Planning my first major road trip to Salou, but have no idea what on earth i'm doing? Please help!

[MarkVw2017]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Had my Cali now for 3 weeks, love the thing, but really want to get the most out of it. My friend asked do we want to fly to Barcelona this August with him and his family and then light bulb moment went "what about if i drive to Barcelona" instead and pop down to Salou as we love Salou. My friend is in Barcelona between the 6th and 11th August. Only plan meeting him for a day. There 4 of us going, 2 adults and 2 children (10&5). My wife has a driving licence but absolutely hates driving. She said she will do the super quiet roads, so assuming i will be doing about 95% of the driving, think that's fair

So off I went and bought a AA Eurpoe road atlas today ( i do have a sat nav but sometimes its nice to just nice have a book), very excited, opened in up and was immediately scared . Oh my gosh, where on earth do you start all planning for something like this. You all make it sound so easy., there are so many roads, towns, cities, national parks, how on earth do you plan for something like this without missing the best bits and avoiding the worst bits. Also, all the background info people (me) don't even realise you road trippers have done when they see your stunning photos (the ferries, the breakdowns, the punctures, the heat, the running out of petrol, the tolls etc).

I run a business so cant really have too much time off, so was thinking 3 weeks in August when the kids are off (i know August, busiest time so could be a nightmare, but only time i can go with the kiddies avoiding the school fine if taking them out of term holiday).

I have so many questions, i don't know where to start; suppose basic ones would be,
1.) Would 3 weeks be enough?
2.) 'what would be a scenic route to Barcelona/ Salou and back
3.) How long should i give myself per pit stop. I have two children so wouldn't necessary like just motorways as would like to see as much as possible, but appreciate I have to be aware 3 weeks isnt that long when driving so far. I was thinking of 2 days in Barcelona and 3 days in Salou and the rest dived up between the journey to and from Salou?

Im not a city person so really so could leave the main cities, prefer smaller tows and villages, cosier places etc. Cities really overwhelm my wife and I, but defo doing Barcelona and would do one or two more if it really is highly recommended and a shame to miss.

Im happy to find the campsites myself as that's too much to ask you ( i wont be wild camping, its a holiday after all so showers and toilets would be great)), its just having a rough idea what areas to stop off in and what roads to take and then I can go from there.

I have never driven to France, or anywhere in Eurpoe to be honest (been on coach holidays)

I know Brexit is coming, but will just do what every one has to do at the time. If i have to wait in a huge queue, so be it.

Know this is quite a open ended question and down to personal preference, but any hints and tips would be gratefully appreciated. I'm going old school and doing everything it in a scrap book (don't like the thought of my tablet or phone dying when on my adventures)

Really look forward to receiving any advice, even if its "August, are you mad, don't even think about it!!"

 

[Jason wallace]

Have you considered letting a ferry take some of the strain? You can get the to northern Spain, could even drive one way and ferry the return or vice versa.

 

[Auberg-ine]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Had my Cali now for 3 weeks, love the thing, but really want to get the most out of it. My friend asked do we want to fly to Barcelona this August with him and his family and then light bulb moment went "what about if i drive to Barcelona" instead and pop down to Salou as we love Salou. My friend is in Barcelona between the 6th and 11th August. Only plan meeting him for a day. There 4 of us going, 2 adults and 2 children (10&5). My wife has a driving licence but absolutely hates driving. She said she will do the super quiet roads, so assuming i will be doing about 95% of the driving, think that's fair

So off I went and bought a AA Eurpoe road atlas today ( i do have a sat nav but sometimes its nice to just nice have a book), very excited, opened in up and was immediately scared . Oh my gosh, where on earth do you start all planning for something like this. You all make it sound so easy., there are so many roads, towns, cities, national parks, how on earth do you plan for something like this without missing the best bits and avoiding the worst bits. Also, all the background info people (me) don't even realise you road trippers have done when they see your stunning photos (the ferries, the breakdowns, the punctures, the heat, the running out of petrol, the tolls etc).

I run a business so cant really have too much time off, so was thinking 3 weeks in August when the kids are off (i know August, busiest time so could be a nightmare, but only time i can go with the kiddies avoiding the school fine if taking them out of term holiday).

