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

[MarkVw2017]

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!

wow, thank you for some great advice @2haw Really love the sleeping arrangements hints, brilliant!!!!! Can see why this multiflex board is a good option now! Thank you!!!

 

[MarkVw2017]

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..

I agree. Flying would be much easier, cheaper ad certainly quicker than driving, but i remember looking out the plane window last year coming back from salou, and starting to have panic attacks, whilst also trying not to freak out in front of my family or even the other passengers. i really dont like flying, never have but forced myself with thoughts of "everyone else does it", "your being silly" "your overthinking it" and then decided, that was my last flight. I would rather 50 motorways, 6 ferry's, 20 tolls, 40 traffic jams, 5 breakdowns, 10 punctures and 1000 hours of driving than getting back on one more flight. Hence i got a Cali.

 

[MarkVw2017]

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

Thank you VERY much Alan, some proper good ferry advice!!!!

 

[2haw]

I agree. Flying would be much easier, cheaper ad certainly quicker than driving, but i remember looking out the plane window last year coming back from salou, and starting to have panic attacks, whilst also trying not to freak out in front of my family or even the other passengers. i really dont like flying, never have but forced myself with thoughts of "everyone else does it", "your being silly" "your overthinking it" and then decided, that was my last flight. I would rather 50 motorways, 6 ferry's, 20 tolls, 40 traffic jams, 5 breakdowns, 10 punctures and 1000 hours of driving than getting back on one more flight. Hence i got a Cali.

I too hate flying aswell now and have to hide my fears from my kids! I used to enjoy a bit of turbulance 15 years ago but since having kids, every minute of the flight is like torture!

Another tip.. When going to France, we hang an Ipad up from roof using a folding case by sliding the case in between headlining and the shutter. We put a few movies on and the kids are as good as gold. A cheap easy way to keep the kids entertained whilst travelling down the toll roads. We also connect the iPad up to a bluetooth speaker so the sound of movie is not blasted in our ears!!

 

[briwy]

Just one thing. I wouldn't advise driving into Barcelona at that time of year. Better to get on a site a few miles out and get the train orobus in. My daughter lives in Barcelona so we drive down fairly regularly and can vouch that the Catalan drivers are dreadful. Go down or back over the Pyrenees. Lots of fabulous routes. Personally I would keep away from Andorra though, just a concrete jungle nowadays.

 

[MarkVw2017]

I too hate flying aswell now and have to hide my fears from my kids! I used to enjoy a bit of turbulance 15 years ago but since having kids, every minute of the flight is like torture!

Another tip.. When going to France, we hang an Ipad up from roof using a folding case by sliding the case in between headlining and the shutter. We put a few movies on and the kids are as good as gold. A cheap easy way to keep the kids entertained whilst travelling down the toll roads. We also connect the iPad up to a bluetooth speaker so the sound of movie is not blasted in our ears!!

haha, great hint. We could ahve done with that last week on the way to Scarborough. We had our ipad balancing on one of the seats so the other child couldnt quite see "I WANT IT MY SIDE, WHY HAS HE GOT IT ON HIS SIDE"

 

[MarkVw2017]

Just one thing. I wouldn't advise driving into Barcelona at that time of year. Better to get on a site a few miles out and get the train orobus in. My daughter lives in Barcelona so we drive down fairly regularly and can vouch that the Catalan drivers are dreadful. Go down or back over the Pyrenees. Lots of fabulous routes. Personally I would keep away from Andorra though, just a concrete jungle nowadays.

thank you @briwy. Yes, will avoid driving in any cities if i can, we have already find a lovely campsite a couple of miles short of barcalona and they even do a bus there for day trips. Thank you

 

[2haw]

Are you planning on a quick journey down the toll roads or a leisurely drive down?

Don't forget to get a toll tag before you go. Takes the toll charges direct from your bank the month after you travel and makes life a breeze at the toll booths.

I'm not 100% sure but to give you an idea, I'm sure it cost us about £80 each way on the toll roads down to Bordeaux.

 

[MarkVw2017]

Are you planning on a quick journey down the toll roads or a leisurely drive down?

Don't forget to get a toll tag before you go. Takes the toll charges direct from your bank the month after you travel and makes life a breeze at the toll booths.

I'm not 100% sure but to give you an idea, I'm sure it cost us about £80 each way on the toll roads down to Bordeaux.

Complete novice, so not sure but like the idea now of a day driving hard and spend more time at one plaxe rather than flyijg visits at more places, so thanks for that!!! In my scrap book (amongst loads of tips from this thread

 

[B J G]

If going by Brittany ferries you can use my Club Membership as a Guest of a Member which should give you 10% discount. Just follow the online booking and you will see the box that asks if a Club Voyage Member. Grant F93981. I get a £10 voucher, up to a max of 7 or 8 in a year, off a crossing next year - incase you are wondering what my incentive is.

Years ago I used the C&CC to book ferries then found that it was noticeably cheaper to do direct booking and arranging your own insurances.

