Heading abroad or touring the UK? Our insurance team share their top tips for preparing for your next trip.
Whether you are preparing your outfit for a relaxing weekend on a UK Club campsite or setting off on an exciting cross-channel road trip, thorough preparation is the foundation of a smooth, stress-free holiday.
To help protect you, we have compiled guidance, including safety checks to ensure you and your outfit remain safe on the open road.
1. Be prepared for medical emergencies abroad
A medical issue while away from home can be daunting, but taking a few proactive steps beforehand ensures you are well-supported should the unexpected happen:
- Carry your UK GHIC: Ensure every member of your travelling party holds a valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). While it provides access to necessary state healthcare across the EU, remember that it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
- Document essential medical information: Keep a clear summary in your glovebox or touring folder detailing;
- pre-existing conditions
- active prescriptions (noting the generic chemical names alongside brand names)
- blood groups
- Keep emergency contacts accessible: Save crucial phone numbers—including your policy helpline and local emergency services—directly in your mobile phone and leave a printed copy inside your vehicle.
- Check travel warnings: Before crossing borders, review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel guidance for your route to stay informed on local entry rules, weather warnings or security advisories.
2. European Entry System updates: EES and ETIAS
Travelling to Europe is evolving. If you are planning a continental tour, keep these two upcoming European Union schemes in mind:
- EU Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES): Replacing traditional manual passport stamping, the EES will register non-EU travellers electronically—capturing name, travel document details, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and dates and points of entry/exit. Expect longer processing times at border controls, ferry terminals and LeShuttle, so factor extra time into your travel schedule.
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): Once operational, UK passport holders will require an online ETIAS travel authorisation prior to entering the Schengen Area. Linked directly to your passport, an ETIAS approval will be valid for up to three years (or until your passport expires).
3. Smart security for solo and group touring
Keeping yourself, your passengers and your outfit safe requires a mix of good habits and physical deterrents:
- Layer your vehicle security: Never rely on a single physical device. Pair a Sold Secure Gold/Diamond-approved wheel lock with a robust hitch lock for caravans, or an internal steering wheel/pedal lock for motorhomes.
- Fit an approved tracker: A reliable tracking device greatly increases the chances of vehicle recovery in the event of theft. Ensure your monitoring subscription is active before setting off.
- Stay safe on the pitch: Keep hitch locks engaged on-site, stow personal valuables out of sight, and keep vehicle keys away from doors or windows—ideally stored inside a signal-blocking Faraday pouch if your vehicle uses keyless entry. Members save up to 10% on a range of essentials from our Club Shop.
- Protect your bicycle: Cycles and e-bikes are frequent targets. Always secure them to either an immovable object or to fixed vehicle points or heavy-duty ground anchors using Sold Secure-rated locks. Specialist cycle insurance provider Bikmo offers cover which has been enhanced specifically for caravan, motorhome and campervan owners when purchased through the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Members also get a discount. To find out more, click here.
- Share your itinerary: If travelling solo or in small groups, always leave your route plan, scheduled stops, and estimated arrival times with a family member or trusted contact.
Enjoy peace of mind
Proper planning lets you focus on what truly matters: making memories and enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors. Before you embark on your next trip, ensure your cover is up to date:
- Red Pennant Travel Insurance: Tailored specifically for touring members in partnership with PJ Hayman, offering comprehensive medical cover, trip protection, and 24/7 emergency support across Europe and beyond. Red Pennant also includes cover for repatriation of your outfit should the driver be unfit or unable to drive. To find out more click here or call our specialist team on 01342 649 917.
- UK and Overseas Breakdown Cover: Make sure you aren’t left at the side of the road or stuck in a field. Getting the right cover that meets your needs is essential. To find out more, click here.
- Motorhome and Campervan Insurance: If you are traveling to Europe, make sure you are protected. Some providers will have travel stay limits or don’t provide cover in Europe as standard. The Club’s Motorhome and Campervan Insurance provides cover in Europe as standard for up to 365 days. To find out more, click here.
- Caravan Cover or Insurance: If traveling to Europe, make sure your cover protects you. Most providers will have travel stay limits or don’t provide cover in Europe as standard. If you have the Club’s Caravan Cover and are traveling to Europe, make sure you have selected Overseas Cover; doing so will provide cover for up to 360 days while away in Europe. To find out more, click here.
By taking these proactive steps—from securing your vehicle and organising your documents to ensuring you have the right insurance /cover in place—you can set off on your next adventure with great peace of mind. Remember, the effort you invest in preparation today is the key to creating safe, secure, and unforgettable memories on all your future travels.
Do you have top tips or safety advice you would like to share with fellow members? Log in to Club Together and join the conversation!