I have so many questions, i don't know where to start; suppose basic ones would be,
1.) Would 3 weeks be enough?
2.) 'what would be a scenic route to Barcelona/ Salou and back
3.) How long should i give myself per pit stop. I have two children so wouldn't necessary like just motorways as would like to see as much as possible, but appreciate I have to be aware 3 weeks isnt that long when driving so far. I was thinking of 2 days in Barcelona and 3 days in Salou and the rest dived up between the journey to and from Salou?

Im not a city person so really so could leave the main cities, prefer smaller tows and villages, cosier places etc. Cities really overwhelm my wife and I, but defo doing Barcelona and would do one or two more if it really is highly recommended and a shame to miss.

Im happy to find the campsites myself as that's too much to ask you ( i wont be wild camping, its a holiday after all so showers and toilets would be great)), its just having a rough idea what areas to stop off in and what roads to take and then I can go from there.

I have never driven to France, or anywhere in Eurpoe to be honest (been on coach holidays)

I know Brexit is coming, but will just do what every one has to do at the time. If i have to wait in a huge queue, so be it.

Know this is quite a open ended question and down to personal preference, but any hints and tips would be gratefully appreciated. I'm going old school and doing everything it in a scrap book (don't like the thought of my tablet or phone dying when on my adventures)

Really look forward to receiving any advice, even if its "August, are you mad, don't even think about it!!"


View attachment 42046

Hi Marc, I know the region quite well (have a house near Tarragona), so I can send you a map of my preferred places. You'll see that Salou (near point D) is not one of them,...
If you want I can send you a PM with more detailled info.
I agree with Jason that the ferry trip could be a nice way of introduction, and from there drive towards Zaragossa-BCN or Tarragona, which is a quite calm road, even in August.
Enjoy the preparations, half the fun!

 

[MarkVw2017]

Have you considered letting a ferry take some of the strain? You can get the to northern Spain, could even drive one way and ferry the return or vice versa.

Hmm, will look into that, and price it up, could be a good option ;-)

 

[MarkVw2017]

Hi Marc, I know the region quite well (have a house near Tarragona), so I can send you a map of my preferred places. You'll see that Salou (near point D) is not one of them,...
If you want I can send you a PM with more detailled info.
I agree with Jason that the ferry trip could be a nice way of introduction, and from there drive towards Zaragossa-BCN or Tarragona, which is a quit calm road, even in August.
Enjoy the preparations, half the fun!
View attachment 42049

Ooooh, yes pease do PM me with further info. Only been to Salou in that area hence we like (but does get busy) but open to new suggestions. Thank you

 

[flying banana]

Take the ferry overnight. Other than that the best plan is..... No plan. Your in a california. It will look after you where ever you end up. Enjoy. Don't forget the photos

 

[MarkVw2017]

So looking at ferrys, does this mean 2 people or 4, i'm confused?

 

[MarkVw2017]

Take the ferry overnight. Other than that the best plan is..... No plan. Your in a california. It will look after you where ever you end up. Enjoy. Don't forget the photos

True, but be nice to have some idea just for my sanity and note getting stuck on some mountain with no snow tyres or a part of france where no one goes, and theres me and my family having a picnic oblivious to the dangers. I know it would happen to us without some sort of plan.

 

[flying banana]

True, but be nice to have some idea just for my sanity and note getting stuck on some mountain with no snow tyres or a part of france where no one goes, and theres me and my family having a picnic oblivious to the dangers. I know it would happen to us without some sort of plan.

Imagine being in a dangerous situation where you call Mountain rescue and when the helicopter gets there they find you've got the kettle on for a brew. Ha

 

[MarkVw2017]

Imagine being in a dangerous situation where you call Mountain rescue and when the helicopter gets there they find you've got the kettle on for a brew. Ha

Hell yes, defo would still have the kettle on First thing i bought

 

[WelshGas]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Had my Cali now for 3 weeks, love the thing, but really want to get the most out of it. My friend asked do we want to fly to Barcelona this August with him and his family and then light bulb moment went "what about if i drive to Barcelona" instead and pop down to Salou as we love Salou. My friend is in Barcelona between the 6th and 11th August. Only plan meeting him for a day. There 4 of us going, 2 adults and 2 children (10&5). My wife has a driving licence but absolutely hates driving. She said she will do the super quiet roads, so assuming i will be doing about 95% of the driving, think that's fair

So off I went and bought a AA Eurpoe road atlas today ( i do have a sat nav but sometimes its nice to just nice have a book), very excited, opened in up and was immediately scared . Oh my gosh, where on earth do you start all planning for something like this. You all make it sound so easy., there are so many roads, towns, cities, national parks, how on earth do you plan for something like this without missing the best bits and avoiding the worst bits. Also, all the background info people (me) don't even realise you road trippers have done when they see your stunning photos (the ferries, the breakdowns, the punctures, the heat, the running out of petrol, the tolls etc).

