First time abroad - general pointers?

[phorbiuz_5071560]

Hi

This kind of question probably crops up frequently, but here goes.

We've been caravanning for a few years now and have pretty much done most of the places we want to. Leading from this we would like to take the van abroad for the first time. I've never driven abroad and the idea is a little daunting. We're considering Norway and Sweden.

As we've not done this we don't know where to start, with ferries, sites, fees, legalities etc.

Can anyone point us in a good beginners direction?

Thanks.

 

[Lutz]

Our very first taste of caravanning abroad was to Norway, mainly because it is such an expensive country to tour any other way. Competition between ferry routes is not as intense as across the Channel so there's less benefit in booking early to get a good price. Campsites in Norway and Sweden are about as close to nature as you can get and family run so don't expect much in the way of facilities. One should therefore be prepared to be relatively self-sufficient. Very often there are no marked pitches so you can nearly always find a quiet spot but make sure you have an electric lead that's long enough. You may be up to 50 metres away from a power point. There's absolutely no need to book in advance. If I remember rightly, campsites are not expensive due to the limited services offered. As regards legalities, there nothing special to watch out for. The speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 kph in both Norway and Sweden (if you're going through Denmark don't forget it's only 70kph there except on motorways). Fines are drastic, even for parking offences. You have to drive with dipped beam even during daylight hours.

 

[Clubman1]

"Time spent on reconnaissance is never wasted" is a phrase that still rings in my ears, even if it is a "paper" recce. Can I suggest as a starter that you purchase from the Caravan Club their excellent Caravan Europe 2 Sites Guide and Handbook (you don't have to be a member to do this). This handbook gives a wealth of advice on all matters caravanning in Scandinavia from speed limits, customs issues, emergency contact as well as information on sites. In addition I would further suggest that you interrogate the internet for relevant information as contact the UK Tourist Information offices of the countries you plan to visit. Spell out to them what you propose to do and ask them for info advice etc. They make ask for a small donation for literature they send you. Don't forget the travel and medical insurance. For me planning the trip is as enjoyable as the trip itself. Enjoy the time you spend planning the adventure, there is nothing quite like that first trip abroad with the 'van.

 

[mike_5041092]

Our very first taste of caravanning abroad was to Norway, mainly because it is such an expensive country to tour any other way. Competition between ferry routes is not as intense as across the Channel so there's less benefit in booking early to get a good price. Campsites in Norway and Sweden are about as close to nature as you can get and family run so don't expect much in the way of facilities. One should therefore be prepared to be relatively self-sufficient. Very often there are no marked pitches so you can nearly always find a quiet spot but make sure you have an electric lead that's long enough. You may be up to 50 metres away from a power point. There's absolutely no need to book in advance. If I remember rightly, campsites are not expensive due to the limited services offered. As regards legalities, there nothing special to watch out for. The speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 kph in both Norway and Sweden (if you're going through Denmark don't forget it's only 70kph there except on motorways). Fines are drastic, even for parking offences. You have to drive with dipped beam even during daylight hours.

Quote

"Competition between ferry routes is not as intense as across the Channel so there's less benefit in booking early to get a good price"

What complete and utter rubbish.. The prices are higher because A) It's a 21 - 26 hr sailing and only operates between twice and three times weekly depending if you sail to Bergen or Kristiansand.

Quote from Fjord Line

"Our new pricing policy means the earlier you book the lower the fare and the greater the saving! Our flexible fares offer the lowest fares at the time of booking with prices increasing with demand"

Quote from DFDS

"With our flexible price programme, booking early means having a better chance of getting the date you want to travel and the standard of accommodation you require all at the lowest possible price. Savings are subject to availability and prices will increase with demand, so be the first to book and take advantage of the new low prices"

Would you like sauce with your hat?

 

[mikeE]

David,

Re. D.F.D.S. - I found this year they take 'vans free on some days though that was to Ijmuiden - not sure if that would apply to Scandinavia - but it seems if you do not ask they do not tell you.

 

[mike_5041092]

David,

Re. D.F.D.S. - I found this year they take 'vans free on some days though that was to Ijmuiden - not sure if that would apply to Scandinavia - but it seems if you do not ask they do not tell you.

DFDS don't carry trailers or caravans on their services to/from Norway or Sweden throughout July and August and on many dates in June. The reason for this is that these services don't have the same year round demand for car deck capacity so the size of ship has to take account of this. The result is limited car deck capacity during the peak summer months.

Fjord Line may have new ship for 2006 with more car deck capacity so the situation may improve. They have had a free caravan offer with the Caravan club as have DFDS but not durning the main summer holiday period

 

[Lutz]

Our very first taste of caravanning abroad was to Norway, mainly because it is such an expensive country to tour any other way. Competition between ferry routes is not as intense as across the Channel so there's less benefit in booking early to get a good price. Campsites in Norway and Sweden are about as close to nature as you can get and family run so don't expect much in the way of facilities. One should therefore be prepared to be relatively self-sufficient. Very often there are no marked pitches so you can nearly always find a quiet spot but make sure you have an electric lead that's long enough. You may be up to 50 metres away from a power point. There's absolutely no need to book in advance. If I remember rightly, campsites are not expensive due to the limited services offered. As regards legalities, there nothing special to watch out for. The speed limit outside built-up areas is 80 kph in both Norway and Sweden (if you're going through Denmark don't forget it's only 70kph there except on motorways). Fines are drastic, even for parking offences. You have to drive with dipped beam even during daylight hours.

I didn't say it wasn't worth booking early. I just meant to say that the spread between the cheapest and the most expensive offers for North Sea crossings is not as great as across the Channel.

 

[MikeP]

I didn't say it wasn't worth booking early. I just meant to say that the spread between the cheapest and the most expensive offers for North Sea crossings is not as great as across the Channel.

At work I often have to tell my students to "read the question". Surely this is a case of "read the answer"? "Competition ... not as intense ... less benefit in booking early ..."

Looks clear enough to me. No absolutes in what Lutz said.

I might be a bit of a cynic, but the ferry companies want you to book early so that they can get your deposit into their coffers and keep you from being tempted by other routes later on. The obvious carrot is lower prices.