We’ve visited over 20 countries in our motorhome – here are our four must-have gadgets
A FAMILY of five have visited more than 20 countries in their motorhome, going as far north as Norway and as far south as Turkey.
Known as the Roaming Radfords, Steve and Lyndsay have been holidaying in a motorhome since 2007, when their eldest son Eddie was just a year old.
The husband and wife team, who live in Milton Keynes, have explored countries like France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Norway and Morocco.
Even renting an RV on their trip to America so they could explore the country in a motorhome.
Their most recent trip took them to Turkey where they spent six weeks exploring the country with their three sons, Eddie, Harry and George.
The family regularly shares their caravanning tricks, tips and travel videos on their YouTube channel, the Roaming Radfords.
And with more than 17 years of experience, it’s safe to say they know the must-have gadgets every budding caravanner needs.
Steve and Lyndsay told Sun Online Travel: “If you’re planning a holiday to warm countries like Morocco, Spain and Turkey, having aircon is essential.
“I wouldn’t want to go to Morocco or Turkey without aircon, so definitely invest in that.”
It’s not just aircon budding caravanners will need to invest in if they want to enjoy holidaying in warmer countries.
They added: “Most brand-new motorhomes come fitted with 3 Way Fridges, which means they can work on battery, electricity plugin or gas.”
While this may sound ideal, Steve and Lyndsay know from experience that 3 Way Fridges don’t work well in hot weather.
They encouraged holidaymakers to consider upgrading to a compressor fridge because they work better in warmer climates.
Lyndsay said: “Three Way Fridges stop working properly when you reach temperatures like 30C.
“We’ve been woken up in the middle of the night with the smell of rancid chicken because the fridge wasn’t cool enough, so definitely upgrade to a compressor fridge if you can.”
With three teenage sons, and a YouTube Channel, Steve and Lyndsay need to stay connected to the internet while on the road, which is why they have a Starlink.
Starlink is an alternative to traditional broadband, beaming connections via SpaceX satellites.
It’s useful for remote areas left in the slow lane for on-the-ground broadband upgrades.
Steven and Lyndsay said: “Six weeks is a long time to be away from your friends when you’re a teenager, so we made sure to have a Starlink.
“It also enables us to upload our YouTube videos and keep in touch with the business we own back in the UK.”
Their last recommendation isn’t technically a gadget but for the Roaming Radfords it’s a necessity.
Steve said: “One of my favourite things – and my family laugh at me for this – is a 6ft plastic table.
“Once you pop up the table, you’ve got a lovely big area where everyone can eat and sit.
“It also attracts people, so other holidaymakers can come and enjoy the space.
“Honestly it’s one of my favourite things and one of our best investments.”
Later this month, Steve and Lyndsay will be sharing even more tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
On October 15, 16 and 17, the couple will also be talking about their caravan adventure through Turkey, which they went on last summer.
Why caravan holidays are so underrated
CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple.
And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain’s purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.
Josie O’Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated…
WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun.
She’d use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.
As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday.
No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs.
I still love caravan holidays as an adult.
In a world of doing everything for the ‘gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics.
There’s no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don’t find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad.
I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade.
My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in.
And then, of course, there’s the cost.
Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips.
With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I’m spending hundreds less than I would abroad.
I’ve had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I’ll buy my own one day.
Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.
And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.