Looking back over my shoulder

Reflections on 2013

This is the end of our first full year of motorcaravanning with Theodora.  We’ve had six trips away, totalling 36 nights, in various parts of the UK and France, using the ‘van both “to get away from it all” and to meet up with family and friends.

So what have we learned?

• The motorcaravanning community is a great source of information and inspiration.  Whether on places to go or the intricacies of reverse polarity, we’ve found plenty of advice, guidance and information via blogs, fora and magazines
• There is a fine line between being prepared and over-planning – we had a tendency to over-plan!
• For a long trip within a limited time period you cannot travel a long distance AND pootle about between places on the way.  And sometimes it makes sense to use the tolled motorways
• Don’t overestimate how far you are prepared to travel for just a long weekend; there are plenty of lovely places to visit close to home
• Be flexible; change your itinerary when possible if the weather does not play ball
• Outside the UK you do not need to book campsites out of high season
• The Aires due Camping Car in France really are a great alternative to camp sites
• With the choice of the right site you can use public transport, bikes and Shanks’ pony to get about, which gives a different perspective
• Even the Fiat dealer can jump to the wrong (and expensive!) conclusion when trying to trace an electrical fault
• We would highly recommend IH as a manufacturer and for their after-sales service

And finally …

• Be alert for mice!  They managed to chew through our fuel return pipe (very costly!) and Theodora is now booby trapped!  So beware you little beasties!

Happy New Year!