Dan, I have/continue to have all sorts of towing anxieties. In some respects, I don't think it should be a goal to ever completely be free of them as having a healthy concerns drives me to research routes and locations more thoroughly. I also had anxieties about the ferry, but mine were mainly having to stop/start on the ramp! I've done it a number of times now, and with some common sense like leaving a sensible gap when boarding/disembarking, it's one of those things that once you've done it once, it feels a lot easier next time. Re: towing in France, I actually find it easier as the roads feel better and less busy, but you may rely on your passenger on Autoroutes for a lane check as you get used to it. If you do plan on using Autoroutes, prepare mentally for toll booths. You will need to slow down in advance and pick the lane without height restriction. They 'tend' to be to the right hand side, but I always look where the lorry's are going if in doubt, and as a result are a bit wider (better for your 8' van). Your passenger will have to be prepared for hanging out of their window for payment... I had a young lad break down in a toll lane and had to reverse the van out, I think that experience has made anything else seem simple by comparison. Something else I would do is research your route into the camping site. Sometimes, you have no option, but I always feel like it's better to be prepared if there's a challening approach than not knowing. Honestly though, I don't think it'll be anywhere near as bad as your perceptions and I'm sure you'll have a great adventure.
Dan, Going to Brittany is a good idea. This is exactly what we did over twenty years ago and have now been all over Europe. You will soon realise that all your fears disappear and wonder why on earth you didn't go abroad with your van years ago. A whole new world opens up. Give it a go, you won't regret it!
Will be taking our van to France for the first time this year, just booked the train to get us across. We will spend 6 weeks there in total, now need to plan our our route and sites from Calais. First stop will be Paris to take the kids to Disney for a few days. Then not sure where from there! Excited and nervous all at the same time! My childhood memories are of caravanning in France, so looking forward to creating similar memories for my Daughters. The journey from NE Scotland to Folkstone, is probably the part I am looking forward to the least! Have a great year!
Great plans. We too were nervous about towing in France. We did many Eurocamp type holidays when the kids were little and loved it. Hubby fell out of love with towing completely so we’ve gone over to the dark side and got a Motorhome, I can drive that too. It’s so much easier especially with a dog to have your own accommodation, you know exactly what you’re getting which you don’t with self catering. So fingers crossed we will be taking the plunge and crossing the channel too when we’ve got the dog his passport!
We have been going to France since 2012, first with a trailer and since 2019 with a caravan, getting on and off the ferry is easy, there are loads of uniformed staff that guide up on etc, I imagine living where you do that you will probably do Poole - Cherbourg which isn't a bad ferry and avoids the toll roads down to Brittany. We have never done Brittany but have done Normandy, Aquitaine and Vendée which are all really nice areas. As loads of people have already mentioned, towing in France is a lot more relaxing than in the UK, just follow the same rules that you do in this country and check the routes via Google maps etc, am sure that you will enjoy it 👍
Hi Dan, Listening to what you say regarding towing abroad, getting on and off the ferries are very simple we go to Spain every year January to end of March on Brittany Ferries to Santander, we found getting on and off the ferry is very simple and not stressful at all, as far as towing abroad well if you can tow in Cornwall you can tow any where, we found the roads in Europe are so much easier than in the UK, I know it is easy to say when you have a thing about it but if you can get passed this and give it a go I know you will defiantly want to do it again, we have do France Italy Luxemburg Germany Slovenia Austria and Croatia Spain and Portugal always had a great time and no problems with driving in Europe, I hope this helps and you decide to give it a go. Regards Bruce
Hi Dan, Good to see you still caravanning. We absolutely love France which is odd as my step dad and mam went with my sister year after year and I said I would never go. Since 2017 we have been each year even without the caravan over the past few years. I get what you mean about the fear of getting on and off. It does feel a bit odd when you first get onto the other side, but it's easier to two in France than the UK given their much better motorway system. It's a bit of a trek for us but once we get there it's like being on a flying vacation but can easily explore as still have the car.
Happy New Year Dan. I too have a fear of getting on and off the ferry even though it’s my husband who does all the driving. He says he has no problem with it but maybe he’s not being as honest as you. We are thinking about Germany but may be better with a trip to France first to build our confidence. Thank you so much for bringing this up.
Totally understandable to be a bit anxious about getting on and off the ferry etc and driving abroad. Great idea to go to Brittany. As you say lovely area, loads to do! I’m sure when you’ve been you’ll look back and wonder what your worries about. The people who load the ferries obvs do it day in day out with caravans, trailers and lorries and I remember the first time just taking it super slow, not being rushed into anything and letting them guide me. Being roll-on, roll off there is little manoeuvring to do on board. I’m sure it’ll make a great ‘how to’ video!
