RVing USA contributor
An experienced travel writer based in the UK. Angela has worked for numerous magazines such as Group Travel World, Calibre and Houston Hotel Magazine. She is the author of several guidebooks and e-books.Eric Beau, a French inventor, created a revolutionary way to camp that ultimately reduces space for travel and time when setting up camp. Eric’s concept was simple: a small but expandable caravan based on a telescopic concept thus allowing a small unit no wider than a normal car to expand horizontally by tripling in size in less than a few minutes. BeauER has announced that it is exploring ways of setting up a manufacturing site within the US.
The Buzz speaks with Kate Thompson, public relations director at Volkswagen UK, to discuss the jump in the number of VW caravan sales in Europe. Of the 225,000 motorhomes of various sizes in use within the UK, around 90,000 are specifically Volkswagen campervans of all ages. Of particular interest, is the VW California, which is celebrating its 30th Year Anniversary.
Snowdonia in North Wales concentrates around the mountains and glacial landforms of the massive Snowdonia National Park. A great way to explore Snowdonia is via its numerous heritage railways. Taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway is a good alternative as the journey takes approximately an hour, snaking its way along the mountainside.
The 2018 Motorhome & Caravan show at the NEC, in Birmingham was the largest expo in the UK focusing on camping & caravanning products. More than 96,000 people passed through the exhibition doors over the six-day period. People came from all over the country, as the NEC is centrally located in the heart of the UK. Long established Swift Caravans were proudly celebrating 100 years of its Eccles caravan brand.
German company Kampanja unveiled at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon in September your own personal movie theater installed in the comfort of your RV. More specifically Kampanja coverts Renault Trafic camper vans into luxury motor homes with an option to have a "home theater". A base camper conversion costs around $49,000 with an added $1,690 for the projector system.
A caravan that can turn into a motorized houseboat is a dream that countless companies (and entrepreneurial DIY’ers) have been attempting for years. Now another German contender has appeared on the market. The arrival of a new Caravanboat at September’s Caravan Salon Dusseldorf immediately attracted attention.
Sue and Dave Threadingham are the owners of a 1956 Bluebird Cambrian built in Poole, Dorset. The Bluebird caravan arrived at their home in November 2007. Within months, Sue’s cherished Bluebird Cambrian was on the road again, touring around the south of England visiting shows and rallies. The pretty Bluebird quickly attracted attention. It is believed to be the only one of its kind that is still on the road and in use today.
As nights become longer, it is perfect timing to head for one of the Dark Sky areas of the UK to do a little stargazing. The North Pennines are one of these areas. It has been recognized as the darkest mainland area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK. In October the North Pennines area is holding a spectacular two night star camp at the Doe Park Caravan Site in Teesdale.
Innovative ideas and products captured attention at the Caravan Salon 2018 in Dusseldorf, Germany – the world’s largest trade fair for motor homes and caravans that has just taken place. For instance, Mercedes-Benz offered forward looking ideas covering fully connected homes on wheels to alternative drives. Over at Volkswagen Nutzfarhrzeuge, caravanners were captivated by the global launch of the Grand California.
Every August, Steam enthusiasts make their way to the little village of Tarrant Hinton, at Blandford Forum in Dorset, England. It has become the largest gathering of steam traction engines and vehicles in the world, attracting thousands of visitors. The Great Dorset Steam Fair is the world’s largest heritage and cultural event showcasing industrial, agricultural and leisure history – and this year it has got bigger than ever.