First-Time Travel to Europe. 10 Essential Tips!
Are you dreaming of an extraordinary European adventure, but you want to savour the freedom and flexibility of traveling on your terms? Look no further than embarking on a thrilling journey in your own motorhome, campervan or caravan !. Europe's diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures make it an ideal playground for vanlife enthusiasts seeking unforgettable memories.
Motorhome parking in Holland
In this blog, we'll guide you through ten indispensable tips to ensure your first-time travel in Europe becomes an epic voyage filled with exploration, wonder, and cherished experiences.
A campsite in France 2017
Traveling to Europe requires comprehensive breakdown cover that is robust enough to cover all circumstances without any exclusions in the fine print that might limit the service. It is essential to carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure that assistance will be provided in every location, whether it's a parkup , campsite, or a private motorway (toll road). Additionally, the cover should include repatriation for you, your partner, your pet, and your vehicle if needed back to the home address in the UK .
Be cautious of annual travel policies bundled with workplace schemes, bank accounts, or some UK vehicle policies. Many will be fine, but check and ask the underwriter if unsure. It's important to have a clear understanding of which European Nations are covered by your policy and where the coverage borders lie.
For vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, the regulations vary not only within the EU but also from one nation to another. These differences encompass speed limits, emission zone regulations, toll road usage, local road weight restrictions, and specific national mandates, like the requirement of fitting Angles Morts stickers to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes in France. Research is essential but this subject is not as complicated as it sounds.
When embarking on your first trip, it's advisable to consider pre-booking your first few nights. Despite the abundance of advice from seasoned van travellers suggesting otherwise, it's essential to acknowledge the level of anxiousness some may experience when planning their initial journey. By booking the first couple of nights in advance, you alleviate one concern and provide yourself with the time and space to adjust without the worry of finding accommodation on the spot.
As you acclimatise to the European environment, your confidence will grow, and you'll soon find yourself winging it alongside the rest of us, relishing the freedom it brings. To assist us in finding suitable places to stay, we rely on three apps: Camper Contact, Search for Sites, and Park 4 Nights. Each person may rank these apps based on their personal preferences, as they all have their merits.
I would also recommend arriving at your chosen Aire/Stellplatz/Camperstop during mid-afternoon, especially during busy times. Doing so will make it easier to find parking and secure a space without facing significant challenges of parking availability. It is important to note that these areas are for parking overnight , even if EHU is provided , camping behaviour is often expressly forbidden. This means no chairs , table or sun canopy’s outside your vehicle.If you are traveling with a dog (or any other pet), it's crucial to carefully consider this aspect. You'll need to plan drive times, find dog-friendly accommodations, and be aware of legislation issues related to the required documentation for travelling with your animals into and out of Europe.
Both the EU and UK have specific entry and exit requirements for domestic animals, and you must obtain an Animal Health Certificate or a current EU Pet Passport to ensure smooth travel. This is a significant subject, and we have dedicated resources in our Youtube travel guides that cover these details in-depth.
When travelling in Europe, it is crucial to have the correct adaptors for various utilities. Start by ensuring you have adaptors for water hoses, electric hook-up points, and refillable LPG stations. Prioritizing these items will help you stay prepared for different campsite setups.
For electric hook-ups, be mindful that they often come with two-pin configurations. Thus, having an appropriate adaptor to handle this is necessary. Although more European sites are adopting universal adaptors, it is still wise to keep one handy, as not all sites have made the transition yet. These universal adaptors can be found in most caravan/motorhome outlets.
We highly recommend purchasing a bag of water tap adapters with varying diameters and keeping them in your vehicle's boot for when they are needed. We have encountered the need for numerous sizes (tap diameters) and found them all useful at different points.
If you have refillable LPG, which is a great asset in Europe, you will need three adapters to cover the three refill types commonly encountered throughout the European Zone. Most LPG suppliers sell these adapters, so it's best to be prepared. We use the app myLpg.eu to find LPG and it is plentiful in Europe.
