Come and join us

[RayS]

I'm posting this under General rather than Overseas since it is addressed to yhe more senior members who, for whatever reason, have never toured 'Overseas' and would thus not be looking at that section of the forum.

The message is simple. If you have never tried a caravan / motorhome visit into Europe please give it another thought. Driving in Europe except big cities is generally much more relaxing than in UK. Campsites may be a little more basic, but are usually very welcoming.

I write from a small site in South East Spain which, on the eve of Good Friday, is nearly empty and quiet, with an air temperature of around 20 C and a pleasent mix of Brit, dutch, German, french and native Spanish campers. Most of us are well above 70 years old. Help in putting up or taking down awnings etc. is there without asking. Local folk are friendly and supermarkets excellent with UK products if you need them. Get an EHIC card free for medical cover and come south and enjoy the Spring sunshine, company, reasonable prices and meeting new friends.
We have been doing this now for 15 years, and thought it was time we shared it with others who may have thought about it but for various reasons decided not too.

Give it a go; very unlikely you will be disappointed. Put any questins you may have into the 'Overseas' category and watch the answers come flooding in !

 

[ianthebuilder]

Hi ray,,i am very new to caravanning,so new infact i havnt bought my tourer yet,,,but this winter around oct nov i would be ready to drive to spain,,i know it will be an adventure but i wonder if you could tell me,,are there people who do this in groups at the same time so its not so daunting for a newbee ?? cheers and hope you are all well and enjoying your time in the warmer climbs ! ian

 

[Cento16v]

We will certainly be having a trip to Spain in ours next year, would loved to have gone this year but no holidays left as we have a big trip in summer without the van.

What a welcoming post, it's what makes the experience of caravanning what it is, the people that are part of it.

 

[joby1]

We used to go to Vilanova in Spain over the Christmas and new year and stay for 2 Months , lots to do in Vilanova Park plus we used our camping cheques there and you get discounts the longer you stay , but the last time we went we got off the ferry in Dunkirque straight into a snow Blizzard we decided to carry onto Paris and it eased off so just past Paris we decided to get some sleep in the services , but when we awoke and looked out the window every thing was white , but we could still see the traffic moving so we decided to carry on , the journey was horrendous the wipers were icing up even though blower was on full on the windscreen so we had to stop on the services at regular intervals to bash the ice from the wipers , my biggest fear was the Pyrinees , but luckily there was no snow there but it was still minus 10 coming passed Barcelona , and there was still snow on the caravan when we arrived on the site in Vilanova , a week later we met another couple who just came in and he said he came down the same time as us , but he tried to leave the motorway to go to a caravan site he said that was the worse thing he done because none of the side roads had been cleared he got stuck ,

 

[RayS]

Thanks for replies to date, very kind. Yes, Ian there are groups and tge two larger caravan clubs do escorted tours, particulalrly to France, which may be a good introduction.

It's a little difficult to know how to advise you. Having been doing it for many years it's all second nature now. First you need to be reasonably confident about towing, know how to balance the outfit etc. generally towing here is much easier than in UK due to far less traffic on the better roads. But of course you are on the 'wrong' side and I would almost suggest a short car only excursion to get used to this.

Then, take your time. If you can mannage it use the toll roads for the long distances. Much less stressful. Join one of the major clubs for overseas travel and medical insurance. If you don't already know some try to get the basics of the language, although this is far from essentil. Supermarkets make for very easy shopping.

Read a lot of the other threads on this section of the Forum. Tons of good advice.

Leaving in two days after 105 nights on the site, price about 11 GBP per night with electrics.
Currently 23 degerrs C and sunny. Everyone else went home for Easter so we have 10 outfits on 100 pitch site., with the mimosa in bloom and very drinkable wine at less than 2 GBP a bottle. ( just to keep ypu hooked)

 

[ianthebuilder]

Thanks ray,,now im feeling a bit sick !! my house costs me more than that to keep heated,,lolol and your right about the practice drive to france,that is on the books for august(when house is on the market) Im assuming your saying the toll roads are more direct and easier to tow on,,,hope your well wherever you are now,enjoy your drive back,whenever, and thanks for the advice,,,ian..