Tips for your first time abroad

Tips for your first time abroad

Photograph of Saint Malo on the coast of Brittany, France

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A helpful guide to caravanning or motorhoming in Europe for the first time

Sun, sea and sand - what's not to like about a holiday in Europe? At the Caravan and Motorhome Club we understand that taking your caravan or motorhome overseas for the first time can be daunting - which is why we've put together some helpful hints and tips for your trip.

Take a look at our travel tips, driving advice and steps to make your first time touring abroad easier.

Step 1 - Choose where to stay in Europe

We have 300+ Club-approved campsites in 14 countries across Europe, waiting to welcome you on site.

Choose a campsite

Step 2 - Book your ferry or Eurotunnel

If you combine your overseas site stays with your ferry travel or Eurotunnel, you'll get a great discount.

Book a crossing

Step 3 - Get comprehensive holiday insurance

We offer great value and comprehensive holiday insurance to our members, specially designed for touring.

Get holiday insurance

Important things to bring with you

Each country has its own traffic and driving regulations, so it's always best to check each country's rules before you set off. There are a few compulsory items that you'll need to bring with you when travelling through Europe:

  • UK number plate/vehicle identifier (find out more)
  • Headlight converters
  • Warning triangle
  • High visibility vests
  • Car/motorhome/caravan insurance certificates
  • Car/motorhome/caravan V5C (log book)
  • Driving licence and passport (and visa if required)
  • Download our checklist for other practical items for your holiday


Top travel tips for your first time abroad

Please note: From 28 September 2021 all vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in the EU. See our Driving in Europe page for full details.

When you travel abroad, there are a few differences between our UK Club sites and the overseas Club-approved campsites. Here are our top tips for staying on a campsite in Europe.

At the ferry port

  • Keep your booking reference number handy, as you'll need to show this to the staff at your crossing. If you’ve booked your crossing with the Caravan and Motorhome Club, you’ll receive an email confirmation including your number.
  • Follow the signs for the ferry operator you’ve booked with when you arrive at the ferry port, then show the staff your reference number and they’ll check you in and tell you which lane to queue in.
  • If you book with Eurotunnel directly, you can use their self-check-in lane. All you need to do is enter your reference number at the kiosk and follow the instructions on the screen.

Before you arrive on site

  • Receptions often close at lunch times, so try to plan your arrival either side of this.
  • Some campsites don’t allow long swimming shorts in the pool – best to pack your brief-style trunks.
  • Bring some extra toilet roll or put it on your shopping list for when you arrive, as some campsites don’t supply it.
  • You might need to put down a deposit for a key, as some campsites have entry/exit barriers to the site.

At the campsite

  • Try to keep cash on you as some campsites don’t accept cards.
  • Some sites have separate parking and don’t like you to park your car on your pitch, check with reception where you should park your car.
  • Some campsites have electricity that’s metered – check with reception on arrival.
  • Some campsites don’t allow traffic movement between the hours of 11pm and 8am, so if you need to arrive really late or leave extra early, have a chat with the campsite first.

Offers to get you started

European campsite offers

Make your money go further and save extra on your next stay with our special offers on quality European campsites.

View our overseas campsite offers

Crossing discounts

You can save money on your crossings with our ferry and LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) discounts.

View ferry offers

Site Night Vouchers

Enjoy flexible touring using our pre-paid site vouchers on Club inspected overseas campsites.

Find out more

Other useful information

Driving regulations

Find helpful information on traffic and driving regulations in each country.

See driving regulations

Plan your route

Be sure to plan your journey European well in advance with our handy tips and advice.

Start planning
Sun setting on a family relaxing under their caravan awning

Useful information

Make sure you have everything sorted for your European trip before you go.

Check our advice