Another aspect to consider is Reverse Polarity. Opinions on its significance differ; some believe it's less of an issue in modern British Standard built vans but more concerning in older vans including self-builds and conversions. However, to err on the side of caution, we carry a meter to test for reverse polarity and use a reverse polarity adaptor when necessary. Numerous detailed YouTube videos are available to help you understand and address this issue more effectively.
Not all debit and credit cards are equal when it comes to Europe, and using the wrong one can lead to unnecessary charges. While several good options are available, it's essential to note that terms and conditions can change frequently. To minimise potential fees and find the best options, we advise checking the most up-to-date information on travel-friendly credit/debit cards. You can find this valuable information on the following website: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/. We regularly revisit this resource to ensure we are making up to date and well-informed choices.
Additionally, when making payments in Europe, don't forget to select to pay in Euros on a card terminal. This way, you avoid being subjected to the vendor's exchange rates. Opting to pay in Euros lets your bank decide the exchange rate, which is generally a more favourable option.
Carrying cash requires thoughtful consideration, as common sense dictates that carrying too much can be risky due to the possibility of loss or theft becoming a significant concern. However, it's important to be aware that certain parts of Europe, particularly campsites, Aires/Stellplatz, and some restaurants, may have cash-only requirements. Our experience has shown that the prevalence of "Cash Only" establishments is more noticeable in Germany and Northern Europe, though not exclusively, compared to Spain and Portugal, which we found surprising.
In conclusion, it's prudent to carry enough cash to cover these specific situations and strike the right balance between convenience and security during your travels.
Since leaving the EU, roaming and SIM cards have become problematic as automatic roaming is no longer available. Two key issues need consideration: first, obtaining a roaming package or having a contract that specifically includes roaming, and second, understanding the acceptable usage policy. The latter refers to providers limiting data usage in Europe, even if you have a roaming package, by cutting off non-emergency usage once a certain limit (typically ranging between 12-25GBs) is reached.
However, not all providers have these limits. To ensure a hassle-free experience, it's best to explore phone deals tailored for the EU, which include roaming without restrictive usage policies. Currently, we are using EE SIMs with a roaming package that allows us unrestricted data usage.
Another option to consider is purchasing an EU SIM card upon arrival, as these often permit roaming within the EU. We find this particularly useful for our onboard motorhome WiFi system when streaming and uploading videos, as it offers a convenient pay-as-you-go option. It's essential to weigh these choices based on your needs to stay connected without unnecessary limitations or charges.
Regulations regarding winter tyres in many EU nations are subject to change, making it a dynamic situation. Some countries now prohibit the use of non-winter tyres after a specific date in the calendar year, while others allow the continued use of summer tyres if snow chains or snow socks are carried in the vehicle. To ensure compliance, it's crucial to routinely check the regulations of the country you plan to travel to. This is especially important if you're heading for skiing adventures or even travelling to Spain via France during the winter season, as these regulations apply regardless of your vehicle's weight or type. Stay informed to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Dash cams can greatly enhance your driving experience; however, it's essential to be aware that they are illegal in some European nations. Before crossing any borders, it's crucial to check the specific regulations of the country you're entering. If dash cams are prohibited, make sure to remove them from your dashboard as necessary to avoid any legal issues during your travels. Some of these countries include:
1. Austria: Dash cams are generally prohibited. Recording without explicit permission can lead to fines and legal consequences.
2. Luxembourg: Dash cams are not permitted, and using them can result in penalties.
3. Portugal: The use of dash cams is allowed for private purposes, but sharing the footage publicly without permission is not permitted.
4. Belgium: Dash cams can only be used for personal use, and sharing footage publicly is generally not allowed.
5. Switzerland: Dash cams are legal for private use, but sharing footage publicly is not allowed.
Keep in mind that laws and regulations can change over time, so it's crucial to verify the current legal status of any of these above suggestions before travel.
Don’t forget the need for headlamp deflectors.
For those that prefer videos to written articles here is a link to our video on this subject.
