Last weekend, while we were all at home watching the general election results unfold and lamenting over the weather, it was all laughs for eight teams of franchisees as they tooted and waved their way across six European countries all in fancy dress.

At one stage there was Willy Wonka up the Alps, Scooby Doo in a helicopter and human bumble bees posing for shots when they became the latest tourist attraction.

Clocking up almost 2,000 miles, they drove in their decorated cars along autobahns of Germany, up winding mountain slopes of Switzerland and through Medieval villages of France. The event concluded with a few high-speed rounds of the Dutch F1 circuit in Zandvoort.

And while they were at it they completed wacky challenges en route. Making sand castles and paragliding were just some of the hijinks the teams got up to.

Why? Charity, of course.

Even before they started out on this epic adventure, all the teams had collectively raised £58,000 but as they crossed the finish line that total had risen to £63,000!

The Travel Franchise’s customer-facing arm, Not Just Travel, was one of the headline sponsors for what is the fifth Travel Trade Crusade described as “the most fun charity event in the travel industry”.

“It’s been an absolute blast,” said consultant David Walker (aka Scooby Doo). “Our little team has had so many laughs along the way. We’re tired, sick of crisps (I never thought I would ever say that!) but extremely grateful for all those who have donated.”

Not Just Travel cruise business development manager, Gemma Outram said: “My feet are swollen, the bags under my eyes wouldn’t fit in a Ryanair overhead and I’m not sure what day of the week it is! But it’s been such a fun experience making memories and friends for life.”

And travel consultant Cath Bracegirlde, who has only just recovered from traversing Switzerland dressed as a ‘golden ticket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, said she’d had “the time of her life”.

“We camped on one of the nights,” she said. “We pitched our tent beside Lake Thun in Switzerland and sitting beside the shore in the sun looking at the snow-capped mountains was just magical. It’s been an exhilarating, hilarious weekend and I’m so proud having raised money for much-needed charities.”

Co-founder Paul Harrison said: “We’re so proud to have sponsored this year’s Travel Trade Crusade. Our franchisees may not have a background in travel but they are truly passionate about travel and that’s what counts. They truly threw themselves into this event to raise money for charity. The spirit of this event is right up our street.”