We've been to Brittany the past two summers (without the caravan because it was cheaper to stay at Eurocamp one year then a Sandaya the next). It's a beautiful part of France. Driving abroad is so much nicer than the UK; you'll love it! Happy New Year!
We’re off to France in June/July via the tunnel with our 8ft wide caravan. Had a trailer tent last time we went back in 2015. Looking forward to it and the roads are generally so much better than ours.
Hi Dan, happy new year to you both. We take our caravan abroad every summer. We usually do an overnight crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo, as we find we can have a better nights sleep on board the slightly longer crossing than to Caen. We then head of south. The first couple of years we stayed around the Vendee area as it is a reasonable drive down from St Malo. This year we are towing down to the Bay of Roses in Spain. As others have said, towing in France is so much easier than in this country. The roads are better as well as the weather! Hope you have a cracking year and look forward to your uploads.
Hi Dan, We visited South Island New Zealand last year. We did consider hiring a Motorhome but in the end decided on a car and staying overnight in a mixture of Airbnbs, hotels and b&bs.. With the benefit of hindsight we are convinced it was the right choice. Roads are very very quiet and there is no need to be hand held. We acquired most of our info and guidance from Trip Advisor and it worked out well. We have also taken our own tourer into France and Spain and again wouldn't entertain any hand holding by the CAMC or indeed anyone else. As others have mentioned towing abroad is so easy, it is only when you return to the UK that you realise how crowded our roads are. My tip is simply do your own thing and definitely don't prebook your sites abroad, just go with the flow and move on when you want to, so easy as there is no need to decide how many days you wish to stay on a site, simply pay when you leave.
Hi the T's Caravan to France. If you don't fancy the Ferry, there's always the Chunnel. We have done both, over many years. We have been to the South, East, West & Central France. We love the Loire. Never used th CAMC organised trips, very expensive, but do use them for Ferry/Chunnel prices and Red Pennant, there are other companies. Normandy and Brittany are a good starting point. We were there for the 80th Anniversary last year. Stressful, for me is a no, advance planning is a yes and can be therapeutic. I seen most of your vlog's and seeing how you do them, France and Ferry will be a doddle. We hope you get there, as there's nothing better than being with your own outfit on a French campsite.😊
Happy new year Dan. The unfamiliar can cause anxiety, but honestly ferries are much easier than you'd think. Especially if you are towing a caravan as that means they put you on the main decks. It's only the solo cars that some times have to go up onto the narrow mez like decks. As others have said towing in Europe is generally easier and less stressful than in the UK. Brittany is nice, we've taken the caravan there several times. Dave
Hi Dan Why not try a trip to the Isle of Wight, the ferries are role on role off, no turning or reversing required and it will give you the experience of the booking, checking in, and the boarding procedures. We’ve been many times with the caravan always booking through the CAMC as they are much cheaper than booking direct with the ferry companies. Plus it’s a lovely place to visit and probably not that far for you, we travel from Yorkshire so about 250 miles to the ferry, although we do stop over at Winchester Morn Hill for a night or two on the way down. My wife has the same anxiety about travelling and towing abroad so we’ve never actually been into Europe ourselves. Good luck on this years trips.
Happy New Year to you.. We went to France last summer, first time we'd ever ventured overseas with the caravan, i was a big ball of anxiety leading up to the trip, over thinking the ferry boarding, disembarking and driving on the other side of the road etc.. But the reality of it was, it was all so straight forward and added to a fantastic adventure abroad in the caravan.. would wholeheartedly recommend anyone to do it. We sailed Poole to Cherbourg travelled to Brittany for 2 weeks and stopped off in Normandy on way back to Cherbourg. Looking to plan another trip abroad for 2026.. 👌
Hi Dan. Great video as usual. We have the same trepidation about going abroad as yourselves but feel we must be adventurous, lets face it, thats why we bought a caravan. So we have decided on southern Ireland for our foreign experience. Same language (ish), same experience of getting on and off of a ferry, great beer, loveley sceanery and not too far to go on the ferry.
I would recommend the isle of wight . That was a ferry crossing and was my first time. Felt like going abroad . Was very straight forward. I would also like to go to France buy my wife also fears towing on other side of road! Although roads are so much better. I still need to convince her....