Remember that French non motorway speed limit is 80kph with lots of 50 and 30kph villages. Someone seems to have sold the French Authorities a huge batch of speed bumps and 30kph signs recently.

 

[MarkVw2017]

If going by Brittany ferries you can use my Club Membership as a Guest of a Member which should give you 10% discount. Just follow the online booking and you will see the box that asks if a Club Voyage Member. Grant F93981. I get a £10 voucher, up to a max of 7 or 8 in a year, off a crossing next year - incase you are wondering what my incentive is.

Years ago I used the C&CC to book ferries then found that it was noticeably cheaper to do direct booking and arranging your own insurances.

Remember that French non motorway speed limit is 80kph with lots of 50 and 30kph villages. Someone seems to have sold the French Authorities a huge batch of speed bumps and 30kph signs recently.

Thats very kind of you. Thank you!!!

 

[Amarillo]

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!

I can give you much more targeted advice now you have confirmed you have a Beach.

For us, this really is a game changer:



A fixed 1.00 x 1.50m bed in the boot, suitable for two children up to 1.50m tall. In front of the multiflex is a 1.48 x 0.44m plywood board, supported from below by two plywood crates and two plywood trays.



Items packed in the crates can be accessed so long as they will fit between the carry handles and the short plywood end. Items packed in the trays can be accessed by lifting the mattress and the plywood board.

The full bed can be made up by removing the plywood board and the two plywood trays (which can be slid under the van). The bench seat can be lowered without moving it backwards or forwards, i.e. it stays in the same position on the rails for seating or sleeping.

Under the multiflex fit four Muji stackable drawers.



All in the picture below goes under the multiflex or plywood board.



Clothes go in VanEssa window bags.

For driving, nothing but bedding and awning needs to go above the multiflex, so to sleep overnight all that needs to happen is the roof popped, one duvet and two pillows moved upstairs, and the awning stowed on the front passenger seat.

When using the full lower bed, the trays, the Muji drawers and the plywood board make a handy kitchen table.

 

[MarkVw2017]

I can give you much more targeted advice now you have confirmed you have a Beach.

For us, this really is a game changer:

View attachment 42086

A fixed 1.00 x 1.50m bed in the boot, suitable for two children up to 1.50m tall. In front of the multiflex is a 1.48 x 0.44m plywood board, supported from below by two plywood crates and two plywood trays.

View attachment 42087

Items packed in the crates can be accessed so long as they will fit between the carry handles and the short plywood end. Items packed in the trays can be accessed by lifting the mattress and the plywood board.

The full bed can be made up by removing the plywood board and the two plywood trays (which can be slid under the van). The bench seat can be lowered without moving it backwards or forwards, i.e. it stays in the same position on the rails for seating or sleeping.

Under the multiflex fit four Muji stackable drawers.

View attachment 42088

All in the picture below goes under the multiflex or plywood board.

View attachment 42089

Clothes go in VanEssa window bags.

For driving, nothing but bedding and awning needs to go above the multiflex, so to sleep overnight all that needs to happen is the roof popped, one duvet and two pillows moved upstairs, and the awning stowed on the front passenger seat.

When using the full lower bed, the trays, the Muji drawers and the plywood board make a handy kitchen table.

View attachment 42090

Just Wow @Amarillo, wow. Thank you very much. Thought the photo with it all stacked on top on one another was brilliant!!! Your kids look happy at the back, another great idea

 

[Christine Kirk]

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 ,
we have just done our first run down to Spain ; not an issue just do it! Our crossing was Newhaven Dieppe and then on down avoiding Paris. As a test we set the Sat nav to no tolls and came down via Rouen and onto the N roads ; Dreux , Cheat

 

[Christine Kirk]

Hi ,
we have just done our first run down to Spain ; not an issue just do it! Our crossing was Newhaven Dieppe and then on down avoiding Paris. As a test we set the Sat nav to no tolls and came down via Rouen and onto the N roads ; Dreux , Chateaudun, Blois and onto the D924; took our time but saw a great bit of the country. came over into Spain via the D929 Bielsa tunnel. AA Europe map not that good look for the Michelin ones , better scale and much clearer detail.

 

[briwy]

If going by Brittany ferries you can use my Club Membership as a Guest of a Member which should give you 10% discount. Just follow the online booking and you will see the box that asks if a Club Voyage Member. Grant F93981. I get a £10 voucher, up to a max of 7 or 8 in a year, off a crossing next year - incase you are wondering what my incentive is.

Years ago I used the C&CC to book ferries then found that it was noticeably cheaper to do direct booking and arranging your own insurances.

Remember that French non motorway speed limit is 80kph with lots of 50 and 30kph villages. Someone seems to have sold the French Authorities a huge batch of speed bumps and 30kph signs recently.

Agree. We are going down the Pyrenees now and decided to amble down the coast avoiding the toll roads for a change. Completely knackered after 400 miles driving at 80 and all the villages at 30. Many places in France are beautiful but there is also a lot really boring country to cover which are best done on motorways. A lot are free as well so it's not all pay.

