Where and why your intended next 3 stopovers in your van

Whilst we cannot get out now. We do have time to plan where to go when we get through this. So who’s made a plan, where do you intend to go and why?

This might provide some inspiration for others to chose somewhere they hadn’t considered before.

Please exclude my site from your list, even if it was to be on your list, it’s not that I don’t want you to visit but this post is not about self promotion.

ANYWHERE
ANYWHERE
ANYWHERE

Out of here 🤪🥴🤪

How about this......

A couple of years ago, my partner and I, discussed the notion of taking a year out of work to travel in our campervan during that time. I always had regrets that I did not travel more when I was younger and a year off to travel was something that I only ever got to read about others doing.
The plan would be to head north if we left early summer i.e. Scotland followed by Scandinavia before taking in eastern Europe and then heading south-east to Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The second leg would see us travelling southern Europe over the winter months, along the silver coasts of the Adriatic, then the leg of Italy & Sicily followed by Spain, Portugal and finally Morocco.
But, if we left after the summer or into autumn then we possibly would do this route in reverse. Either way, the route would not be rigid but just a general plan with us making it up as we go.
At the start of this year, I finished up working after 22+ years for the same employer. Hmm, were things were starting to happen ?! My partner applied for, and was granted, the leave of absence. The planets were coming aligned for this trip - game on ! We couldn't believe our good luck. We are both in our late 40's (I turn 50 this summer) and the timing seemed perfect. In preparation, to-do lists were drawn up, extended insurance details sorted, guided books and extra maps bought and mechanical prep of the campervan kicked off.
After some debate, we called May 6th as D-Day and we booked the ferry (Stena) from Dublin to Holyhead. We would take in the Lake District en route to the Highlands. The Hebrides and Shetland Islands looked attractive for some overnighting/wild camping.
Then Covid19 happened !!! When news of this disaster broke earlier in the year, in our wildest dreams, we never thought it would escalate into this current situation. As the weeks went by and the death tolls climbed, doubt began to creep in about this trip. And in recent days we have discussed total cancellation of our plans.....
In reality, people are dying all over the planet from this horrible virus and a trip such as what we had planned is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. People are losing their jobs, falling ill and others dying. We are fortunate in the we have our health and our family and friends remain to be safe. Everything else right now is secondary. Yet on a personal level, it is a bitter pill to swallow.
The phrase "So close, but yet so far" comes to mind !!

Maybe later in the year....possibly, or not......who knows. Que sera, sera.

At your age young man, you should have time on your side. I truly believe that this horrible virus will over sometime before autumn and if not eradicated then prevention medication or antidotes available. So you have some time for more planning or research. Your year trip sounds amazing and you can follow the weather.

I have done bits of the Lake District and the Scottish highlands and a few islands, loved every minute of it. The one place I’d return to in the right season is Germany such an amazing country in a MH. I have not been to Scandinavia in a MH but I intend to. Obviously very familiar with Spain and Portugal but it can be far too busy in resort areas.

I hope your plans are simply deferred.

First night Kilmore Quay, just sit in the van enjoying the view of the Saltee Islands then finish off with a feed of delicious fish & chips from the chipper. Second outing a few nights parked up beside the river on my buddy's farm in Lemybrien, might even do a bit more of the greenway.

@airhead_eire ,we had a trip to Russia cancelled a couple of weeks ago (flying) we have put the cash away and hopefully we'll do it same time next year, hope you can defer and go later,it sounds like a great trip, do it as soon as you can

So what plans do others have ? Anybody planning winter trips instead of summer trips now ?

We have the ferry to France booked for mid July, we've only paid the €100 deposit so far so holding out till the last minute to see how all this plays out. We have two kids in school and I work in a college so long periods of winter travel is not an option unfortunately. Might end up being next summer before we get a decent trip away.

If conditions/restrictions permit then local trips here, Some great spots in our home county.
Come October 22nd then ferry to Spain for the winter, but its all up in the air at the moment.... lets see what the next few months bring.

I have read both books by Pat Reid and I also have the old Parker's board game of Colditz ! It's a place that I am hoping to visit in the future.

The Wild Atlantic Way is calling us.

So much lovely scenery along the coast.

Just imagine the sunsets......and relaxing and soaking up the salt sea air.....and a cheese nibble with a wee glass of something nice and soothing....with Kenny Rogers "Islands In The Stream" adding to the feeling of being on holidays...!!!

my heart goes out to you, i would run away if i could.
i am 66 this year ,and its the first time i felt closed in.

Well in actual fact you would be on holiday ! I like it !