I run a business so cant really have too much time off, so was thinking 3 weeks in August when the kids are off (i know August, busiest time so could be a nightmare, but only time i can go with the kiddies avoiding the school fine if taking them out of term holiday).

I have so many questions, i don't know where to start; suppose basic ones would be,
1.) Would 3 weeks be enough?
2.) 'what would be a scenic route to Barcelona/ Salou and back
3.) How long should i give myself per pit stop. I have two children so wouldn't necessary like just motorways as would like to see as much as possible, but appreciate I have to be aware 3 weeks isnt that long when driving so far. I was thinking of 2 days in Barcelona and 3 days in Salou and the rest dived up between the journey to and from Salou?

Im not a city person so really so could leave the main cities, prefer smaller tows and villages, cosier places etc. Cities really overwhelm my wife and I, but defo doing Barcelona and would do one or two more if it really is highly recommended and a shame to miss.

Im happy to find the campsites myself as that's too much to ask you ( i wont be wild camping, its a holiday after all so showers and toilets would be great)), its just having a rough idea what areas to stop off in and what roads to take and then I can go from there.

I have never driven to France, or anywhere in Eurpoe to be honest (been on coach holidays)

I know Brexit is coming, but will just do what every one has to do at the time. If i have to wait in a huge queue, so be it.

Know this is quite a open ended question and down to personal preference, but any hints and tips would be gratefully appreciated. I'm going old school and doing everything it in a scrap book (don't like the thought of my tablet or phone dying when on my adventures)

Really look forward to receiving any advice, even if its "August, are you mad, don't even think about it!!"


View attachment 42046

I’ll probably be shouted down by others, but this is your first time across the channel, driving on the wrong side of the road, using Km instead of miles and with 2 young children and driving to the South of Spain.
The ferry suggestion is a good one. The Santander ferry is a fast 18hr dash across the Bay of Biscay while the Bilbao ferry is a more leisurely 36 hr journey around the edge of the Bay.
My first trip into Europe, with a Caravan and 4 kids, I used Eurocamp Independant, and still do occasionally.
They will book the Ferries and cabins and campsite pitches. You have to stay 3 days during the course of your holiday at their campsites.
Last year we drove to Venice and were away for 21 days. Ferries and 3 nights camping through Eurocamp, 1 night on the way out and 2 on the way back were on one of their sites, one we particularly like and know the owner. The other 18 nights we either pre-booked or just turned up. The big plus is their own Holiday Insurance for a very competitive price, maps etc and lots of useful information etc.
Eurocamp have sites in N and S Spain and throughout the rest of Europe.

http://www.eurocampindependent.co.uk/camping/European_Tourist_Information.cfm

http://www.eurocampindependent.co.uk/

 

[WelshGas]

2 other resources which are extremely useful.

ASCI app. Free to download but you pay for the map data of the countries you want, about £3 / set. Full information on campsites, contact details and GPS coordinates + lots of other information. All the campsites have a good to excellent level of facilities. Covers over 8500 campsites across Europe.

https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/camp...MI14aU3K3u4AIV7LXtCh00JQ7kEAAYASABEgIs0fD_BwE

Archie’s Camping App, 32,000 campsites across Europe. All types big to small. Contact information, GPS coordinates and links to camp websites, if they have one. This one is Free. POIs for SatNav or free app

http://archiescampings.eu/

 

[bigmac77]

1. Three weeks is plenty of time, however you get into France or Spain the roads are good and nowhere as congested as the ones in the UK so if the need arises you can cover long distances relatively easily.

2. The scenic route is basically any road through France that isn’t a toll road.

3. My two children are 11 and 7 and armed with an iPad and a DVD player they will happily travel for hours at a time. We have just returned from a weeks skiing in France and we drove for 9 hours one day not a single complaint from them.

Barcelona is an extremely popular city to visit it is always packed with tourists are you sure you want to visit there given you feel overwhelmed in cities?

