nights darker, all of us will be increasingly relying on our headlights. Now is the best time to check your indicators, side lights, headlights, brake lights and reversing lights. 

Look out for blown bulbs and make sure your headlights are aligned properly so they won’t dazzle other road users. If this does happen, you could be looking at a fine of £100 and three points on your licence.

Windows and wipers

Inspect your windscreen for any noticeable chips and, if you spot any, arrange for them to be repaired as soon as possible. Like many problems in life, when ignored, a small crack can quickly become a large one and therefore much more expensive to fix.

Furthermore, take a good look at your windscreen wipers. Ensure all of the rubber components in contact with the windscreen are in good condition and free from signs of splits or fraying.

Fluid levels

Never underestimate the importance of maintaining the fluid levels in your vehicle. Your checks should include the levels of coolant, oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid, all of which are integral to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

Inspecting these regularly isn’t just sensible, but it could also save you from a lengthy spell on the side of the road in the event of a breakdown.

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

How to master the school rush safety

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Parents and children are urged to make safety their number one priority on journeys to and from school, according to road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist.

With the new school year upon us, it’s paramount that everyone – from toddlers to the elderly – is aware of the risks associated with our roads.

Parents may be breathing a sigh of relief as the kids head back to classrooms, but the school run can be one of the most hazardous journeys we take in our day-to-day lives. From children arguing in the back to lots of foot traffic on the roads and competing for parking spaces – it can all become a highly stressful experience.

Fifty-four children in the UK lost their lives on our roads in 2022, with more than 13,000 kids suffering severe injuries from motor incidents in the same period. The numbers show just how important it is that we ensure our children know and practice road safety, whether they’re on foot, on bikes, on public transport or in their parents’ vehicles.

Neil Worth, GEM chief executive, added: “As another school year begins, we encourage all parents, guardians, teachers, carers and older siblings to play their part in helping children to recognise the risks they face and to understand effective ways of reducing or even eliminating those risks.”

With help from GEM, we have put together some top tips for children – and their parents – as we enter the 2023/24 academic year.

Walk if you can

If practical and you live close enough to your children’s school, walking is a brilliant way for kids to get to know one another. It makes sure they get their steps up and most importantly – it’s a fun activity.

Try to learn of any local safe walking initiatives that are operating at your children’s school and think about teaming up with neighbours and walking together.

Don’t (school) rush

It’s called the school rush for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat it as such. If you’re driving your children, give yourself plenty of time to drive safely and park legally. 

Never stop along the zig-zag lines in front of the school and respect neighbours by not blocking driveways. Finally, when parking, don’t let your children exit the vehicle into the road.

Moreover, if you are late to drop your children off, or pick them up, you might end up feeling stressed and anxious. Kids often react to your mood, which could lead to arguments and potential distractions.

Buckle up

Before you set off, ensure younger kids are sitting properly in their car seats and that all belts are fastened. 

Government guidance dictates that children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old, or 135 centimetres tall – whichever comes first. If your little one exceeds this, they’ll need to be wearing a normal seat belt.

Slow and steady

A slower car is a safer car. If you’ve given yourself plenty of time, like above, to complete your journey, you’ll likely have a much more pleasant and comfortable trip.

Lots of schools in the UK and their surrounding areas are subject to 20 mph speed limits. If you get caught exceeding this, you’ll face a £100 fine as well as three points on your licence.

Photo credit: Wender Junior Souza Vieira / Pexels

How many bucket list activities can you tick off in a motorhome?

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Many motorhome enthusiasts have a bucket list of places or activities they’d like to experience in their leisure vehicle. For some it might be the North Coast 500 and for others it could be surfing the beaches of Cornwall.

But what happens if you turn it on its head and set out to experience some of the world’s ultimate bucket list destinations with the help of a motorhome? The Post Office has put together a list of the UK’s most longed-for experiences and many are well-suited to those with a love of touring.

Iceland

For example, at numbers one and three on the list are: experience the Northern lights in Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon, with 44 per cent and 35 per cent of the vote respectively. Iceland’s the perfect destination for a touring holiday, with its ring road circumnavigating the island.

You can tick off the Blue Lagoon as soon as you land at Keflavik, before hiring a motorhome and setting off in search of Iceland’s other breathtaking highlights. Just keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse of the Northern lights, as part of their appeal is they’re not a guarantee.

