A Brief History of Vanlife

The High Court of Ireland heard a case about caravans parked on Department of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, County Kildare. Around 30 caravans have left, but three remain, raising concerns among authorities.

Almería is putting up physical barriers to keep motorhomers off its former fairground — while Turkey simply evicts them from the beach. Lightship is quadrupling its electric-caravan factory in Colorado, even as 50% of Italian motorhome renters turn out to be under 35. Plus 800 kg of hashish in a motorhome at the Spanish border, Anker's 800 W charger running off the alternator, and Carstay as the mobile HQ of a Tokyo festival — all in this issue.

In April 2026, police in the UK, Ireland, and Australia solved several motorhome and caravan thefts. In England, a stolen motorhome was found via tracker and drone, and a £30,000 caravan was identified by an owner's sticker. In Ireland, a man was charged after CCTV captured the theft, while in Australia, a stolen 2024 Lifestyle caravan was recovered.

Irish police (Gardaí) advise caravan and campervan owners in County Donegal to increase security measures. Key recommendations include using hitch locks and wheel clamps, installing alarms, keeping valuables out of sight, and registering the vehicle in a central scheme.

Spain introduced new road sign S-128 and banned camper vans from parking near beaches. Germany responded with a 3.82-metre electric camper van — fits anywhere, furniture not included. JAL now rents out motorhomes from Narita with miles earned per rental. Storm Ali blowing a traveller's caravan off an Irish cliff, and the Outbound demo for PS5 — all in this issue.

A motorhome stolen from the village of Aghtorp near Whitby between April 13-14 was found in Hartlepool using a drone and tracker. North Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the theft.