Monthly Archives: August 2011

AUSTRIAN TIROL.

31 Wednesday Aug 2011

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Alpin Camp at Seefeld in Tirol is a must to visit.

Page 145 of the 2011 edition of “Caravan Europe 2” published by The Caravan Club explains all. The site is on the edge of Seefeld on the road towards Leutasch. If you are unfamiliar with Austria, the area is on the road from Munich and just over the border into Austria west of Innsbruck.

As for the detail, WiFi is freely available, the electrics are spot on with no reverse polarity so everything works well and a strong mobi signal as well.

But, of course, it is the location that does it.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

DUSSELDORF CARAVAN SALON

26 Friday Aug 2011

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Wall to wall motorhomes at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon.

I would say two themes are clear.

Firstly a lot of attention to new liquid habitation heating systems and winterisation. Secondly, a number of manufacturers seem to be installing sophisticated fold away bed systems above the driver and passenger seats in the shorter motorhomes – say below 6.50 metres and then using the now bedless space to create space and comfort. And then the same bed is left there in the longer models as a second bed with often the main bed now being an island bed.

Both of these themes have been around for some time of course but walking through the vast halls at this enormous show they struck me as themes which, over time, were heading towards being the standard. Which is bad news for me as I cannot be doing with precision mountaineering just to get to bed!!!!

I guess a third theme is the very positive and upbeat atmosphere which is nice to experience and is based on increasing sales levels in Germany and some other European markets. I tried to find people to be grumpy with but failed miserably.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

CAMPINGPLATZ OSTRAUER MUHLE.

21 Sunday Aug 2011

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Not far from the border between Germany and the Czech Republic is the town of Bad Schandau and there is very adequate site in the nearby – and frankly stunning – National Park. We stayed at
Campingplatz Ostrauer Muhle, Im Kirnitzschtal, 01814 Bad Schandau.
035022-42742
info@ostrauer-muehle.de
http://www.ostrauer-muehle.de

The National Park claims to operate the world’s only solar powered tram in a National Park so a ride from the town to the waterfall at the top was a must!

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

THE MOSEL VALLEY

17 Wednesday Aug 2011

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Was earlier in the month in The Mosel Valley in south west Germany. It is beautiful and the Mosel itself is one of the longest tributaries of the Rhine. In Germany you are talking between Trier and Koblenz but of course both Luxembourg and France get in on the act.

Wall to wall vineyards, boats, barges, railways and masses of places welcoming motorhomes.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

MORE BRUGES!

14 Sunday Aug 2011

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A colleague questioned my assertion that Bruges was motorhome friendly so my picture shows a tiny part of the parking available at the coach park – in fact the bit you can overnight in. From the line of motorhomes on the right, you can see that one seems a little out of place – in fact that is a motor yacht in the marina directly behind the parking area.

So, head for the river and follow the signs for the coach parking.

Simples!!

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

THE CARAVAN TIMES.

14 Sunday Aug 2011

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The BBC will be filming a documentary about the changing nature of family holidays this August, reported The Caravan Times. Touring families will have the opportunity to submit their stories and be part of this exciting programme, filmed on the stunning shores of the Isle of Wight. Before the viewing public jump on the bandwagon, why not take the chance to explore one of Britain’s most mystical isles?

In the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village of Newchurch on the Isle of Wight offers a haven for mainland city slickers seeking a piece of the great outdoors. Set in flat, green and luscious meadowlands, the Southland Caravan Club site is the perfect base for exploring the island, which measures up at a petite 13 miles long and 23 miles wide.

Just three miles from the site lie the sandy shores of Sandown and Shanklin, with soft waves that make the area perfect for families. History and architecture enthusiasts relish the culture that can be found at their fingertips, often just a short walk from the Southland Caravan Club site.

Newchurch village is host to a Norman church that receives many an admiring glance from local residents and visitors alike. For those that prefer more energetic pursuits, activity buffs will find themselves greeted by a smorgasbord of activities, with horse riding, windsurfing and sailing all within a short drive of the site. There really is something for everyone.

With ferries from Portsmouth taking as little as 35 minutes, the Isle of Wight offers hassle free travel and sandy shores that rival their Mediterranean counterparts. Lawrence Bate, Director of Marketing for The Caravan Club, sees the Isle of Wight as one of the top tips for this summer, “With vast expanses of greenery, soft, sandy beaches and fresh country air, the Isle of Wight presents itself as an attractive holiday destination for one and all.” he enthuses.

If you would like to be a part of this groundbreaking documentary, contact The Caravan Times at editor@caravantimes.co.uk to submit your story.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews