Fail to plan....

We have plenty of experience in France having camped there for over 20 years, mostly near Royan, (St Augustine, Logis de Breuil site) which is delightful, and twice in the Vendee, both times near disaster, but that's two separate stories both weather related, one involves a tornado....!

We also loooove Portugal, the people, the food, the wine, the coasts, beaches, the history and the weather are just right up there with the very best. We get by in France with passable French and I'm learning Portuguese slowly (hugely challenging language!) but 80% of them speak wonderful English anyway, putting us to shame!! 

Once again thanks for all the tips and hints - we have travel plans and they are very flexible, except for our Dutch visit which has a time constraint - as I said, we will blog/vlog our journeys when the reason for visiting Tilburg will be revealed. (A little bit of intrigue for you??) 

Hi FD, a bit late arriving and you have a great deal of advice and suggestions already so here are just a few more.

Insurance-we have used both the clubs and other providers but in 2017 opened a Nationwide Flex Plus account and now rely on that but our trips are not as long as yours. I was paying more-some pre-existing medical conditions-for just personal travel insurance than I now pay per year for the account and get  both medical and breakdown insurance plus other benefits. Our car is still covered for recovery, including when towing, by the manufacturer.

Money-linked to that we used to use a Caxton Card but now use the card that comes with the account above and make free cash withdrawals. We only use the card to make a purchase if unavoidable, such as fuel, when travelling, at un-staffed filling stations.

Tolls and spares-just very basic but my one indispensable item is pump pliers. I also carry a couple of small 'kits' with screwdrivers pliers etc.I also always keep a roll of duct tape in the van.

Glass, glass and glass! Over the years we have adapted to the requirements of holidays in a smallish box but some things are just not worth the saving in weight!

MI-fi-nearly got one a few years ago but Three could not deliver in time. We use the Three network and also have an i-boost system and this is OK for us.

Bets game etc- we carry a variety but these are for the use in the main of the grandchildren with Monopoly-Cornish version-being the most used but by far the one thing used by all, and the most fun, is UNO! In France last year nine of us from 5 to 70 had some great laughs. NOTE- the use of the glasses mentioned above does assist with the enjoyment! 

Food-we use a Cadac and it is pretty versatile but last time in France a guy recommended using it to cook pizzas. I assumed he used a pizza stone but no, just get it hot-lid on-then it takes just a few minutes for a lovely crispy pizza that cost just a couple of Euros at the supermarket.  

Security-in a word none that we don't employ at home which amounts to being careful when withdrawing and spending cash and keeping the amount reasonable. This does for us depend on the availability of cash machines wit the normal pattern being to withdraw the amount needed for the 'big shop' at the supermarket to void carrying it.

General items for touring are road atlas of Europe, club site guides and ACSI guide/card. I also take out a subscription so I can download a daily paper and we have a satellite dish which we will use, if a signal can be found, to watch news and the TDF if away in July.

Have a great time and when back home will wonder what it was that you were concerned about!!

 

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