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UK Motorhome shows offer enthusiasts and prospective buyers an excellent opportunity to explore the latest models, discover innovative accessories, and connect with fellow travellers. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice adventurer, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience at a UK motorhome show:
Research your interests in advance – and plan
Many of the bigger motorhome shows can be quite intimidating in terms of size and scale. It’s perfectly possible to wander around aimlessly trying to look at everything, only to end up exhausted and without any abiding lessons or firm conclusions at the end of the day!
So, before attending the motorhome show, take some time to research exhibitors, seminars, and special events scheduled for the day. Create a tentative itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions or informative sessions.
Go to those stands or exhibitors as a priority and ignore everything else until you have put a tick against each of your priority interests.
Family planning
If you have younger children with you, it’s great to involve the whole family, but you probably don’t need us to tell you that those youngsters might have extremely limited attention spans.
Certainly, they’ll enjoy getting close to the motorhomes, but they are likely to be a lot less interested if you’re discussing engine option specifications, let’s say, with an expert on a stand.
If you can, it might be best to leave your kids with a family member so that you can concentrate on the event itself. If that’s not possible or you don’t like the idea in principle, then taking along some distractions in the form of games or toys might be a smart idea.
Consider taking some food
There is almost always plenty of catering at these events and it can be a perfectly reasonable quality. But the food concessions can also sometimes become extremely crowded.
If you don’t mind queuing up for food and losing time while you are doing so, that’s great. However, if you’d prefer to spend your time looking at motorhomes, rather than the stranger in front of you in the food queue, consider taking a picnic.
Set realistic targets
Many people admit to reaching the end of a motorhome show in a state of almost total exhaustion. It’s great fun but walking endlessly around trying to do everything can drain even the fittest of us.
So, building on that prioritised list of objectives mentioned above, make sure that the things you note as “must do” are realistically achievable within the time you are allocating.
Wear sensible footwear
If the venue is inside, make sure you wear comfortable shoes rather than those designer specials that look great, but are going to cause you grief after you’ve been walking around in them for a few hours.
If things are outside, make sure your shoes are equally sensible but also waterproof and with decent soles. It doesn’t matter what the weather forecast said, if a field turns into a quagmire and you have beach shoes on, you’re likely to regret it.
Consider bringing along a lightweight jacket or umbrella in case of unexpected weather changes.
Ask questions
Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with exhibitors and industry experts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about motorhome features, specifications, pricing, and financing options. Gather as much information as possible to make informed decisions.
Test drive opportunities
If available, take advantage of test drive opportunities offered by motorhome manufacturers or dealers. Test driving allows you to experience first-hand the handling, comfort, and performance of different models, helping you narrow down your choices.
Attend seminars and workshops
Many motorhomes shows host seminars, workshops, and demonstrations on topics ranging from maintenance tips to travel destinations. Attend sessions relevant to your interests and learn from experienced professionals and fellow enthusiasts.
Explore accessories and gadgets
Browse through the accessory stalls and gadget booths to discover innovative products designed to enhance your motorhome experience. From outdoor furniture to solar panels and navigation systems, explore options to customise and optimise your travel rig.
Network with fellow enthusiasts
Motorhome shows provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for outdoor adventures. Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, exchange travel stories, and glean insights from their experiences.
Take advantage of show discounts
Many exhibitors offer exclusive discounts and special offers during motorhome shows. Keep an eye out for promotional deals on motorhomes, accessories, camping gear, and insurance packages.
Try to avoid arriving or leaving at peak times
Broadly speaking, peak arrival and departure times are normally somewhere between 8-10 a.m. and 5-7.00 p.m. That may vary, of course, depending upon the hours of the specific show.
At many venues, these peak times can put incredible pressure on the local road systems that result in long queues of traffic to get in or out of the place. Sitting in a queue is unlikely to be an ideal start or end to your day, so try and avoid the peaks and travel at other times if possible.
That said, early birds often have the advantage of exploring exhibits more leisurely and engaging in meaningful conversations with exhibitors before the venue gets crowded.
Enjoy the experience!
Above all, enjoy the experience of immersing yourself in the world of motorhomes and outdoor exploration. Take time to savour the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of the event, and envision the exciting adventures that lie ahead with your own motorhome.
By following these tips, you can maximise your enjoyment and make the most of your visit to a UK motorhome show. Whether you’re in the market for a new motorhome or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, a motorhome show offers a wealth of opportunities to fuel your passion for travel and exploration.
