UK v Abroad ?
We're very new to this game and despite having our caravan only a couple of weeks we have visited 4 sites so far and we're off again next week for a week but we're keeping local (Norfolk) and getting used to everything.
I just wondered how long you left it before making your first long trip and have you ventured abroad ?
If so where did you go and how long had you been caravanning before you made that move?
I am feeling happy to stay in the UK for the foreseeable as I think there are so many brilliant places to visit.
Comments
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There are indeed loads of fantastic UK places to visit and we have done some and hope to do more.
We only started about 5 years ago (just before we retired in one piece) and bought the caravan with the specific intention of going abroad for longer periods (not worth it for us going for a couple of weeks if you have expensive ferry costs to write off?)
We don't go in the peak periods.
Good Points: Roads are usually VERY quiet compared to UK, travelling is easy and relaxed. Usually no need to book sites - you have flexibility. In UK having to be booked in almost everywhere means planning and compromising, even Club sites can be difficult
to book when you want. ACSI book gives you access to a list of sites which are cheaper out of season. Prices of everything may be cheaper, fuel usually is and the rest is "part of the holiday" if cost is a problem then caravanning isn't a way to reduce them
unless you stay away for weeks living rather than holidaying.We went abroad for the first time after about a year but once you know the ropes it's time to consider it. The sights we've seen could not have been done any other way (package tours or car & hotels everywhere was too expensive for us) Experiencing the places
you often see on TV news etc, puts a new slant on life.Travelling allows you to see more of the country than just jetting in and out (although city breaks by air can offer better value if it's just a couple of days)
Had always wanted to go to Austria (thanks to M. Portillo's journeys by rail!) so first trip was Netherlands -Germany-Austria. We do have relatives in Germany so have visited them several times.
This year we had two months in Spain/Portugal, visiting the Algarve where other family members flew out to join us for some SUN (done this a couple of times). This is probably the BIGGEST reason going abroad makes sense, UK weather just can't be predicted.
We have had some poor weather abroad but have always had long periods of great weather where you can live outdoors (another massive life changer)There is lots of planning involved but that's part of the fun for me. Your views may differ, as ever.
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Starbys, may I point you towards the website run by DianneT who is one of CT's champions? It may be of interest.,
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We started caravanning about 30 years ago (we now have a motorhome). We hired a van to tour Scotland for a week - it rained non-stop but we had fun! We then hired a van to pick up in France and drove to Switzerland - fabulous. We did the same the following
year then committed to buying van.Ever since we have spent no more than 2 nights at any UK site but mainly travelled abroad - France, Italy, Switzerland. Never to Spain - too far and rather barren we think (others will disagree).
I dont think we ever wanted to stay in the UK for any length of time and certainly won't now we have retired. Caravanning on the continent is so much better in every way - more space, better weather, more adventurous, cheaper site fees. The one thing we
always did was NEVER book (even in August, but avoid the hot spots like the Mediterranean). If we got to Calais and it was raining we would carry on until the sun came out; generally at Valence, South of Lyon.Enjoy.
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Since retiring 9 years back we spend about 4 months each year away, 3 months + 1 month, plus the odd week or so occasionally. Usually at least 8-10 weeks of this is abroad. Sometimes we spend the whole 4 months abroad.
Before retirement we were limited to 3 weeks abroad and a total of 3 weeks in UK, though on 2 occasions I saved up holidays and managed 6 weeks.
In 3 weeks we managed as far as Austria, longer trips were to southern Italy in 2003, and Northern Norway in 1999.
We also used to go to Norway back in the 70s and 80s with our first caravan.
The longer the trip the better the value.
These days we never book abroad as we go low season, using ACSI as above.
