WELCOME
Sarah Wakely
Editor-in-chief
TALK 6 Where in the world? Turkey’s spectacular Lake Van 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 13 New gear The latest essential kit to enhance your tours 14 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers 15 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers 16 Ask the experts Technical problem? We can help! 21 Be a better motorhomer! First-timer or old hand, there’s always something new to learn and top tips to benefit from
Whether you’ve been motorhoming for years, or are a relative newbie to our fantastic pastime, there’s always something new to learn! That’s the thinking behind our special guide this issue on how to be a better motorhomer. From making the most of the limited space in your motorhome,
to driving onto a ferry deck like a pro, we’ve everything you need to improve your touring life – you’ll find our comprehensive article starting on p21.
And do let us know if we missed any hints and tips – just email us via talk@ practicalmotorhome.com, and the best ones will feature in the magazine! Also this issue, we take a look at a few of the past winners in our prestigious annual Top 100 Sites Guide (p52). It’s all in preparation for our next issue, which comes complete with your copy of our info-packed Top 100 Sites Guide 2024. It’s on sale 28 March – don’t miss it!
TOURING 34 This month All of the latest travel and touring news 36 Pembrokeshire Colin and Elaine Burdett find a short break on the Welsh coast the perfect way to banish winter blues 42 West Midlands Janette Sykes enjoys the wonderful scenery and history of Stratford-upon-Avon and its surroundings 46 Isle of Wight Anna and Harvey Lyon discover excellent walking on the island, exploring coast and countryside 50 48 hours in… Dorchester Make the most of your weekend break in the heart of Dorset, with our hour-by-hour guide 52 Top 100 Sites As we prepare to reveal the sites that won your votes for 2024, here’s a round-up of past Overall Winners! 56 Ile de Ré on two wheels Elaine Ormerod takes to the cycle paths to explore the gorgeous island off the coast of France 62 Burgundy and beyond Sonia Wignall discovers great hiking trails and breathtaking scenery touring in the French Alps 68 Big European odyssey pt 26 Marcus, Kim and the children enjoy wild camping in stunning landscapes by Turkey’s Lake Van
TESTED 76 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates 78 ’Van review: Laika Ecovip 540 It’s just 5.41m long, but this smart two-berth manages to pack a great deal into the space 80 ’Van review: Benimar Benivan 144 This neat van conversion offers comfortable touring for two, provided you travel light 82 NEC show round-up Didn’t manage to make it to the show? Not to worry! Here are the highlights of the February event 86 Product review: camping chairs A comfortable chair is a must-have on tour, and these are six of our favourite models
PRE-OWNED 88 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports from the forecourts 90 Used ’van buyer Gentleman Jack casts an expert eye over the cleverly designed Elddis Encore (2015-present) 92 Motorhome Hall of Fame Gentleman Jack’s round-up of iconic brands considers the Bailey Approach SE (2012-2014)
sarah.wakely@futurenet.com
Scan to get our newsletter Stay up to date with the latest from Practical Motorhome every week!
TECHNICAL 96 Diamond Dave Why it’s vital to check out van converters 98 How green is your motorhome? Peter Rosenthal considers ways in which touring can help to combat climate change 104 Cleaning your motorhome Follow John Sootheran’s expert guide to prepare your vehicle for a sparkling new season 108 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information 114 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear
Use your phone or tablet camera!
www.practicalmotorhome.com | May 2024 5