 

[Amarillo]

Just Wow @Amarillo, wow. Thank you very much. Thought the photo with it all stacked on top on one another was brilliant!!! Your kids look happy at the back, another great idea

Below is the template to cut the wood for the two crates and two trays from a single sheet of 8' x 4' x 12mm plywood.


I used 28mm diameter hardwood dowel for the carry handles, and drilled 6mm deep holes in the 12mm ply with a 28mm Forstner drill bit to secure the dowel. Each crate and tray had three coats of clear satin yacht varnish.

A sheet of plywood is under £30.
Cutting service £20.
Dowel £10.
Plus screws, sandpaper and varnish.

 

[PAPPA J]

We found having a sat nav On in the back ground took the stress away from the driver (me)it even showed me which way to go round the roundabout, while you could then use the map to enjoy the journey without the pressure of getting things wrong,it’s really easy and it will be a great adventure don’t plan every if you like a place enjoy it with the family and there is always next time,

 

[David Marsh]

I'm following this thread as we normally use the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry in a pet friendly cabin. Sadly those cabins are chocker block so we have booked to go through the tunnel next Saturday and drive down to 12578 Cervera del Maestre in Spain. As we are going to be away for a couple of months or so, we have plenty of time and so are going to try to get to our destination without having to use the toll roads......were only on t' pension. As it's early in the season we have been looking through this years ACSI book only to find many of the sites will be still closed, which is a shame. As we don't wild camp we just need sites that have the basic facilities, nowt fancy. Oh, and we're going in an Auto-Sleeper.......shame on me!!!! Any suggestions as to route and or sites would be appreciated.

 

[WelshGas]

I'm following this thread as we normally use the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry in a pet friendly cabin. Sadly those cabins are chocker block so we have booked to go through the tunnel next Saturday and drive down to 12578 Cervera del Maestre in Spain. As we are going to be away for a couple of months or so, we have plenty of time and so are going to try to get to our destination without having to use the toll roads......were only on t' pension. As it's early in the season we have been looking through this years ACSI book only to find many of the sites will be still closed, which is a shame. As we don't wild camp we just need sites that have the basic facilities, nowt fancy. Oh, and we're going in an Auto-Sleeper.......shame on me!!!! Any suggestions as to route and or sites would be appreciated.

Use the Archie’s App, link posted in Post 12 first page.
Gives site opening dates, GPS and contact number + website if they have one. All the sites are overlayed over Google maps. Also Route Planner.
On map Grey Icons = Campsite Closed at present. Green Icon = Campsite Open
Red Icon = Discount with Camping Card.

 

[MarkVw2017]

Below is the template to cut the wood for the two crates and two trays from a single sheet of 8' x 4' x 12mm plywood.
View attachment 42096

I used 28mm diameter hardwood dowel for the carry handles, and drilled 6mm deep holes in the 12mm ply with a 28mm Forstner drill bit to secure the dowel. Each crate and tray had three coats of clear satin yacht varnish.

A sheet of plywood is under £30.
Cutting service £20.
Dowel £10.
Plus screws, sandpaper and varnish.

You rrally need to put them for sale on thr club shoo @Amarillo

Use the Archie’s App, link posted in Post 12 first page.
Gives site opening dates, GPS and contact number + website if they have one. All the sites are overplayed over Google maps. Also Route Planner.
On map Grey Icons = Campsite Closed at present. Green Icon = Campsite Open
Red Icon = Discount with Camping Card.
View attachment 42127

wow, that looks amazing, thank you!!!!!

 

[Amarillo]

You rrally need to put them for sale on thr club shoo @Amarillo

I did wonder if the Club Shop would be interested in selling ready cut kits.

Tray


Crate


But the big advantage with DIY is the bespoke aspect. My crates are designed so that two 907 gas bottles will fit between them, and can be slid out in their own fiberglass box while keeping the bed above intact. (It is also a happy coincidence that a single (unboxed) 907 bottle and a Cadac Safari Chef will pack into the same space.)



One design will not suit all.

 

[MarkVw2017]

I did wonder if the Club Shop would be interested in selling ready cut kits.

Tray
View attachment 42169

Crate
View attachment 42170

But the big advantage with DIY is the bespoke aspect. My crates are designed so that two 907 gas bottles will fit between them, and can be slid out in their own fiberglass box while keeping the bed above intact. (It is also a happy coincidence that a single (unboxed) 907 bottle and a Cadac Safari Chef will pack into the same space.)

View attachment 42173

One design will not suit all.

My wife was very impressed!! I cannot even use a screwdriver, but thanks for all the info, might have a wonder down to bandq tomoz

 

[Amarillo]

My wife was very impressed!! I cannot even use a screwdriver, but thanks for all the info, might have a wonder down to bandq tomoz

If you do decide to make the plywood crates, you do need to drill pilot holes before screwing, or the plywood will splinter. The pilot hole in the top piece the full diameter of the screw, and the pilot hole in the bottom piece the diameter of the screw less the thread.

 

[Ksar-el-kebir]

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.

If you take the ferry, Economie is not a good idea with children. Great crew and cabin staff but nothing to do.