First Trip to Europe

[Pudsey Bear]

Someone suggested bum in the gutter, I felt more comfortable with that for drive on the right.

 

[alcam]

It never ceases to amaze me how few people recommend the WildCamping Location App for finding overnighting locations in France and Iberia. It incorporates numerous excellent wilding locations as well as some official aires. Along with https://www.campingcar-infos.com/view.php as recommended by @barryd , that is my go-to reference for France. Both also have coverage of Iberia and CCI has good coverage of numerous other European countries.

Think lack of information, reviews is a problem?
Search for sites and park 4 night covers virtually everywhere

 

[r4dent]

35 Lists
c) medication / allergies

Medication is Item 24 on my (shortened) list!

"35 c " is list of medication. I had to use this when my wife was hospitalised in Spain on our return journey and I needed extra medication whilst I waited for her to be discharged. I also include allergies on the list ... just in case.

Things like fuel prices are a moot point, because they change so often,

35 Lists
b) fuel prices by country.

35b is a list of fuel price by country, helps decide to fill up before / after the border.

This thread is to help a newby to foriegn travel, it is up to him which to take and which to ignore.

My intent was just to add a few thoughts to your excellent post, not to criticise it .

 

[marchie]

"35 c " is list of medication. I had to use this when my wife was hospitalised in Spain on our return journey and I needed extra medication whilst I waited for her to be discharged. I also include allergies on the list ... just in case.





35b is a list of fuel price by country, helps decide to fill up before / after the border.

This thread is to help a newby to foriegn travel, it is up to him which to take and which to ignore.

My intent was just to add a few thoughts to your excellent post, not to criticise it .

Thank you. I apologise for being a bit nippy; like you, I was trying to provide a 'Packing List', but, when it comes to fuel, insurance et al, I have adopted an 'it's an inescapable cost' approach. With some 20-30 refills, incl UK, an 'expensive' refuel is bound to be offset by a real cheapo refill somewhere along the line!

Steve

 

[Boris7]

We go by ferry, we also pay extra to go club, it's only about £18 I think (Liz does all that stuff, I'm only the driver) you get decent seats, not so many people, NO KIDS or pets, and the food, drink and booze is included, a few scrotes fill their bags up too, no one says owt.

Truth is he has to go club due to his left foot.

 

[number14]

Print off a couple of copies of the European accident form (Constat Amiable D'Accident Automobile)
Available from your insurance company or just do an online search and download.

 

[Canalsman]

It never ceases to amaze me how few people recommend the WildCamping Location App for finding overnighting locations in France and Iberia. It incorporates numerous excellent wilding locations as well as some official aires. Along with https://www.campingcar-infos.com/view.php as recommended by @barryd , that is my go-to reference for France. Both also have coverage of Iberia and CCI has good coverage of numerous other European countries.

Thanks Tom.

I was about to make the same point!

I can assure all travellers to France and the Iberian Peninsula that our app has LOTS of wild camping places that DO NOT appear in certain other well known apps!!

Don't forget to use it...

 

[Pudsey Bear]

I put a few in last year that we stayed at found on other apps.

 

[n brown]

as i always say ,a 12' towrope . mainly used for getting out of soft patches and slippy grass

you can keep a baguete for a week or so buy wrapping in clingfilm , goes a bit chewy but ok

 

[jagmanx]

Simply do not rush and stay 2or3 nights in some places.
Despite planning some Aires look ok but move on if necessary,

 

[njward]

Hello
I'm really appreciating all the advise, thanks to all for finding the time to respond. We are only going for 3 weeks this time as that's the maximum time I can get off work but it's a good start. My wife is hoping it will encourage me to retire so we can spend more time travelling. Most things are sorted now, just need European breakdown cover which seems expensive as our van is just over 10 years old. These guys will cover us for about £90 Autoaid but it's difficult to work out what the cover involves. I will try and call them today.

 

[marchie]

as i always say ,a 12' towrope . mainly used for getting out of soft patches and slippy grass

you can keep a baguete for a week or so buy wrapping in clingfilm , goes a bit chewy but ok

Or, a few light drops/a sprinkle of water, and pop into the oven, especially as it is cooling down after cooking, say, a pizza. Refreshes bread rolls beautifully (rescued 5 last night!)