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Starbys, may I point you towards the website run by DianneT who is one of CT's champions? It may be of interest.,
Write your comments here...thanks Tin Wheeler, will Deffo give this a look
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Since you live in Norfolk, the shortest route to the continent will be Harwich/ Felixstowe which places you ideally for the Netherlands, northern Germany and the Baltic coast. Not that I've been, apart from Netherlands but I'm ten minutes from Portsmouth
ferries. Never try to go too far in a fortnight. I never went south of Bordeaux in two week trips.The comment on Spain is valid. You only have to look out of a plane window and compare the colour of the fields on either side of the Pyrenees. There's an old proverb that 'the Sahara starts at the Pyrenees' and my wife, upon our return from our apartment
in Spain, is always effusive about our own 'green and pleasant land'.0 -
Cyberyaucht. I've been visiting Southern Spain for 50 years and the Motorhomes, Tourers and Campers seem to be having the most fun. Some of the sites look amazing but without three spare weeks at a time ( preferably a lot more) I think we need keep dreaming.
Great idea on Netherlands etc. Thanks0 -
Starbys I think its all been said really - there are some wonderful places in the UK - I have visited many and actually further than Land'sEnd to John O'Groats having visited the Shetland Islands and Orkneys and Outer Hebrides (my favourite I think). But
Europe is definitely worth visiting - but as someone else said don't try to cram too much in too little time. I did that about 20 years ago - bad idea! The lack of traffic and clear roads most without potholes make for very relaxed caravanning - and the
ACSI network means masses of sites at reasonable rates off peak I really appreciate not having to book as I like to pick and choose - if its raining I may move on - if I like it especially I may stay. Its getting difficult to do that these days in the UK.0 -
Starbys I think its all been said really - there are some wonderful places in the UK - I have visited many and actually further than Land'sEnd to John O'Groats having visited the Shetland Islands and Orkneys and Outer Hebrides (my favourite I think). But
Europe is definitely worth visiting - but as someone else said don't try to cram too much in too little time. I did that about 20 years ago - bad idea! The lack of traffic and clear roads most without potholes make for very relaxed caravanning - and the
ACSI network means masses of sites at reasonable rates off peak I really appreciate not having to book as I like to pick and choose - if its raining I may move on - if I like it especially I may stay. Its getting difficult to do that these days in the UK.0 -
I took up caravanning specifically to tour abroad, we had some UK experience with my parents but didn't consider investing in our own until whilst on a package we saw a Spanish beach shore site . We had what could be carried in a suitcase and they
had all their toys BBQs surf boards etc etc and we realised foreign holidays and caravanning was not mutually exclusive . We caravanned in the UK for the first year (lack of funds) and have been abroad every time since and leaving for trip 46 shortly.I would endorse what others have said about having sufficient time, we only once went for less than 3 weeks (1 week in Holland) and these days a minimum of 6, so if you can get the time I would start straight away there is nothing to be gained by
waiting and its so much easier than the UK.BTW I would take issue with the comments about Spain, ok its not that green away from the North West Coast (because thats where it rains) but has wonderful scenery vast open spaces, fabulous cities and wild life
You might find something of interest
here and David Klyne also has an extensive website.A comment thread here......thanks Another, Deleted User User
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BTW I would take issue with the comments about Spain, ok its not that green away from the North West Coast (because thats where it rains) but has wonderful scenery vast open spaces, fabulous cities and wild life
I totally agree with you David, we were amazed and delighted by how green Spain is, totally blown away with the scenery in Northern Spain, even the drive through the middle of Spain where it is less green has a beauty of its own. The Costa's while
typical seaside beach holiday is only a very short distance from the hills that run just about the whole length of that side of Spain. Sitting on a site in Spain with the beach/sea in front of you and the hills behind doesn't get much better.0 -
Had to laugh reading Starbys opening post. How naive we were when we bought our first caravan. Had a 2 day trial run to a local CC site, a week in Norfolk to gauge "long" distance travelling then our next trip was to Eastern Austria near the Hungarian border,
prior to Austria joining EU and when Hungary still had armed border patrols. No fear, long days travelling to get there as we were still working. Hardly any German language, no trip advisors and definitely no UK visitors. You would have thought we had two
heads!
