Consider Yourself at home

Have you ever considered how amazing it would be to be able to explore other parts of the world exactly on your own terms and in your own time, but without having to forfeit all your home comforts?

Does that sound like a tall order? Well, a motorhome gives you the flexibility and freedom to do exactly this. You take to the open road precisely when the fancy takes you, without having to adhere to someone else's schedule and to be in a certain place at a certain time. There's no waiting around at an airport, anxiously wondering if your luggage will actually make it safely to your destination. You can prepare a hot meal or a snack just when you feel like it, and there's no need to pack and unpack, moving from one expensive hotel to another. Admittedly, we're all concerned about the cost of fuel escalating at such an alarming rate, but just weigh up the advantages of a motorhome and the savings you'll make on air tickets, vehicle rental and eating out at pricey restaurants. Motorhomes are reliable and cost-effective to run and are as easy to drive as a commercial van, capable of negotiating even narrow roads without difficulty. Whether you hire a motorhome or buy it outright, there's no denying that this kind of holiday is becoming more and more popular, even with celebrity chefs, super-models and pop idols! It seems this trend is catching on fast.

Today's luxurious motorhomes are a far cry from those cramped and uncomfortable caravans that many of us remember from our childhood. They're stunningly sleek and eye-catching in design, are surprisingly spacious and eminently practical. Most come superbly equipped with all the cooking facilities and mod cons you'll need, water tanks, refrigerators, heating, air conditioning, roomy showers, WC, plenty of storage space, plush soft furnishings, comfortable sleeping accommodation, television, CD and DVD players, power steering and even onboard 'sat. nav.' to ensure that you find your chosen camp site without any problem! And for total peace of mind, it goes without saying that they're also kitted out with all the latest safety equipment. Some of the larger models even feature luxury washrooms with separate shower rooms, pull-out awnings and garage space (great if you want to take your motor bike with you). Don't forget, though, that some of these models require you to be over 25 and hold a category C1 licence.

So where would you go, on your motorhome holiday? Europe is a vast continent with so many places to see. But for me, there'd be no contest. I would explore the many different regions of France. I've had a love affair with this beautiful country since my first school trip to Paris as a young teenager. Since then, I've seen a fair bit of France, but there's so much more still to explore. High on my list of places to visit would be Brittany, boasting the longest coastline in France, with miles of golden, sandy beaches, fabulous walks and glorious beauty spots, fascinating heritage and - I'm told - amazing food. Then again, perhaps I'd head for the Riviera and the Cote d'Azur and soak in all that wonderful sunshine, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous with their eternal suntans and yachts worth a king's ransom. Above all, though, I would love to return to the Loire Valley, a magical, gentle region which is known as the 'Garden of France' and is an area of exceptional beauty. A favourite location for poets and writers over the centuries, and famous for its architectural heritage and over a thousand chateaux, I can well remember the picturesque towns, lush vineyards, vibrant flowers and undulating verdant hills that adorn its landscape. I can just picture the scene... eating farm fresh produce in the comfort of my motorhome... crisp, freshly baked bread and mouth watering local cheeses, washed down with a delightfully fruity red wine. I can even smell that bread now... mmmm!

Forgive me, I'm getting carried away. And that's exactly where I'll be this time next week... carried away in my motorhome, to France! Au revoir!