Help, advice, tips, comments for first Motorhome trip via France to Spain.

Have you got a friend willing to go down with you? Fly back when OH gets there.

As mentioned, quite a few solo women travellers.
Driving on your own can get a bit tedious, but soon get used to it. I've driven that way a fair few times solo. Soon get used to RHD too, as for tolls, it's fairly easy to pop over to passenger seat and deal with machines, or leave a bit of space and get out, have your card or coins ready and all will go smoothly.
Can easily be done in 4 days, if not touring around looking at stuff.
 
Tolls - RHD good point but would just have to get out - but means more expensive than if we'd gone no tolls together. Other point could 'take my time' on no tolls but ?? harder to drive ?? toll roads / motorways easier as said and quicker to get to Spain/destination.

Worst case scenario is I have an accident and dogs either escape and are hurt/lost- would never forgive myself or OH or I have to go hosp - what happens to them?? if I'm 'repatriated' how do they get home. This is probably the ONLY possibiltiy that is stopping me going on my own. I could ciope with all the rest. Nightmare scenario - which have to be considered. No other option than to take them with me.

Yes breakdowns etc all covered by insurance - the point more is dealing with all that on my own.

Yes very difficult decision and one I wish I had not be put in position to make.
 
Not bothered about driving/ on my own - nothing like that. Main issue is if anything happens to dogs.

Any solo ladies done it/doing it with dogs (two good medium size - one 8 stone!!!!! not good with other dogs - added problem but would deal with that) they are good couch potatoes.
 
Worst case - something happening to dogs in motorhome (broken into) whilst i was in supermarket/restuarant cafe/looking at houses (would be going in MH and they'd be with me wherever I go in MH).

I know it sounds a bit doom and gloom which I'm not but have to think about possible scenarios - not to blinkered or think it would be all garden of roses.
 
Upforadventure said:
Dear all,
I know dogs are not allowed to be able to get into the driving area in France (and ?Spain). We are planning to section them off in the rear lounge. But do they HAVE to be 'secured' as in attached to a lead
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Just noticed that bit of the post.

Hope this goes without saying, but I'm saying it any way.

Lead and Harness not Lead and Collar.

Change of subject.
I always change my watch to the other wrist when driving on the right.
Just feels a bit different and acts has an additional reminder.
 
r4dent said:
Just noticed that bit of the post.

Hope this goes without saying, but I'm saying it any way.

Lead and Harness not Lead and Collar.
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(Yes get your point) Actually got nothing to attach either to in the rear lounge i believe - hoping sectioning them off would be good enough. Others have said doggies are in front with them and I thought that was a total no no in France but doesn't seem to have been an issue. They would be quite happy chilling on the seats - it's the 'authorities' I'm more concerned about if they stop me???
 
I've been over to France a couple of times and last time I drove down through France and Spain to Portugal, on my own with my dog. It was a couple of years ago I went last, before ****** and Covid, don't know if anything has changed now?
Driving on the "wrong" side of the road wasn't a problem, but I had done it a number of times before in cars.
The first time, Reg the dog (large Springer Spaniel) travelled in his harness attached by a shortish lead to the seat belt clip, on the front passenger seat, which was reversed (I had the air bag disabled) and no-one ever said anything, I had no idea it wasn't allowed in France!
Last time, (different van) he travelled in a harness which was attached low down to the bar at the back of my seat, on a bed on the floor behind me, although the lead was long enough to allowed him to stand between me and the passenger seat when he wanted to, and to reach his water bowl.
Dog food isn't a problem - he was quite happy with Lidl meat and biscuits, which he had at home anyway, although I did experiment with some Portuguese dog food as well from the local supermarkets and that was fine too.
I mostly stayed in wild camping spots and on Aires, just some nights on campsites when I wanted to have a shower and wash my hair or clothes - although I did wash clothes sometimes whilst shopping in supermarkets where they had washing machines outside.
 
Just a point on the passport hold up, is that an estimated 2 1/2 weeks? I renewed my passport just over a year ago and was expecting delays due to covid but it came exactly 2 weeks after applying for it so you never know, it may arrive a week earlier than you expect if that makes any difference. The online tracking was quite good for checking the status when I used it.
 
