Touring caravanning in Spain

[tfssyd]

We are old caravanners and have just got a new 5.6m tourer and a Hyundai Sante Fe CRTD Auto to restart caravanning again. We are in the young 60+ age group
We are planning on going to Spain in the early new year to get some brighter weather and would like all the advice we can get, which route which ferry company etc etc.
We live in North Wales so we are not near the channel ports. We are thinking of Bilbao or Santander to avoid such a long journey down through France but may consider returning home that way as the weather improves.
I think that is enough from me for now so I await your advice, Oh one more question, what about gas!!! I am using red calor gas at the moment.

[davidsholt@hotmail.com]

Hi,nice to talk!to you.My wife & I (same age group)decided to holiday in Spain this year after 20 odd years caravanning in the South West of France.Our main drawback was the excessive price of the ferry trips direct to Spain.We found that booking the previous year saves about 40%.We booked in 2008 & went in July 2009.We also decided to stay in Northern Spain as a sampler but found that the climate is good (the Spanish tend to holiday there)We found the food not to our taste as the french food was & we struggled with the language (we speak relatively fluent French)The camp site was Playa de Regaton which we found to be excellent although a little noisy when the kids arrived in the summer holidays.The toilet/shower block was spotless & the little onsite shop was more than adequate,wifi.was good & the bar was pleasant.Hope you find this usefull.By the way the ferry times are superb although the crossing can be a tad rough it is perfect & you can be onsite in 2 hrs.Dave & Kathryn

[megladon]

Hi Guys, So, The best way to Spain. This in the main depends on what you like as travellers. Some like the fast routes to their destinations others like us start their Holiday as soon as we lock our street door. We have been travelling to Spain for the last thirty or so years with our vans and the routes can be so varied. We in the main use the shuttle because it suits us, It's fast,easy, and unaffected by bad weather. If travelling to the costa Brava region we now travel to Paris then out on the A10-A71-A75 to the med and follow the coast road to Spain. This route has many towns along it's length that have campsites open all through the winter months (check and book before your trip) it will also take you across the new Millau viaduct where a couple of hours can be spent in the visitor center (there is plenty of room in the car park here for your outfit to park (we have a twin axle with no problems) If your intention is to go further south for the warmer weather Jan/Feb time South of Barcelona then going through the Pyrenees is a lovely days drive, Taking the hill country up to the Vielha tunnel and on down to the Tarragona region, From here on south campsites are numerous for winter vanning. If you are in the cc/ccc look up their winter sun brochures on-line they can be a very good source of relevent information. Always remember that the stops that you make on the journey are as important as the trvelling itself, Good luck and Bon voyage.

[annestnly]

Originally Posted by tfssyd

We are old caravanners and have just got a new 5.6m tourer and a Hyundai Sante Fe CRTD Auto to restart caravanning again. We are in the young 60+ age group
We are planning on going to Spain in the early new year to get some brighter weather and would like all the advice we can get, which route which ferry company etc etc.
We live in North Wales so we are not near the channel ports. We are thinking of Bilbao or Santander to avoid such a long journey down through France but may consider returning home that way as the weather improves.
I think that is enough from me for now so I await your advice, Oh one more question, what about gas!!! I am using red calor gas at the moment.

Hi we 2 are taking our caravan to spain Bennidorm staying El Raco site 3rd Jan we have to go by Brittany Feries Plymoth to St Milo because we are also taking our dog with us we did this route 2 years ago make sure you have plenty of money for tolls we did the journey 1 night in France & 2 nights en route to
Bennidorm we to have red bottles took 2 full which lasted the full 3mths we were there good luck with your journey

[jackchanny]

Spain is an extremely beautiful place, with lots of culture and history, if you haven't done it there do it, and in the process go caravanning across the rest of europe, or neighboring countries

Hello All
I am Voges and I am new here.
I am a travel freak and I explored many countries already.
Looking forward to exchange my experiences with you guys

[morgan54]

Introduction
When you want to relax, the last thing you’re probably thinking of is safety. Especially when you’re outdoors, or away from home. But that’s when accidents can easily happen, in particular if you’re in unfamiliar surroundings.

Fire safety doesn’t stop when you leave your home. Carelessness outdoors can have fatal results, and fires can also destroy huge areas of countryside and delicate ecosystems.

Leisure activities such as barbecues, camping and caravanning should be relaxing and enjoyable experiences. But it is important to stay alert to the fire hazards that they pose.

These activities are most popular during the warmer months – when dry ground adds to the dangers – but care should be taken at all times of the year.

This section covers what to watch out for when outdoors, and what steps you can take if there’s a fire.



Be careful

When children are around

When lighting a barbecue

When disposing of used barbecue coals

When people are drinking

With gas bottles

With candles and cigarettes



Barbecue Safety

Having a barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. But cooking over hot coals can be hazardous. It's easy to be distracted when you have family and friends around you whilst cooking. To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple tips:

Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order.

Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.



Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs.



Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches)

Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.

Never leave the barbecue unattended.



When you've finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil.

Never put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire

Remember. Barbecues should never be lit indoors.



Gas Barbecues

Bottled gas barbecues need special care when being turned on and off.

Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.

Change gas cylinders in the open air if possible, or open doors and windows to provide good ventilation.

When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbecue controls, to ensure any gas in the pipeline is used up.

Don't overload sockets.


If you suspect a leak to the gas cylinder or pipe work:

Brush soapy water around all joints and watch for bubbles.

If you find a leaky joint, try to tighten it. But do not over tighten.



Storing Gas Cylinders

Do not keep more spare gas cylinders than you need.

Store gas cylinders outside.

Keep gas cylinders away from frost and direct sunlight.

Never store gas cylinders under the stairs of your home - if you are upstairs this is your means of escape from a fire.

Enjoy yourself, but remember - too much alcohol and fire never mix!