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Mike and Jane
We last spoke to members Jane and Mike Townsend in 2022, after they had returned from one of the Club’s ‘Long Stay Winter Sun’ holidays in Spain. These breaks give members the chance to spend between two and 10 weeks at a time at top overseas sites, safe in the knowledge that a tour host is always on hand. At the time, the pair had been a little reticent about overseas travel in general. “We had a few concerns about going abroad in our motorhome but everything was a lot easier than we expected,” said Mike. “The driving wasn’t a problem and staying on Club [partner] sites meant we had a completely stress-free time.” In fact, the couple were so inspired by their stay at La Manga (Club ref: E16W) in Spain, that they decided to head off on their own independent adventure last winter. Here’s just a taster of their exploits…
Salamanca stay
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Having caught the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander in northern Spain, the Townsends first made their way to Camping Regio (Club ref: E26). Situated on the outskirts of Salamanca, this site is the ideal place for a stop-over on the way to southern Spain or Portugal. It was then on to Camping Cabopino (Club ref: E21) on the Costa del Sol near Marbella. Mike described this as a “lovely campsite, with an easy walk to the beach and marina”. He added, “If you’re going into Marbella, make sure you visit the ‘Old Town’ with its narrow streets and tapas bars.”
Following a night at Camping La Aldea (Club ref: E24), it was on to the Algarve, where the Townsends joined a Winter Sun holiday at Camping Turiscampo (Club ref: E07). This fantastic site boasts an array of facilities, including a heated pool (closed for maintenance until April 2024), terrace bar and restaurant as well as access to a gym and spa (for which an extra charge is payable). What’s more, it is only a 30-minute walk from the pretty seaside village of Luz – well worth a visit for its fantastic beach and cafes.
Having loved every minute of their La Manga experience the year before, Mike and Jane already knew what to expect from a hosted Club holiday. “The Club rally hosts were very helpful and informative,” says Mike. “The rallies are great as you can join in the activities to whatever degree you wish – there’s no pressure at all, but you have the knowledge that there are people around you that can help and advise if necessary.”
Lovely Lisbon
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After a couple of weeks on the Algarve, the Townsends headed northwards for Guincho (Club ref: E10), a charming coastal site set within pine woodland. Close to the town of Cascais, many are drawn to this site due to its proximity to the city of Lisbon (around 30km to the city centre). “Lisbon is lovely,” says Mike. “It’s just a short bus ride from the campsite to the metro station in Cascais and then a scenic railway journey along the coast into the city. Take a walk or one of the old trams up to the castle for great views of the area.” They then pointed the bonnet northwards once again, towards Porto and the Club’s Angeiras campsite (Club ref: E31). Having settled onto their pitch, a bus and metro journey led them to the heart of Porto’s old town (“It’s a wonderful old city, and if you like Port it’s a must!).
Sadly, Mike and Jane’s adventure was drawing to a close, but they still had time for a night at Camping El Astral (Club ref: E03) in Spain, a lovely green campsite with swimming pools, mini-golf course, multi-sports courts and a restaurant serving traditional Castillian recipes. A 10-minute walk takes visitors into the historic town of Tordesillas. Situated on the River Douro, a visit to its 17th-century Plaza Mayor and nearby Church of Santa Maria should be on your ‘to-do’ list.
Homeward bound
Alannia Costa Blanca
After nearly six weeks on the road, it was time to catch the ferry from Santander and head for home – but the Townsends have got the touring bug.
They have since enjoyed the Club’s Dutch Bulb Fields Tour (in April 2023) and are looking
forward to staying on the Club’s Long Stay Winter Sun holiday campsite of Alannia Costa Blanca (Club ref: W05W) near Alicante.
We asked Mike whether he had any tips for members thinking of venturing out on their own.
“I would say plan your trip carefully and don’t try to drive too long a distance between sites,” he said. “And rather than just doing single overnight stops, spend two or three days at each site and explore the local town or area.
- Booking with the Club’s travel service, Mike and Jane’s trip of 35 nights, including return crossing with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth-Santander, cost £1,870 in Feb-Mar 2023.
Hosted tour…
The Club is running breaks at three superb Spanish sites for 10 weeks from January to March 2024. Perfect if you want to escape the colder months in Britain, our Long Stay Winter Sun hosted holidays give you the chance to enjoy excursions, meals and activities (such as quiz nights and boules competitions) with like-minded guests. To find out more, see camc.com/longstaywintersun.
…or independent adventure
Fancy an extended independent tour? We work with more than 330 European campsites, including 70 that are open all year. Whether you plan to tour in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany or Austria, we have the perfect site for you. Plan your getaway by visiting camc.com/overseas.