We have done a road trip to Europe each summer since we bought our Cali in 2015, my wife is a teacher and kids are at school so end of July and first two weeks in August is when we go. At first it seemed pretty daunting, did we need to book camp sites? Where should we go? What should we take? But it really is extremely easy, Europe is full of campsites if you can’t get into one there will be another not too far away.

If you have bikes take them it makes exploring the area near your campsite much easier and most places have great cycle paths.

Take a shelter tent, it’s handy for sticking your things in, getting changed in, eating in if the weather isn’t great. Saves a lot of getting in and out of the Cali.

This summer we are doing France, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Can’t wait

 

[bigmac77]

Nearly forgot, don’t try and do too much, there is always next year.

 

[MarkVw2017]

I’ll probably be shouted down by others, but this is your first time across the channel, driving on the wrong side of the road, using Km instead of miles and with 2 young children and driving to the South of Spain.
The ferry suggestion is a good one. The Santander ferry is a fast 18hr dash across the Bay of Biscay while the Bilbao ferry is a more leisurely 36 hr journey around the edge of the Bay.
My first trip into Europe, with a Caravan and 4 kids, I used Eurocamp Independant, and still do occasionally.
They will book the Ferries and cabins and campsite pitches. You have to stay 3 days during the course of your holiday at their campsites.
Last year we drove to Venice and were away for 21 days. Ferries and 3 nights camping through Eurocamp, 1 night on the way out and 2 on the way back were on one of their sites, one we particularly like and know the owner. The other 18 nights we either pre-booked or just turned up. The big plus is their own Holiday Insurance for a very competitive price, maps etc and lots of useful information etc.
Eurocamp have sites in N and S Spain and throughout the rest of Europe.

http://www.eurocampindependent.co.uk/camping/European_Tourist_Information.cfm

http://www.eurocampindependent.co.uk/

Thank you very much @WelshGas really appreciated some great advice!!!!!

 

[MarkVw2017]

2 other resources which are extremely useful.

ASCI app. Free to download but you pay for the map data of the countries you want, about £3 / set. Full information on campsites, contact details and GPS coordinates + lots of other information. All the campsites have a good to excellent level of facilities. Covers over 8500 campsites across Europe.

https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/camp...MI14aU3K3u4AIV7LXtCh00JQ7kEAAYASABEgIs0fD_BwE

Archie’s Camping App, 32,000 campsites across Europe. All types big to small. Contact information, GPS coordinates and links to camp websites, if they have one. This one is Free. POIs for SatNav or free app

http://archiescampings.eu/

Amazing!!!!! Thank you

 

[Amarillo]

On your first European trip don't be too adventurous.

To relax and avoid constant unpacking/packing, aim to stay in each place three or four nights minimum. But also consider how you might camp overnight without unpacking. You can cover substantial distances if you arrive late, sleep, then start early.

Shop before you arrive at a campsite. Even a small fridge will hold enough for a family of four for four nights.

How you pack really is key. You have an Ocean so your packing will differ substantially from the way we packed. But some elements will be the same: duvets/sleeping bags/pillows on top. When you arrive on site you will want the driveaway awning to come out first. If you are doing an overnight "transit" stop you will want to be able to access washbags and clean clothing - if you've got bikes on the back you won't want to be opening the boot.

Also consider how you might cope in wet or stormy weather. The driveaway awning may have to come down, and the wind out awning only open a few inches. You will need a "wet" area of your van for oilskins, while keeping every other area dry. Boots can go under the van.

We are blasting down to the Gulf of Roses over two days 23/24 May, staying seven nights on site, then blasting home 31 May/1 June. But we are well rehearsed in European travel, and have perfected the art of overnight camping.

 

[2haw]

As Amarillo says above, sleeping in the Van without unpacking everything is key to quick overnight stops on the way there and back.

When on our French holidays with the van fully packed, we have the rear bench a long way forward with the multiflex board behind.

In the rear boot section we had 3 bikes, 2 16" Specilized girls bikes and my boys 20" Bmx with the front wheel removed.

On the way down, I find late night set ups extremely stressful after a long drive, having to unload everything, slide the multiflex back, fold the seat down, move everything around ect.

On our way back last year, i thought I'd try folding the bench seat BACK forward and down flat to make a smaller bed. We then folded out the cushion on the multiflex and seat back only and I slept sideways on the smaller lower bed with one of my daughters without having to move and empty everything out.

