New to touring

Gibson60
Gibson60 Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited March 2018 in New to Caravanning & Touring #1

Hi my wife and I have had a caravan for about 5 years but always had it on a seasonal pitch with storage facilities as my car wasn't big enough to use as tow vehicle. Now I have retired I have changed to a suitable tow car (a Nissan x-trail) and we would like to start using the caravan for its intended use and start exploring, what is it like touring on the continent and where would you more experienced tourers start with. Thanks for any advice and who knows we may even see you over there.

Comments

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,665 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2018 #2
    • Very easy compared to here, especially out of peak season as there is no need to book other than possibly at the popular holiday periods.
    • look into getting the Camping Card ACSI for discounts
    • find your best value ferry crossing and start from there
    • remember there is more to Europe than France
    • get good health and breakdown cover
    • carry essential spares and basic tools
    • check your tyres as not using them may have caused them to deteriorate more quickly than expected
  • Gibson60
    Gibson60 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2018 #3

    Thank you KjeINN for your reply ...what is the ACSI Card and where would I get one ...thanks

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited March 2018 #4

    If your caravan has stood still for 5 years with the tyres taking any of the weight, then the tyres will be completely shot, so new tyres and a spare are a must. It is best to change tyres every 5-7 years under normal use. Also a very good service, brakes and wheel bearings etc. The moves in and out of storage are meaningless.

    I would suggest a few trips around this country first.

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,665 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2018 #5

    https://www.campingcard.co.uk/extra-information/what-is-campingcard-acsi/

    See above.  Several places to get it, including from the Club.

    I would also agree that you may be wise to have your first few trips nearer home.

  • Tracy123
    Tracy123 Forum Participant Posts: 167
    100 Comments
    edited March 2018 #6

    Hi Rob

    Take a look at our Overseas pages on the website.....Overseas Holidays as you will find lots of advice and information.

    Happy Touring.

    Tracy

  • Gibson60
    Gibson60 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited March 2018 #7

    Thanks to you all for your advice, tho it will prob be next year before we try touring abroad but its good to know type of things we need to do 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2018 #8

    You might like to add overseas breakdown insurance to that.  I agree with the others it is easier over the water with much less crowded roads.  You may also need a European adapter for your cable except in Northern France where they use the same EHU as here.  Available online or most accessory shops.  Where I have been in Brittany they think we are weird for using the Aquaroll and waste water barrels as they seem to use the facilities exclusively!  Why wait till next year? 

  • Swifty2018
    Swifty2018 Forum Participant Posts: 196
    100 Comments
    edited March 2018 #9

    Why wait till next year?

    Completely agree Pippah. People make too big of a deal about going abroad. Read all the wonderful advice given on here and just go. Don't get conned into booking sites if you are going out of the peak season of mid July to end of August

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
    500 Comments
    edited March 2018 #10

    But as a first timer abroad I would suggest that they do book the sites in advance. It is reassuring to know that there is a space reserved, possibly at the end of a long day.

  • Swifty2018
    Swifty2018 Forum Participant Posts: 196
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    edited March 2018 #11

    Paul, I do agree it is probably a good idea to book the first night especially if they are arriving late on the Continent but to prebook all the other sites just causes unnecessary stress. How does anyone who hasn't toured abroad before, know how long it will take to reach their destination. They may discover that the expected destination is a lot further than they thought or they might pass through an area they would like to stop and explore. If no commitments have been made alterations in time and destination can be made enroute.

    Another point is that prebooking destinations can involve deposits, this again causes problems, if they don't like the site, their neighbours or even the weather they are likely to lose their deposit if they leave early.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2018 #12
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  • pm01jd02
    pm01jd02 Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited March 2018 #13

    Are there any restrictions going to Europe with a twin axle caravan ?

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,665 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2018 #14

    Only in France, so it pays to have a plan B there.

    Acsi do indicate sites which are happy to accept them, but other than in France I would assume any site with the access and the larger pitches will be happy to take you

    Be aware that a few sites in France will take you then want to  charge you 3 times the going rate.  That is why you need a plan B!

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