Italy

While island hopping around Greece or staying in an over-water bungalow in the Maldives may not be conducive to a motorhome holiday, there are plenty of other experiences on the list that are. Some 30 per cent of respondents to the survey said they’d love to visit the Amalfi Coast, which is a classic road trip destination.

Take the 50-kilometre route slowly and stop to enjoy destinations like Sorrento, Positano and Ravello. To extend your Italian touring trip, add the Colosseum in Rome (29 per cent), the historic Tuscan city of Lucca (23 per cent) and making a wish at the Trevi Fountain (21 per cent).

The Americas

The great American road trip is the stuff of legend, so if you’re in the market for hiring an RV in the States, then there’s a number of bucket list items you’re sure to want to tick off. Standing in the middle of New York’s Times Square came in with 29 per cent of the vote, while walking the Las Vegas strip was a must do for 28 per cent.

Flying in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon was a priority for 27 per cent and walking across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge was a desire for 25 per cent. Head further south for a Central American road trip that includes swimming with dolphins off the coast of Mexico (24 per cent) and visiting a Costa Rican rainforest (23 per cent).

There’s so much to explore in South America, like taking a boat trip down the Amazon River (22 per cent); seeing Iguazu Falls (16 per cent) on the border between Argentina and Brazil; and climbing up to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio (21 per cent). If you really want to tick off as many bucket list items in the Americas as possible and have the time and flexibility, there’s the 30,000-kilometre Pan American Highway that stretches from Alaska to Ushuaia.

Paul Paddock, head of travel and protection insurance at the Post Office, has some advice for anyone looking to plan such a trip. He said: “A bucket list holiday is typically a once in a lifetime experience so don’t risk ruining it by not taking out the right travel insurance policy and reading exactly what it includes. Policies are there to protect you and they could save you thousands of pounds and prevent your dream trip turning into a nightmare.”

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels/TheAdventureTravelers.com

Do your research before the October NEC show

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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.

Today is the first day of September and, as the back-to-school rush begins and supermarkets start crash sales on kids’ shoes, the children finally realise that never-ending summer is in fact drawing to a close.

In the caravan and motorhome world, the significance of today is that it means the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome and Caravan Show is fast approaching. It might seem like a long way off, given that it’s in… well, October. But it’s actually just six weeks away, which means six weeks of research for anyone thinking about buying a new leisure vehicle.

To add context, when I judge vehicles at the Caravan Design and Motorhome Innovation Awards, we have somewhere around 70 entries. It takes three weeks to look through manuals, websites and brochures, before four days of physically visiting each caravan, campervan and motorhome and validating those scores.

However, this is an exercise well worth considering if you’re thinking about buying a leisure vehicle. My best recommendation to anyone in this position is that in one day at the show, without conducting any prior research, you won’t even see all of the models available. You won’t be able to find them or even know in advance where they’ll be.

Moreover, a large proportion of all caravan and motorhome sales in the UK take place at the October show. It’s an appealing proposition – dealers will offer a trade-in, take your old leisure vehicle at the end of the season and deliver you a brand new one before the start of the next.

But, just because it sounds good, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your research in advance.

How to prepare for the October show

British manufacturers showcase more than 350 individual leisure vehicles at the show. This doesn’t include the smaller, boutique converters – just mainstream manufacturers. So, the choice consumers have is huge.

Including all of the European-manufactured vehicles, there are thousands of options to choose from. Of course, most people will have ruled out two-thirds of these, based on whether they want to buy a caravan, campervan or motorhome. But once you’ve broadly decided on the type of vehicle you want to buy, you’re still left with hundreds of options.

Prices can range from the cheapest options to higher-end vehicles that come in four or five times more expensive. It’s not always clear to see how – or why – they cost so much, but start by looking at the layout. To see every layout will be impractical, although it is the biggest factor that will affect your holidays.

So, decide on this in advance. I’d recommend you consider it a non-negotiable when talking to sellers. It’s so easy to see something that doesn’t have the ideal layout, but comes with all the bells and whistles which convince you to buy it and, inevitably, regret it.

If you consider it a hard stop, it should cut your number of potential new leisure vehicles down to roughly 15 to 20 UK options, or 40 to 50 if you include all the European ones as well.