We managed to do this with 5 of us in the van! 2 of us downstairs and my partner and 2 kids upstairs! And to be honest it was one of the better nights sleep I've had in the lower bed!

As there is only 4 of you, you could let the kids sleep downstairs whilst you and your partner sleep upstairs.

I can also recommend a campsite nearish to Salou called Playa Bara. We have flown out from Southend airport via Easyjet the last 2 years in late May and the kids have absolutely loved it. Last year we paid £200 for all 5 of us to fly and £350 for the Static Caravan for the week! A lot lot cheaper and easier than taking the Cali!

 

[Auberg-ine]

As Amarillo says above, sleeping in the Van without unpacking everything is key to quick overnight stops on the way there and back.

When on our French holidays with the van fully packed, we have the rear bench a long way forward with the multiflex board behind.

In the rear boot section we had 3 bikes, 2 16" Specilized girls bikes and my boys 20" Bmx with the front wheel removed.

On the way down, I find late night set ups extremely stressful after a long drive, having to unload everything, slide the multiflex back, fold the seat down, move everything around ect.

On our way back last year, i thought I'd try folding the bench seat BACK forward and down flat to make a smaller bed. We then folded out the cushion on the multiflex and seat back only and I slept sideways on the smaller lower bed with one of my daughters without having to move and empty everything out.

We managed to do this with 5 of us in the van! 2 of us downstairs and my partner and 2 kids upstairs! And to be honest it was one of the better nights sleep I've had in the lower bed!

As there is only 4 of you, you could let the kids sleep downstairs whilst you and your partner sleep upstairs.

I can also recommend a campsite nearish to Salou called Playa Bara. We have flown out from Southend airport via Easyjet the last 2 years in late May and the kids have absolutely loved it. Last year we paid £200 for all 5 of us to fly and £350 for the Static Caravan for the week! A lot lot cheaper and easier than taking the Cali!

Park Playa Bara ( in my village Roda de Bara) is indeed a great camping, developed and nurtured by a nice owner/gardner (who died some years ago, now his kids took over), which kept receiving year after year the German ‘best camping awards’. Google Barapark. ...
But then you miss all the fun traveling, no?


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[2haw]

Park Playa Bara ( in my village Roda de Bara) is indeed a great camping, developed and nurtured by a nice owner/gardner (who died some years ago, now his kids took over), which kept receiving year after year the German ‘best camping awards’. Google Barapark. ...
But then you miss all the fun traveling, no?


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk

Lovely place.. shame I didn't meet you!

It's about family compromise. The adventure of flying somewhere is extremely appealing for the kids and with the cost being far cheaper than Eurotunnel / Fuel / Tolls, it's a no brainer!

We've also done a 10 day France trip in the summer holidays so get the road trip fix then!

Flying to Portugal this year in May and will stay in the UK during the summer in the van.

My kids are not as interested in camping now as they were, the novelty has worn off a little, so I cant see us camping in ours much this year. It still makes a fantastic family vehicle though for days out..

 

[Auberg-ine]

Lovely place.. shame I didn't meet you!

It's about family compromise. The adventure of flying somewhere is extremely appealing for the kids and with the cost being far cheaper than Eurotunnel / Fuel / Tolls, it's a no brainer!

We've also done a 10 day France trip in the summer holidays so get the road trip fix then!

Flying to Portugal this year in May and will stay in the UK during the summer in the van.

My kids are not as interested in camping now as they were, the novelty has worn off a little, so I cant see us camping in ours much this year. It still makes a fantastic family vehicle though for days out..

Or you could do like us. My wife doesn’t like camping neither, so she flies, while I drive the Cali down south, at ease...
The region is so Calicious!


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[AlanC]

So looking at ferrys, does this mean 2 people or 4, i'm confused?
View attachment 42055

Four. There are two single bunks either side of that cabin, with two further fold down ones above on each side. Those cabins are small but have a bathroom with a small shower, some hanging space and a dinky dressing table by the door. There is also a TV. Inside cabins are the same design and size but have no porthole so are cheaper. Personally we try and get one with the porthole.

The kids will want the top bunks no doubt.

Book now as Brittany Ferries routes are very popular. All the posh cabins will have already gone. If you are a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, booking the ferry through them gets you a member discount. Not certain if the Camping and Caravan Club do this, no doubt some will be able to advise.

The restaurant is good, as is the buffet at the other end of the ship and the shop plus two cinemas are excellent time wasters.

