Quote: Originally posted by MrsKP81 on 31/8/2014Thinking about the practicalities
I assume if need to carry passport and driving licence when driving in France and also certificate of insurance. Is there anything else I'd never to carry or be aware of?
V5 (and permission from registerd keeper if not yourself).
I did a first time trip to France on my own in 1990 when I wanted to take my sons on holiday. I was divorced, and had a nine year old and a three year old with me - so neither any use at map reading and there were no SatNavs then. I just went for it! I read up, researched my route, knew just where I was heading for, from where, and through which towns, and got right down to Grau du Roi on the Mediterranean. I did a side trip to see friends near St Tropez, and came home again!
Only problem - not the driving, not the campsites, not filling up, or tolls, but that I forgot to put a film in my camera and have absolutely no record of the holiday!
Just do it - you really won't find it as worrying as 'worrying about it' makes it seem! Once you've done it you'll look back and be proud of yourself.
If you're thinking of taking your Motability car on holiday with you abroad , you will need to obtain a VE103 form from the RAC (this is confirmation that you have permission to take the car abroad). If you are travelling within Europe, you will be offered RAC European Breakdown Cover when you request your VE103. However, if you are travelling outside of Europe, and you wish to have breakdown cover, you will be responsible for arranging this separately. To discuss extending your cover with RAC Motability Assist, telephone the special foreign travel line on 0800 73 133 10."
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Go for it!
An easy crossing & drive would be Dover-Calais by boat or Chunnel, then a leisurely 1 1/2 hour drive down the A 16 to St Valery sur Somme. It is a really pretty seaside town.
Have a great holiday!
Driving in France is a pleasure. (read up on roundabout etiquette!!as mentioned in an earlier post) We usually go to South but just back from second trip this year to Loire valley. I also do all the driving. No probs. Well, my only prob is husband who is hopeless map reader, and I can't do that and drive at same time!!! Go for it. Also take note of which motorways are toll. Some are not. We never do 'peage'. Too expensive. Plus on main roads you get to see more of France and can stop for a coffee or a visit when you wish. Apart from ferry we never book either.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I hate driving in the UK, but in France I do 95%. It's a pleasure.
I don't know whether the incidence of heavy road haulage is reduced (more by train?), it's a bigger country for less traffic, they just get more EU money for roads, or all of the above, whatever, the quality of the surface is often better, and certainly the density of traffic is often less.
Last few years, we've landed west, mainly for the west and south-west destinations, so it's a while since we've seen the really busy traffic you get south and south-east going down to the Med. And of course, we're nowhere near the M25, M20, M2/A2, or indeed Paris.
Bizarrely, my biggest problem is if there's no traffic, so no visual reminders if I'm not paying attention. So, being a creature of habit, I stick one of the little diagrams from Halfords on the windscreen. But within 5 minutes, it's second nature, and totally normal again.
This is a useful resource and gives examples of signs.
As to destinations, from Liverpool the UK port distances are much of a muchness, and if the budget allows, a western crossing can act as the overnight then on landing, you're right there. Even the southern Vendee is only 4 quiet hours from St Malo. And the north and west coasts are brilliant for the beaches if your kids like that.
An alternative from you would be east on the M62 and go from Hull into north western Europe (loads of sites) or go south from there down through Belgium and into eastern France.
I'd decide what you want from an area, then research travel options and sites so as to best deliver that expectation. It's worth some thinking about, as being a tenter it's not always that easy to upsticks and move on. But the planning is part of it!
Go for it, I say. I only wish I'd done it when my first two were little years ago.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide on!
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
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: Camping abroad
