New year, new adventures: making 2026 your best touring year yet

There’s something uniquely energising about flipping the calendar to January, a fresh year for motorhome and caravan owners alike means one thing: new roads to explore.

Whether you're dreaming of coastal weekends, mountain drives, or European escapes, setting clear travel goals for 2026 will help you turn those daydreams into reality.

Reflect on last year’s adventures

Before planning where you’re going, think back on where you’ve been. Ask yourself:

• What were your favourite trips of 2025?
• What didn’t go as planned?
• Did you travel enough, or too little?

Make a quick list of what you’d love to repeat and what you’d rather skip. This reflection helps shape realistic, rewarding goals for the year ahead.

Define your 2026 travel vision

What does your ideal year on the road look like? Maybe it’s more short breaks and fewer big tours, or perhaps you’re ready for your first long European trip. Consider:

• How far from home you want to travel
• How often you can get away
• What kind of experiences do you want - nature, culture, family, or freedom?

Tip: Create a visual 'travel map' with your must-visit spots pinned on it - it keeps your goals front of mind. Use a physical map on your wall, a digital map app, or even a custom Google My Maps project - watching the map fill with checked-off pins over time is an incredibly satisfying way to track your adventures.

Setting SMART travel goals

SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) help you stay motivated and make progress easy to track.

• Specific: Choose 3 to 5 destinations
• Measurable: Set mileage or nights away targets
• Achievable: Budget and time realistic
• Relevant: Align with your lifestyle and comfort level
• Time-bound: Schedule by season

To make your plans stick, turn ideas and wishes into specific, measurable goals. Here are some examples followed by our top 5 destinations to explore in 2026:

• Visit three new UK campsites before summer
• Tour Scotland’s NC500 in July
• Try one wild camping experience by autumn (remember wild camping in a motorhome is subject to local restrictions - always confirm that overnight parking is permitted and camp responsibly)

Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District is one of the UK's most spectacular touring destinations, famous for its mountains, lakes, charming villages and outdoor adventures. Many campsites are nestled beside lakes, valleys, or fells - imagine opening your door to views of Ullswater, it’s immersive in a way no hotel stay can match.

You can hop aboard the Ullswater Steamers to link scenic walks with effortless lake cruises, or head straight out on foot to favourites like Aira Force or sections of the Ullswater Way. The area is also perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shoreline after a day of exploring.

Recommended: The award-winning Hillcroft Park is set in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, above the lakeside village of Pooley Bridge, and their hard standing pitches with electric and water have fantastic views over the lake. The park is well equipped and offers a luxurious shower block, laundry facilities, onsite shop, WiFi and a doggy shower for those bringing any furry friends.

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic destination for a motorhome or caravan trip, offering a mix of dramatic landscapes, from rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, rivers, and forests to create an unforgettable setting for adventures.

The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a huge range of activities for all ages and abilities. With an abundance of walking and hiking trails, mountain biking to water activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking, and high-adrenaline attractions like the zip lines at Penrhyn Quarry. The park's natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Recommended: Snowdon View Holiday Park is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery with magnificent views of Mount Snowdon, offering visitors peace and tranquillity in abundance. The park has fantastic facilities such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna & steam room, bar & restaurant, and their touring pitches offer ample space for caravans and motorhomes - it's the perfect base to explore the area or unwind in a tranquil setting.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway is located on Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago, creating one of the world's most remarkable geological landscapes.

Touring the Causeway and its surrounding coastal route in a motorhome or caravan at your own pace is an ideal way to experience one of Europe's most scenic drives, dotted with accessible stop-offs, charming villages, distilleries, castles, and beaches - making the area a rich blend of nature, history, and culture.

Recommended: Hilltop Holiday Park offers a well-positioned coastal getaway on Northern Ireland's North Coast, making it an excellent base for exploring Portrush, nearby beaches, and coastal attractions. It’s ideally located for exploring the Giant's Causeway, with the iconic basalt columns only a short 12 minute drive away.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and a defining landmark of the Scottish Highlands. The surrounding area combines stunning landscapes, rich Scottish heritage, and a vibrant outdoor culture, making it a prime destination for both adventure and sightseeing.

Summiting Ben Nevis is a popular challenge for hikers - covering approximately a 17km round-trip and an ascent of about 1,340m. There's rock climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, gorge walking, white-water rafting, wildlife watching, and during the winter, the nearby Nevis Range Ski Centre offers skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, making the region a year-round destination for adventure and sightseeing.

Recommended: The award-winning Ben Nevis Holiday Park provides the perfect base for an incredible holiday in Scotland Highlands, it's only 10 minutes away from Fort William and Glen Nevis, and only 9 minutes away from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre - offering you an unparalleled opportunity to discover all the wildlife, activities and history that the region has to offer.

New Forest National Park, Hampshire

The New Forest National Park is located across Hampshire and Wiltshire, and is a varied and picturesque landscape of ancient woodlands, forests, heathlands, and open river valleys - covering over 219sq miles. Renowned for its wild ponies, scenic trails, and rich biodiversity, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists seeking both tranquillity and adventure.

From gentle walks and cycle rides to encounters with the famous New Forest ponies, motorhome touring combines flexibility, comfort, and immersion in the region’s natural beauty, making it perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to fully enjoy the New Forest experience.

Recommended: Just a short stroll from the beach, the multi-award winning Seal Bay Resort is a welcoming base for campers, caravanners and motorhomes looking to explore England's stunning south coast. Whilst the resort offers a seaside experience, it is only a short drive away from the New Forest's woodlands and trails.

Plan early and budget wisely

Set up a dedicated travel fund now - even if it’s just £50 a month, it soon builds up into a healthy pot for your spring and summer trips. Having a little money set aside means you can say “yes” to spontaneous weekends away without worrying about the cost.

Keep an eye out for club discounts, early-booking offers, and midweek stays, which can all stretch your budget further. Many sites offer loyalty schemes or off-peak deals that can shave a surprising amount off your yearly touring costs.

Tip: A short-break midweek stay (Monday to Wednesday) was found to save about 25-40% compared with a weekend stay at the same park.

Add some adventure

If you always find yourself returning to the same familiar routes, make 2026 the year you mix things up. Pick one big adventure - maybe attending your first caravan rally, touring a different country, or trying a new outdoor activity on your travels.

Even small changes, like spending a night at a wild camping spot (as before, wild camping in a motorhome is subject to local restrictions) or visiting a brand-new campsite, can rekindle that spark of adventure.

There are plenty of exciting new destinations and parks launching this year - keep an eye on caravan magazines, social media groups, and travel blogs to find inspiration.

Staying inspired all year

Keeping that spark for travel alive through the whole year is easier than you might think.

Stay connected to the community - chat in forums, read blogs, or attend local caravan shows to keep your curiosity buzzing. Swift are affiliated with a number of fantastic caravan and motorhome clubs, and joining can offer a range of benefits, especially if you’re looking to get the most out of your caravanning experience.

When you’re not touring, relive the highlights: make a photo book of last year’s adventures or jot down memories in a travel diary.

During the quieter months, spend a bit of time refreshing your motorhome or caravan, organising gear, or mapping out next season’s trips. Having a few adventures on the horizon always keeps the excitement alive.

Summary

Every new year brings the chance for new adventures - and this one’s no different. It’s a fresh chapter for winding roads, and making memories that remind you why you fell in love with this lifestyle in the first place.

So grab a map, set your sights on somewhere new, and start planning those 2026 journeys now. After all, the best part of caravan and motorhome ownership isn’t the destination - it’s the freedom to go wherever the road leads.