Caz said:
I've been over to France a couple of times and last time I drove down through France and Spain to Portugal, on my own with my dog. It was a couple of years ago I went last, before ****** and Covid, don't know if anything has changed now?
Driving on the "wrong" side of the road wasn't a problem, but I had done it a number of times before in cars.
The first time, Reg the dog (large Springer Spaniel) travelled in his harness attached by a shortish lead to the seat belt clip, on the front passenger seat, which was reversed (I had the air bag disabled) and no-one ever said anything, I had no idea it wasn't allowed in France!
Last time, (different van) he travelled in a harness which was attached low down to the bar at the back of my seat, on a bed on the floor behind me, although the lead was long enough to allowed him to stand between me and the passenger seat when he wanted to, and to reach his water bowl.
Dog food isn't a problem - he was quite happy with Lidl meat and biscuits, which he had at home anyway, although I did experiment with some Portuguese dog food as well from the local supermarkets and that was fine too.
I mostly stayed in wild camping spots and on Aires, just some nights on campsites when I wanted to have a shower and wash my hair or clothes - although I did wash clothes sometimes whilst shopping in supermarkets where they had washing machines outside.
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Thank you x ☺️
 
AllanD said:
Just a point on the passport hold up, is that an estimated 2 1/2 weeks? I renewed my passport just over a year ago and was expecting delays due to covid but it came exactly 2 weeks after applying for it so you never know, it may arrive a week earlier than you expect if that makes any difference. The online tracking was quite good for checking the status when I used it.
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OH had passport - expired approx 2005 - hasn't got it. He thought apply for new one. He knew he needed one months ago. Online system required someone in certain 'occupations' who knew him for two years to sign - didn't tell me - didn't think of anyone. Last week I found out he hadn't done it and he thought he could drive to Peterborough to get it on the day which he did this Monday. No! He came back empty handed. Cos he has had previous PP paperwork still has to signed by someone he's known for 2 years 'in a certain position'. I suggested a couple of people straight away (after blowing a gasket and thinking wt* do we do now!?!?!?!🤬🤬🤬) . He has an appt for 14th and he'll get it 7 days (??) later - 21st/23rd ?? and we were due to leave Monday 11th. Hence puttng me in this position I would rather not have been in. I have organise, booked, arranged, researched everything else. Not a happy bunny!!
 
I have been to France and Spain on my own ( older lady in very small van) but with no dogs. I don't expect problems and really have not had any in 4 long trips ( 2 months each time)
Is it too late to go by ferry? Cuts out a lot of driving.
In Spain they do not like wild camping. However they are very tolerant of you using car parks ( not in big cities) many small villages have car parks on the edge of town. Just don't camp. They do also have basic Aires.
Food much cheaper in Spain so buy there.
Loved all of my trips to Spain.
 
Regarding travelling on your own try and keep it in perspective.

I have made 7 three month plus trips to France and Spain with only one minor breakdown. This was an intermittent connection to an injector. Breakdown recovery sorted this out for me very quickly.

Security really isn't an issue if you overnight sensibly. If you stop where other motorhomes are stopping that will provide reassurance.

I've been wild camping alone with my dogs for 12 years now and have never had any security concerns. Once I moved on because the spot didn't feel right. And that's a good policy to pursue.

I'm unaware of anyone else who has had a problem either.

One situation is difficult when driving on the right. This is when turning right onto a dual carriageway or similar. The instinct is to cross the central reservation!

Put a sticker on your steering wheel. Bum In Gutter, BIG for short!

So take heart and go for it I would say.
 
Upforadventure said:
OH had passport - expired approx 2005 - hasn't got it. He thought apply for new one. He knew he needed one months ago. Online system required someone in certain 'occupations' who knew him for two years to sign - didn't tell me - didn't think of anyone. Last week I found out he hadn't done it and he thought he could drive to Peterborough to get it on the day which he did this Monday. No! He came back empty handed. Cos he has had previous PP paperwork still has to signed by someone he's known for 2 years 'in a certain position'. I suggested a couple of people straight away (after blowing a gasket and thinking wt* do we do now!?!?!?!🤬🤬🤬) . He has an appt for 14th and he'll get it 7 days (??) later - 21st/23rd ?? and we were due to leave Monday 11th. Hence puttng me in this position I would rather not have been in. I have organise, booked, arranged, researched everything else. Not a happy bunny!!
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Would I be correct in saying , if you do decide to go by yourself , there will be no farewell kiss ?
 
witzend said:
Surely You can't blame him for You not applying for his passport in time I've never had to even think about such things Should a man have to concern himself with mundane things like this
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You are dicing with death if your oh reads this!!!:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
Wooie1958 said:
Toll roads abroad in a RHD vehicle are hard when you are on your own.
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Not if you get a tag.

I have a Bip&Go tag which is good for France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. If anyone wants one drop me a message as I can get you 4€ off (in fact we both get 4€ off our next bill).

I have no connection with the company except as a happy customer who used the tag right through France with zero barrier lifting problems.
 
REC said:
You are dicing with death if your oh reads this!!!:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
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No I've never interfered with any thing clerical in our household. If I ever had to sign for anything I'd have to get shown what my signature looks like, Any thing thats sent to me gets opened replied to and I don't ever see it
 
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GMJ said:
Not if you get a tag.

I have a Bip&Go tag which is good for France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. If anyone wants one drop me a message as I can get you 4€ off (in fact we both get 4€ off our next bill).

I have no connection with the company except as a happy customer who used the tag right through France with zero barrier lifting problems.
Click to expand...
Dare say a lot easier but not a big problem nipping out to pay .
 
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