Tuesday 20th February 2018: Alagna, Italy
Just Do It. Do not leave the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome show without a plan as to how you’re going to get yourself a home on wheels.
You’re visiting for a reason. Some of you are visiting because you have a dream, some of you are already living it and are inspiring other people to do so.
Some of you are meeting old friends and some of you are meeting people you know from their YouTube channels!
Everyone’s ideas of what they want to do with their motorhome life differs greatly – from weekend warriors exploring their local regions to others, like us, with a very specific goal in mind – giving ourselves the freedom to pursue our favourite activities. In our case, chasing the best snow around the Alps all winter long.
Granted, our story is a little extreme and I know that the idea of giving up houses, packing everything into storage and running away from home isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t elements of what we’re doing that aren’t exactly the same as everyone else with a motorhome.
The range of options is mindboggling – manufacturers from all over the world, each with unique features to offer you – and don’t even start us on the bonkers number of layouts you’re feasting on.
It can actually be a bit daunting – as we had decided before we set out on our adventure… there’s just too much choice everywhere… how many types of kitchen roll does one supermarket need to stock? It’s great to have all this choice as you look around the show but the best piece of advice we can offer is sit down in the Starbucks outside Hall 20 with a bit of paper and write 5 features that are non-negotiable, 5 would-like-to-haves and 5 really-don’t-give-a-hoot about’s.
DO NOT GET ANY ADVICE AT THIS STAGE!!!
Go and have a wander and then reconvene. Make the list again. Has it changed?
Free advice is worth the price you pay so you can take ours with a pinch of salt – but that means you should also do the same with everyone elses. Motorhome dwellers, us included, really are the most opinionated people… influenced entirely by their own experiences and the #vanlife grapevine.
If you take advantage of any of the insane ‘show offers’ available you’re going to have made a big leap towards the most exciting thing you’ve ever done… trust us. You will also not have made the perfect choice. That’s because there isn’t one. On your travels, you’re always going to see other vans with features and fittings that give you the green-eyed monster. But motorhomes are adaptable, you can customise your space and make it work for you – your needs will change…. I’m sure the manufacturers would like to sell you a new one every year but they’re just as keen to have happy motorhomers out on the roads, spreading the word.
And once your motorhome or camper has arrived, for goodness sake use it. Go out and share your adventures – on YouTube, with friends and family, or with the new people you meet.
Love from
Hannah and James up a mountain in Italy
