Huzzar!
Time is upon us. 23 consecutive nights in the old trout?!? Though with both front and side extension, leccy, wifi, 3 cooking options and the rest it is truely becoming "Chez Glamp"
We will be at Slapton for a while, so if you see a yellow imperial Chinese dragon flying, come over and say hello or join us for a beverage.
------------- DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders
We will be not far from Slapton - just south of Dartmouth - for a week but have eschewed all glamping and will be without EHU and anything else posh we can't squeeze into the car! Looking forward to out week away - not sure I could manage 3 tho...! Although in a Trout you might as well be in a mansion!
Longest I have ever been away camping is ten days, and that was years ago, spread over three sites. All I ever seem to manage these days is two or three nights, four max. Am envious!
As a teacher, I would spend six weeks at a time travelling all over Europe. Throw a wee three man dome tent, a gas cooker, a tarpaulin that goes above the tent and a couple of chairs into the back of the car, and away I went.
As destinations I have twice driven to Asia, Italy many times, Croatia once and Spain once. I always made a point of site-seeing all through central Europe and so I have been all through France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and all the way up from Bulgaria to Latvia on the Baltic and back through Poland.
Amazing times and only possible due to camping (who could afford to spend six weeks in hotels...certainly not a teacher!). Of course, now that I am married things are a little different, but my OH is starting to come round to the joys of canvas.
Quote: Originally posted by Greengael on 30/7/2011
As destinations I have twice driven to Asia, Italy many times, Croatia once and Spain once. I always made a point of site-seeing all through central Europe and so I have been all through France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and all the way up from Bulgaria to Latvia on the Baltic and back through Poland.
Amazing times and only possible due to camping
I agree, as a young guy living in the far east, I managed to go drive/camp in Malaysia and Indonesia and in Japan. Not quite so safe (as no organised sites) and definitely A LOT more buggy!!! But it has to be done when young and the opportunity presents. Couldn't do it now.
Tbh, we did nearly as long last year and it just flew past. This year 45 nights under the stars so far, last year only 30 odd
------------- DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders
I wish I had the nerve to do a drive and camp through Europe. I would love to dip my toe in France, for starters. I think I would do it if I had somebody with me besides my son. To pluck up courage.
I am not adverse to driving abroad, I have driven in Majorca, up into the mountains, and in the little towns and villages. That does test ones driving skills, lol with hairpins bends, sheer drops and of those narrow lanes. I should give Hard Knott pass ago, to see how it rates against the Majorcas mountainous roads.
I wish I had the nerve to do a drive and camp through Europe. I would love to dip my toe in France, for starters. I think I would do it if I had somebody with me besides my son. To pluck up courage.
I am not adverse to driving abroad, I have driven in Majorca, up into the mountains, and in the little towns and villages. That does test ones driving skills, lol with hairpins bends, sheer drops and of those narrow lanes. I should give Hard Knott pass ago, to see how it rates against the Majorcas mountainous roads.
Heather
Go for it Heather, driving in France is nicer than here, there's not as much traffic on the roads. If you want to try touring round the last 2 weeks of the summer holidays are a good time, you could get good sites without booking and head where you fancy.
I'd say go for it Heather too! If you look around on the camping abroad forum there is heaps of superb advice for first timers. Driving in France is so easy - I drove from London down to Perpignan less than a year after I passed my test ( with four of us and a packed car but I was the only driver) and took my brothers advice to avoid the motorways ( tolls) - drove back on them and they are great. For a first trip perhaps stay fairly north - Normandy, Brittany or Vendee. You don't say how old your son is - if you holiday off peak perhaps a bargain static with Canvas, Keycamp etc may be a good beginning.
Thanks Kate and Ruth, my son is 13 yrs. therefore school hols only. I would be the only driver. I'd love the experience.There does seem some fantastic places to visit. It's just the thought of the two of us. I do look longly at the forum.
Hi Heather, I'm a single parent with a son (aged 5), I have been taking him to Europe in our car and with our tent for the last 4 years (since aged 1.5) - he has a wonderful time and so do I. What's the saying ... "there is nothign to fear other than fear itself"? Driving around Europe is easy .... we are off to Switzerland next week for 3 weeks and I can't wait! Go for it .... you won't regret it!
Humbird
Did a drive and camp in the Valais in SE Switzerland 3 years back. Fantastic! Go and enjoy. Little site off the Gd St Bernard, village with indoor swim pool, can't remember the name, beautiful.
Devon awaits ...
------------- DD
May: Saint David's
Jul: South Devon
Aug: Scottish borders
Thats it, I have been persuaded. I have to make sure that I can save up enough pennies, so I can tip my toe in France. Ruth you are so brave driving abroad. only a year after you passed your test. I must admit, that it is easy driving on the other side of the road, but thats in a hired car, with the steering wheel on the correct side.
It would give Lucas a great experience, and practice his French, not forgetting myself. learning a few words. Possibly stay up North, untill I feel comfortable to wander further a field.
A big thank you for your encouragement, I do apologise for hijacking the thread.
What a result!! That is precisely what these forums are for...give it a go, especially as you now see that so many have done it before you. Saying that though, you will feel like a proper explorer, discovering lands that have seldom been explored!!!
Good luck with planning your trip. Use the forums to shout out if there is anything that you might need help with.
A friend left Blighty a couple of months ago and has now reached Romania. He has packed a tent, but with internet access he has met some wonderful people while "couch surfing".
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: The big one - 23 nights under canvas