During the summer there is usually a children's entertainer on board and presentations about sea-life are also available if that is your thing.

On loading, being a Cali, you will be one of the last on when they fill the main car deck, but one of the first off before the top car deck ramp is lowered.

Although the Bay of Biscay has a reputation for rough weather, the two ferries used are large with stabilisers, so the trip is usually quite smooth in our experience over many years.

You can try spotting whales from the top deck during the summer too.

We have taken the Santander ferry out and driven back through France to Caen to get the shorter channel ferry home before now.

BTW, don't use the stick-on headlamp adjusters sold on the boat. They are difficult to position and leave a mess on the plastic if not removed promptly on your return. I think the posher (and obviously more expensive) headlight protectors from VW are a better bet. They clip on easily and include the right shaped black sticker, and marking to correctly apply them to the protector. Buy them now and use them year on year on year...
And you may well need a big GB sticker too...say no more.

Enjoy the trip.

Alan

 

[Caliromande]

Just wanted to say that I understand the first-time nerves, but you'll be fine! I did the same as you and went straight out to buy a map book which I then regretted when I realised just how big and heavy it was compared to my smart phone which is in fact far easier to use and transport! The map book has gathered a thick layer of dust on the shelf at home

We've travelled from Switzerland down to the south of Spain and to England in our Cali several times over the last years with children between 3 and 7 and we realised quite quickly that we had totally underestimated their capacity to undertake such long journeys. Far fewer stops than we anticipated and they loved every minute of it (and I'm still super proud of the fact that no screens were involved, although I know they will inevitably creep in as the kids get older).

Like your wife, I'm not a big fan of driving but the California is super-easy to drive on the autoroutes and I do take over from my husband from time to time to give him a break. I leave him to do the tricky stuff around the ports and in cities though ;-).

To cover some serious distance don't be afraid to use the toll roads and motorways as they're good value for money and the distance you can cover in one day is really quite considerable compared to the back roads. The autoroutes can also be scenic as they whizz through swathes of countryside! For us it means that we can stop for 2-3 days at a time rather than every night which equates to much less pfaffing with packing and unpacking and greater enjoyment for all.

For our first trips, I needed to have a plan with our route and campsites mapped out in advance - I couldn't handle the idea of freestyling-it with small kids in tow. We have busy and stressful jobs and I didn't want to spend my holiday driving around into the evening looking for somewhere safe to sleep. So my personal advice would be to plan out at least your first stop after the ferry crossing so that you've got a reservation and a firm place to rest and recuperate for a couple of days after the initial burst of activity to get you across the water and into Europe.

After that, relax and enjoy!

Dear Cali Gurus,

Had my Cali now for 3 weeks, love the thing, but really want to get the most out of it. ...

View attachment 42046

 

[Barbara]

So looking at ferrys, does this mean 2 people or 4, i'm confused?
View attachment 42055

You pay for the cabin and if there are 2 people it will be set up for 2 if 4 people they drop down beds from the ceiling. you can have the whole cabin for 1 if you like.

 

[MarkVw2017]

On your first European trip don't be too adventurous.

To relax and avoid constant unpacking/packing, aim to stay in each place three or four nights minimum. But also consider how you might camp overnight without unpacking. You can cover substantial distances if you arrive late, sleep, then start early.

Shop before you arrive at a campsite. Even a small fridge will hold enough for a family of four for four nights.

How you pack really is key. You have an Ocean so your packing will differ substantially from the way we packed. But some elements will be the same: duvets/sleeping bags/pillows on top. When you arrive on site you will want the driveaway awning to come out first. If you are doing an overnight "transit" stop you will want to be able to access washbags and clean clothing - if you've got bikes on the back you won't want to be opening the boot.

Also consider how you might cope in wet or stormy weather. The driveaway awning may have to come down, and the wind out awning only open a few inches. You will need a "wet" area of your van for oilskins, while keeping every other area dry. Boots can go under the van.

We are blasting down to the Gulf of Roses over two days 23/24 May, staying seven nights on site, then blasting home 31 May/1 June. But we are well rehearsed in European travel, and have perfected the art of overnight camping.

Thank you very much @Amarillo really appreciate all that advice, and staying somewhere for 3 nights would feel like a proper holiday as well i suppose. I set my bio up ages ago, i actually have a beach, not an ocean and absolutely love the beach, really happy with it. Thanks again Tom!