anuary has a reputation for dragging its feet. The weather’s cold, the evenings are long, and summer touring feels a long way off. But for anyone who loves caravans, motorhomes and campervans, this time of year also has a quiet advantage, it’s perfect for planning what’s next.
You don’t need to be booking a big holiday or heading miles from home. Sometimes, just thinking about getting back on the road is enough to lift the mood. And winter is the ideal time to start.
Why January Is a Great Time to Think About Travel
After the rush of Christmas, January slows things down — and that’s not always a bad thing. With fewer plans competing for attention, it’s a great moment to sit down, open a map, scroll through campsites or think about where you’d like to go when you get the chance.
Planning a trip – even a small one – gives you something to look forward to. It reminds you that weekends away, open roads and fresh scenery are still ahead, even if they’re not happening just yet.
And the best part?
You don’t need to book anything today.
Small Trips, Big Impact
Winter touring doesn’t have to mean long drives or full weeks away. Some of the best January trips are the simplest:
- A one-night stay
- A weekend close to home
- A familiar place seen in a different season
These short breaks are easy to plan, easy to manage and still give you that “we’ve been away” feeling.
They’re also perfect if you’re new to touring or easing back into travel after a busy end to the year.
Staying Local, Feeling Away
One of the best things about touring is how quickly the scenery and the mindset can change. A drive of an hour or two can take you somewhere completely different, whether that’s the coast, the countryside or a quiet rural site.
Staying local means:
- Shorter journeys
- Less packing
- Less pressure
- More time to relax
And in winter, quieter roads and calmer campsites make those nearby escapes even more appealing.
Your Caravan or Motorhome Isn’t Just for Summer
It’s easy to think of touring vehicles as summer-only, but winter trips offer a completely different experience. Modern caravans, motorhomes and campervans are warm, comfortable and well equipped, making them ideal for off-season breaks.
Winter touring often looks like:
- Peaceful pitches
- Crisp morning walks
- Warm interiors
- Slower days
It’s less about packed schedules and more about enjoying the journey at your own pace.
Coastal Walks, Countryside Stops and Fresh Air
Winter is a great time to explore places that feel busy in summer. Coastal paths are quieter, countryside walks feel calmer, and popular areas suddenly have space to breathe.
You don’t need long to enjoy it either. A short walk, some fresh air and then heading back to your caravan or motorhome for something warm can be enough to reset the week.
Sometimes the simplest plans turn into the best trips.
Plan for Enjoyment, Not Distance
When planning winter trips, it helps to focus less on how far you’ll go and more on how you want the break to feel.
Do you want:
- A calm, quiet site?
- Space to walk and explore?
- A change of scenery without rushing?
Planning around comfort and enjoyment — rather than miles covered — makes winter touring far more relaxed.
A Better Way to Get Through January
January doesn’t need fixing. It just needs something to look forward to.
Planning a short trip.
Thinking about your next route.
Imagining where you might park up for a night or two.
Those small travel plans can make winter feel lighter and remind you why you love touring in the first place.
The road will still be there when you’re ready. For now, there’s no harm in starting to plan.