Now your list of leisure vehicles to inspect is much more condensed, grab a copy of the NEC floorplan and take note of where you’ll need to go. Some considerations you should think about before visiting the show include practicalities such as load capacity and, in motorhomes, the freshwater tank capability. Other aspects to watch out for are:

  • Electronics
  • Charging
  • Off-grid capabilities
  • Solar panels
  • Battery inverters

Once you’ve found a leisure vehicle that has your desired layout, consider how important individual items are to you. Is it vital to have a separate oven and grill? Will you need a dual-fuel hob? If you answer these questions in advance and come to the October NEC show prepared, it’ll make buying much easier and you’ll end up with a leisure vehicle you’ll enjoy a lot more.

Europe’s most idyllic wild swimming spots

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The summer is coming to an end, but for wild swimmers, this doesn’t make much difference. Braving the cold waters of the UK and northern Europe is quite a task, regardless of the time of year.

However, those looking to head off on a final tour before the warmer months fade away will be interested in some of the best wild swimming spots Europe has to offer.

Wild swimming has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 7.5 million people in the UK alone now venturing into lakes, lagoons and lochs for the benefits.

Those who swim outdoors report the various positive effects it has on them, with 69 per cent saying they partake in the activity for their mental health and 94 per cent claiming it makes them feel happier and less stressed. 

The location is also very important to the majority of wild swimmers, with a huge 84 per cent claiming that scenic swims – with a focus on landscape and nature – are a priority.

So, from a natural pool in the crater of a volcano to a picturesque lake in the Alps, the experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have named the top five places for adventurers to head for a dip.

1. Lake Lungern, Switzerland

Tucked between towering mountains among the breathtaking scenery of the Sarneraa Valley, you’ll find Lake Lungern. Approximately 9 km wide, this wild swimming spot sits within the Swiss Alps at 750 metres above sea level. It’s known for stunning, steep views with rolling hills and bustling woodland.

2. Llyn Idwal, Wales

Llyn Idwal is another mountain lake, with crystal clear emerald and blue water, nestled in the jagged peaks of Snowdonia. As swimmers dive in, they’ll notice reflections of the mountains above. Sculpted by glaciation, the lake, its wildlife and the enchanting rock formations make it an appealing destination.

3. Fairy Pools, Scotland

The Fairy Pools look like a scene from a dramatic movie. Situated on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, they’re made up of tumbling waterfalls running from the Cullin Mountains, which lead into a series of spectacular spring water pools. Note to keen swimmers: the water here is reported to be extremely cold, so come prepared.

4. Linhope Spout, England

Dubbed by many as a ‘bottomless’ plunge, this five-metre deep wild swimming spot sits beneath an 18-metre waterfall. Linhope Spout can be found in the Beamish Valley and it isn’t recommended for unconfident swimmers due to its lack of shallows.

5. Pulvermaar Nature Pool, Germany

Fancy treading water in a volcanic crater? This one’s for you. Located in Vulkaneifel, the Pulvermaar Nature Pool is one of Germany’s deepest lakes, spanning 74 metres downwards from the surface. Originally part of a volcano, it boasts shimmering blue, mineral-rich waters among a vivid green landscape.

Photo credit: StressFreeCarRental.com

10 reasons to plan a wintry trip to the Lake District

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As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about holidays later in the year. Some caravan and motorhome enthusiasts pack their leisure vehicle away into storage for the winter, while others continue to go touring through the colder months.

For those not keen to face the elements in their own camper, Pure Leisure has a number of lodges for sale instead. With this in mind, the holiday park operator has put together a selection of things to enjoy in the Lake District this winter.

Wintry walks

Hiking is a popular pastime in the Lake District year-round, but in the winter you get an extra sprinkling of magic with frosty sunsets, snow-capped mountains and glittering white
fields.

Among the best in the winter are:

  • Tarn Hows
  • Blea Tarn
  • Stock Ghyll Force
  • Catbells
  • Grizedale Forest
  • Latrigg
  • Skiddaw

Warm up in the pub

The traditional English pub is the perfect way to warm up after time in the great outdoors. Enjoy a roaring fire and a local ale in the likes of Hole in t’Wall in Bowness or Ambleside’s The Flying Fleece and The Drunken Duck (as long as you’ve parked your vehicle up for the evening, of course).

