From the Editor
upfront | welcome
From the Editor
2017 off to a promising start
# 25
Coming back to work at the end of summer holidays is never easy , but at least we returned to some good news and a bursting mail bag . The good news was in the form of end of year financial data released by the Roy Morgan research company showing 2016 was the best year on record for Australia ’ s caravan and camping sector . The number of RV and camping trips made by Australians during the year rose by 13 percent to total almost 12 million . Here ’ s hoping for an even better 2017 where we all get the chance to escape work and enjoy the country more ! Our back-to-work mailbag came brimming with stacks of reader surveys . Thanks to those who took the time to fill out the form included in our last issue . We really enjoyed getting your feedback , knowing what you like about ROAM and how you think we could improve . You ’ ll see some changes immediately , including more international coverage . In this issue , regulars Richard and Glynis Dickins take us on a caravan journey through Scotland and we have an interesting RV update from the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas . Stand by for more improvements in coming months . You can read some of the results from the survey on page 16 . We ’ ll have more in our next issue , including details on the parks and tourist destinations you voted as your favourites .
In this issue we explore the troubling issue of so-called " lemon " caravans and tell you how to best avoid buying one . This is a serious problem , with way too many buyers being caught out and we ’ ll continue to follow this in future issues . We also have a fun feature on how you can eat your way around Australia by going to the country ' s best food and wine festivals . In our regular look-back at history , we meet one of the legends from the colourful era of country show boxing tents . Elwin Bell has lived in caravans all his life and he allowed us in to his shed to see some of the rare artefacts he ’ s collected on his travels around the continent . The Leylands are back with a look at some the attractions they ’ ve enjoyed with family over the holidays near their new home in northern Tasmania . People often ask me , is there another generation of Leylands ready to tell Australia ’ s stories the way Mike , Mal and Laraine have ? Well maybe there is , as you ’ ll see in this feature .
# 23
Until next time , enjoy the read and Happy Roaming ! Rod Bruem , editor @ timetoroam . com . au
timetoroam . com . au | phone 02 6621 2463
Who
Time to Roam Australia is one of Australia ’ s highest circulating RV and travel magazines , available in both print and digital formats since 2013 . Our magazine is distributed via 2000 newsagents and via our advertising partners . Publisher
Phillip Terry phill @ timetoroam . com . au
Managing Editor
Rod Bruem editor @ timetoroam . com . au Advertising & Admin Manager Jo Grenfell jo @ timetoroam . com . au Graphic Design
Linda Buckley
Journalist
Kimberley Nicoll kimberley @ timetoroam . com . au
What
Our magazine is proudly printed in Australia by Spotpress in Sydney NSW using paper sourced from recycling or from sustainable forests .
Where
You ’ ll find us at 22 Cathcart St Lismore NSW 2480 . Our postal address is PO Box 999 Lismore NSW 2480 .
When
ROAM is published six times per year and you can subscribe using the form on page 86 .
How
We ’ re an independent family-owned business , what we do is made possible with the support of our advertisers listed on page 79 . To book an ad in ROAM , call us on the number above or contact our National Sales Manager Mick Haynes on 0429 995 833 .
We greatly value the support of our contributors . In this issue they are Trevor Warden , David Cook , Richard and Glynis Dickins , Julia Svoice , Fiona McGee , Richard Robertson , Mal and Laraine Leyland , Steve Czassano , Alison McQueen .
We welcome contributions from readers and you can direct any ideas to editor @ timetoroam . com . au
Why
Here ' s the legal stuff : Time to Roam is copyright with all content the exclusive property of Time to Roam Australia Pty Ltd . No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher . All reviews and product endorsements are published in good faith based on information believed to be reliable and Time Roam accepts no liability for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction . Advertisements should not be construed as an endorsement by the publisher . All advertisements in ROAM are the responsibility of the advertiser .
Our ABN is 24160144525 . Australia Post Registered Print publication 100009867
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