Steve

 

[rugbyken]

if as you say your only going for 3 weeks it would be worth noting that most of europe shuts down in august and it is far easier finding a spot in july or september, i envy you discovering all the lovely places you will find but i would think central France would provide enough material for a first trip as a learning curve , check the sim you use in your phone etc 3 or O2 only give minimal roaming data but smarty ID mobile both 3 give more as do tesco mobile on O2 personally i find the tesco deal best at the moment as you can use your whole package within the EU

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Hello
I'm really appreciating all the advise, thanks to all for finding the time to respond. We are only going for 3 weeks this time as that's the maximum time I can get off work but it's a good start. My wife is hoping it will encourage me to retire so we can spend more time travelling. Most things are sorted now, just need European breakdown cover which seems expensive as our van is just over 10 years old. These guys will cover us for about £90 Autoaid but it's difficult to work out what the cover involves. I will try and call them today.

Our van is an 07, we have been with Brittania rescue for about 10 years and have used them a few times and they are good, we pay £110 for the gold service and it covers both of us in ANY vehicle up to 7.5t including the EU, there are part of Liverpool & Victoria so are well backed up, they use the recovery companies nearest to you.

 

[Jo001]

Check the Nationwide flex plus account. You do pay for it, but it covers your own holiday insurance and vehicle breakdown cover.

 

[Trotter]

if as you say your only going for 3 weeks it would be worth noting that most of europe shuts down in august and it is far easier finding a spot in july or september, i envy you discovering all the lovely places you will find but i would think central France would provide enough material for a first trip as a learning curve , check the sim you use in your phone etc 3 or O2 only give minimal roaming data but smarty ID mobile both 3 give more as do tesco mobile on O2 personally i find the tesco deal best at the moment as you can use your whole package within the EU

Ken, my Smarty sim will only give 12gb of data usage roaming.
I’ve struggled for years to find a provider who will supply a sensible amount. 100ish of gb. Buying local seems to be the answer.
I will be happy to accept any offers of advice.

 

[Jo001]

Ken, my Smarty sim will only give 12gb of data usage roaming.
I’ve struggled for years to find a provider who will supply a sensible amount. 100ish of gb. Buying local seems to be the answer.
I will be happy to accept any offers of advice.

Tesco were still doing the Home from Home deal last month (and possibly still are, but you'd need to check) which allows the same usage in the EU as in the UK.

 

[marchie]

Addenda to my Packing List:

1. Cable Ties - 200mm (Ideal if your wing mirror blows shut in strong winds; also useful for holding the plastic under seat grilles if they have cracked)
2. BluTak - ideal for keeping roof vents for kitchen and bathroom closed when travelling if the friction catch has worn

OP mentioned retirement, so ferry travel on DFDS Newhaven-Dieppe is attractive. 20% discount (book by phone and press 2 for English speaking staff) on both Fare and Cabins. Overnight sailing can be ridiculously cheap and a shower before arrival is refreshing. 0530 arrival at Dieppe means easy travel around Rouen before Rush Hour, or drive about 2 miles and use Carrefour Dieppe Aire (no services) for a sleep before starting the trip in earnest

Steve

 

[Moonraker 2]

Just chant: steering wheel curb, steering wheel curb, a few times when setting off. I find it helps. Be very aware of the right of way at some junctions it's different to ours.
Aires in small villages are great, away from large towns and popular places.
France is great. Don't try and go too far in 3 weeks. Linger and enjoy, rivers, canals, castles, fantastic!!!

 

[Trotter]

if as you say your only going for 3 weeks it would be worth noting that most of europe shuts down in august and it is far easier finding a spot in july or september, i envy you discovering all the lovely places you will find but i would think central France would provide enough material for a first trip as a learning curve , check the sim you use in your phone etc 3 or O2 only give minimal roaming data but smarty ID mobile both 3 give more as do tesco mobile on O2 personally i find the tesco deal best at the moment as you can use your whole package within the EU

Ken, my Smarty sim will only give 12gb of data usage roaming

Tesco were still doing the Home from Home deal last month (and possibly still are, but you'd need to check) which allows the same usage in the EU as in the UK.

yup guaranteed until next year. By the time I can get away, it would hardly be worth my while changing suppliers. Thanks for the advice anyway