Lake swimming

It’s not called the Lake District for nothing, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cold water swimming experience. From Rydal Water to Stickle Tarn, each spot is different. Make sure you take the proper precautions before going for a dip and don’t swim in multiple locations in wet swimwear, as this can spread an invasive weed species to pristine lakes.

Christmas markets

Tap into the Lake District’s artistic culture with a visit to one of its Christmas markets. For an entirely unique experience, try the Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival, where people dress up in Victorian clothes.

Literary heritage

It’s hard not to visit the Lake District without understanding why it inspired poets such as Wordsworth. Visit his former home of Dove Cottage in Grasmere and the neighbouring Jerwood Centre, which houses manuscripts, paintings, books and memorabilia relating to the Romantic poets and includes Wordsworth’s own library.

Ancient history

The Castlerigg Stone Circle is a Neolithic monument dating back to 3,000 BC and affords panoramic views of Helvellyn and High Seat. It can easily be combined with a wintry walk and warm up in a heritage pub.

Afternoon tea

If a pub’s not for you, then why not enjoy a decadent afternoon tea at Armathwaite Hall, while enjoying views across Lake Bassenthwaite. The menu includes delicate savoury finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and a choice of plain or fruit scone, served traditionally with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Distillery tour

Find out more about the processes involved in making whisky, gin and vodka at The Lakes Distillery in Setmurthy near Bassenthwaite Lake. The tour includes plenty of samples for those who aren’t driving.

Winter boat ride

Windermere is the biggest lake in England and hopping aboard a boat to head onto the water represents a great way to get a different perspective on the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, Ullswater is home to a fleet of steamers, which stop at a number of locations where you can get off and explore.

Wet weather activities

While the main draw of a caravan holiday in the Lake District is enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to enjoy if the weather’s not on your side. Check out:

  • Blackwell – a Grade I-listed arts and crafts mansion designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott and complete with stunning interior decor.
  • The World of Beatrix Potter – from a captivating illustration of characters from the famed author’s 23 tales to meeting Peter Rabbit, this family-friendly attraction will help create lasting memories.
  • Lakes Aquarium – meet native and exotic fish at this haven for animal lovers, as well as frogs, axolotls, otters and harvest mice.

 

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonny Gios

National Dog Day: Driving safely with your best friend

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Many people around the world will say their dog is their best friend. Our canine companions accompany us on all of our leisure vehicle adventures, so travelling with our pups in tow is often a given for touring holidays.

This bank holiday weekend holds an extra surprise – National Dog Day falls on Saturday 26th August, which means plenty of drivers will be bringing their dogs along for one last caravan or motorhome outing before the summer ends.

Yet drivers risk a fine of up to £5,000 for not properly securing their dogs while driving. If you’re caught for this, there’s also the possibility of nine points on your licence and invalidated insurance.

With that in mind, the experts at Select Van Leasing have compiled a list of the safest ways your pooch can join your next adventure, whether that’s up front alongside you or in a dedicated cage in the back.

Dog seatbelt

A dog seatbelt should be at the top of your priority list if you plan on travelling with your pup on the seats. It will keep them securely in place and prevent them from causing any distractions to you while driving.

It works exactly like a normal seatbelt would, with an end that plugs into the buckle and another that clips around the ring of your dog’s harness. Speaking of which…

Harness

Many dog owners have made the switch from a collar and lead to a harness, which won’t choke or cause any damage to your pup when you attempt to gently pull it along.

Similarly, in your vehicle, the harness fits safely around the dog’s chest and neck, with padding built into the front, and has a D ring on the back for a seat belt to be clipped on. This means your pooch will stay in place without causing any pain to its neck.

Dog seat/carrier

For smaller pups, a dog seat/carrier offers a cosy and confined space. This can be used in conjunction with a seat belt and harness, but also works well for more nervous pooches that need their own space to feel comfortable on a journey.

Dog crate/cage

If there’s no room for your canine companion to sit with you, there’s another option that allows your dog to travel safely in the back. Much like a crate that you might have in your house, you can purchase a crash-tested and crush-proof version for your leisure vehicle that can be securely fixed to the back of your van.

Photo credit: Özgür / Pexels