Over the next 20 yeaars we toured all over France, Holland, Spain, Germany etc. Retiring 15 years ago meant we could stay longer and appreciated it more. Learnt French and German to a reasonable level BUT we always made sure we had at least 1 holiday of
length, usually autumn, in the UK as it really does have some very special places.This year we've been to the Baltci coast in Germany and Poland, toured bits of the Netherlands and next week will explore various bits of France and Spain but I doubt we'll see anywhere more beautiful than when we had a 10 day break in the Northern Lake
District.So Starbys, you pays your money and takes your choice and to be honest I don't think you could possibly pick wrong. Adventures abroad are nothing to fear and if you choose the UK it will be great. Having a caravan or motorhome just lets you go wherever the
urge takes you. Enjoy it.0 -
Had to laugh reading Starbys opening post. How naive we were when we bought our first caravan. Had a 2 day trial run to a local CC site, a week in Norfolk to gauge "long" distance travelling then our next trip was to Eastern Austria near the Hungarian border,
prior to Austria joining EU and when Hungary still had armed border patrols. No fear, long days travelling to get there as we were still working. Hardly any German language, no trip advisors and definitely no UK visitors. You would have thought we had two
heads!Over the next 20 yeaars we toured all over France, Holland, Spain, Germany etc. Retiring 15 years ago meant we could stay longer and appreciated it more. Learnt French and German to a reasonable level BUT we always made sure we had at least 1 holiday of
length, usually autumn, in the UK as it really does have some very special places.This year we've been to the Baltci coast in Germany and Poland, toured bits of the Netherlands and next week will explore various bits of France and Spain but I doubt we'll see anywhere more beautiful than when we had a 10 day break in the Northern Lake
District.So Starbys, you pays your money and takes your choice and to be honest I don't think you could possibly pick wrong. Adventures abroad are nothing to fear and if you choose the UK it will be great. Having a caravan or motorhome just lets you go wherever the
urge takes you. Enjoy it..WhereNext, fantastic.... Reminds me of when my old Dad took all of us off to Spain in a converted butchers van back in 1966. General Franco ruled and we crossed the French & Spanish borders with armed soldiers at the frontiers. Memories to many to share
but never forgotten. Love your post. Thanks.0 -
Started my foreign caravan hols in 1976(age20!!) stayed on a penpals farm in bavaria for 3 months (my german improved) and spent the next 15 years touring and working abroad. (not in the same van!!) trust me touring aboad now is no different to touring in
the UK Just cheaper once you get there, but dont forget compared to the uk Germany, France, Spain are huge!!0 -
We went abroad with a tent before doing it with a caravan so we had some practice driving solo first. Our first trips with a caravan were from Portsmouth to Brittany which is probably easier than Calais when you get off.
Driving on the right is in fact no problem when you land as you are very aware of the need to do this. If it is to become a problem it ia probably a few days later when you become accustomed to it and it is then you can get it wrong but it tends to be in
quiet spots where you cannot see other vehicles. On the whole though it should not be a problem.Why should you go is not easy as it depends on what interests you have, it does help you see how others live, can help childrens education or it might just be you fancy a change.
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We went abroad with a tent before doing it with a caravan so we had some practice driving solo first. Our first trips with a caravan were from Portsmouth to Brittany which is probably easier than Calais when you get off.
Driving on the right is in fact no problem when you land as you are very aware of the need to do this. If it is to become a problem it ia probably a few days later when you become accustomed to it and it is then you can get it wrong but it tends to be in
quiet spots where you cannot see other vehicles. On the whole though it should not be a problem.Why should you go is not easy as it depends on what interests you have, it does help you see how others live, can help childrens education or it might just be you fancy a change.
thanks Wildwood, much appreciated
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We're very new to this game and despite having our caravan only a couple of weeks we have visited 4 sites so far and we're off again next week for a week but we're keeping local (Norfolk) and getting used to everything.
I just wondered how long you left it before making your first long trip and have you ventured abroad ?
If so where did you go and how long had you been caravanning before you made that move?
I am feeling happy to stay in the UK for the foreseeable as I think there are so many brilliant places to visit.
I think it depends whether you are working or retired. Many of us on here have made the transition. When we first had our van we managed about 4/5 weeks away a year. Unfortunately we worked in retailing so weekends were always at a premium. It must have
been 4/5 years before we ventured abroad and have not looked back since. We have travelled in France/Germany/Holland/Austria/Switzerland/Italy and Spain. We now spend longer abroad, anywhere between six and nine weeks depending on circumstances.As its new to you perhaps spend the first year in the UK and then think about going abroad. We have had the advantage of visiting a lot of places in the UK although still more to go but we do like our overseas trips. Many of our trips are recorded here
Caravantravels You will also find many site reviews on my website with photographs of both the UK and Abroad if it helps.David
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We're very new to this game and despite having our caravan only a couple of weeks we have visited 4 sites so far and we're off again next week for a week but we're keeping local (Norfolk) and getting used to everything.
I just wondered how long you left it before making your first long trip and have you ventured abroad ?
If so where did you go and how long had you been caravanning before you made that move?
I am feeling happy to stay in the UK for the foreseeable as I think there are so many brilliant places to visit.
I think it depends whether you are working or retired. Many of us on here have made the transition. When we first had our van we managed about 4/5 weeks away a year. Unfortunately we worked in retailing so weekends were always at a premium. It must have
been 4/5 years before we ventured abroad and have not looked back since. We have travelled in France/Germany/Holland/Austria/Switzerland/Italy and Spain. We now spend longer abroad, anywhere between six and nine weeks depending on circumstances.As its new to you perhaps spend the first year in the UK and then think about going abroad. We have had the advantage of visiting a lot of places in the UK although still more to go but we do like our overseas trips. Many of our trips are recorded here
Caravantravels You will also find many site reviews on my website with photographs of both the UK and Abroad if it helps.David
.Wow, David, you have been busy. Just had a look at your web site and there's plenty there for me to refer back to ! Marvellous. Noticed that you transitioned to a Motorhome. Wondered how you find it compared to the caravan. I sense the travelling abroad
is perhaps easier and more comfortable in a Motorhome ?. Thanks for sharing.0 -
We just piled three children into the car in 1972 and went exploring down the Normandy coast from Calais to Mont St Michel and back. Our fourth child arrived in 1973 and in 1974 we went to Italy, and I think we have only missed out one year since then.
We rarely had fixed destinations and hardly ever made reservations. After we retired we started travelling South East Asia on buses and trains in the same sort of way Some people are more cautious than we are. Travelling in that way is a personality thing.0 -
Starbys
A caravan is a good idea if you spend at least aweek on site but we were finding that we were moving on after two or three days so we felt that suited a motorhome. With a caravan you have the advantage of using of the car which we don't so as a result we are always looking for sites near to towns. Also as we have got older we find a motorhome far less hassle that a caravan to be honest. There are still elements of caravanning that we miss but I doubt there is any going back.
David
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Caravan or MH both have benefits over each other but neither stop you doing what you want. This year we went Holland Germany Austria (Innsbruck) Italy (Pisa,Florence,Rome, Naples,Sorrento, Capri) then into the heel of Italy before coming back the other side
via Rimini to Austria (Salzberg) Germany and home, just a little meander which we loved. We had a mix of site seeing and then just chilling, roll on next year for our annual 8/10 week trip.0 -
Thanks Pippah45.
much appreciated. As you are from Lincolnshire I wondered if you could recommend anywhere in your County ? I have heard Woodhall Spa is nice
Write your comments here...Woodhall Spa is very nice - I stayed there last year with a friend who wanted to do some RAF stuff - she had a ball! That was a CC&C site and I dont' usually caravan that close to home! The Nature Reserves are worth a visit especially
Donna Nook in November/December when you can virtually touch the new born seals But DON'T if you value your fingers! Then there are the Great Houses and Castles like Belvoir, Belton, Grimsthorpe and so on. Lovely sandy beaches - and a couple of kiss me
quick seaside resorts! I live very near the Market Rasen site which closes in November. The wolds are very pretty and towns like Louth and Horncastle well worth a visit - as of course is the beautiful city of Lincoln!0