Happy New Year. You have nothing to fear about towing abroad. As regard the ferry. Just imagine you are driving a 44 tonne Artic. They do the ferry with no problem and you are smaller and lots more manoeuvrable! Just follow the deck hand direction. I was a 69 yrs old 1st timer to Holland & France. And YES apprehension and nerves and palpitations as I approached the loading ramp but I was following another car and caravan and copied them - simple! As for driving over there Holland is fine, good roads but some congestion going through the cities. France is an absolute doddle. So, since 2019 we have clocked up over 10000 miles in Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy and Germany. Great sites, good prices. Join ACSI for great discounts and several thousand campsite choices. This June/July we are off to Brittany and Normandy via Newhaven / Dieppe (£480 this year). Have a great year. Message me if you want more info!
From the very first videos you created to the content you create now I have to say I've loved the journey, I have literally seen every video you have uploaded over the past 10 years, as a follower and a fellow caravan owner I can only say thank you, for your commitment and dedication to keeping us entertained and informed. Thank you Dan keep up the good work 👍
Happy New Year Dan to you and your family and hopefully you will enjoy your 2025 trips, like yourself we have planned are year out but changers are in the pipeline already. Looking forward to your next blog and thanks for the reminder to sterilise the water system.
Absolutely love going over the water it’s a much better experience and the roads are 1 million times better than the U.K. and the sites are much better setup. It’s a breeze go for it you’ll never look back. Plus you’ll save a fortune
Hi Dan, Happy new year to you and Angela. I was watching this in the first few minutes, and I was kinda of hoping to hear you say "you'd be doing clubfest". You confirmed it and I let out a great cackle! I hope to cross your path's whilst there with my goon squad, it would be great to actually meet you and share our Journey into caravanning as you played a very big factor! Keep up the fab work, love the channel!
Well done Dan good luck. I was the same on ferry’s so last year I (being a widower) took the caravan to Isle of Wight only problem on going over was jockey wheel bottomed out and pulled my ATC cable light out. Take jockey wheel off.
Hi Dan, Happy New Year to you both. My wife and I absolutely love Brittany, and with my obsession of D-Day, Normandy. Brittany Ferries are amazing, really good boats, except for the Poole to Cherbourg one! But that's just my view, it's just not as nice/comfortable as the others. Plymouth port will be the one for Brittany, and is easy to get to, we usually go overnight having a cabin. We haven't taken our caravan as yet, but if a 40ft articulated lorry can get on, so could you, there are deck crew to guide you. On arrival at Roscoff you are then on open roads to Morlaix where the roads split to the different directions. All the roads have wide verges and are far quieter than ours, (not like Cornwall where we live. If you can tow here, you can tow anywhere). Having done possibly fifteen to twenty thousand miles in France over the many years, feel just as happy driving there as here. You can buy a little sticker for the windscreen as a reminder to be on the right side of the road for roundabouts etc. Quimper area is our go to, with lots of different things to see. Take the plunge, you will be fine and will really, really enjoy yourselves. Thank you for all your videos, follow them with interest, even using many of your tips.
Hi Dan, happy new year. We went to France last year for the first time and really enjoyed it. It is so easy over there and you will wonder why you was so worried. A year or two before we went, we did a holiday to the Isle of Wight to experience leaving the mainland and going on a ferry. It was a great experience but we ended going to France through the tunnel 😂
HNY! Greatest laugh of the year so far. We’re doing things differently this year. Our first trip will be to Cirencester 😂😂😂 had to check it was 2025 video. Turns out good reason but tickled me, back to Brecon (wonder if the gin place will be on your itinerary this time) happy travels
Hi Dan, my wife is very nervous of being in the car when we are towing. Towing on the continent is so much better than UK so we usually head abroad for our holidays. Living in Devon we usually start in Brittany! The ferry experience is easy and a great start to the holiday. Roads, especially motorways are so much quieter than UK. My only advice is to avoid the main continental travel days such as the very start or the very end of the holiday period. I’m sure you will both love the experience and make it a regular thrip.
Happy new year to you both 🎉🥂 Sounds like you have a lot planned for this year. We were in Cornwall in September ( we go every year) We recommend The Mermaid restaurant in St Ives, it only small but the food is very nice, run by lovely friendly people , you need to book upto a month before. Enjoy your trips and we look forward to watching them.
Don’t worry about the ferries. The crew will guide you where to go. Driving on the continent is no big deal, but do ensure your towing mirrors are well adjusted, so you have clear vision on left side for when you need to pull out. Beware some Dutch roundabouts. Some you cross through the middle to turn right then go around to eventually effectively turn left. Follow signs, not satnav.
Looks like you got a good year coming. Dad has the same anxiety about abroad. We did it once and my main advice is planning, have everything printed out and ready for any eventuality (I know you would anyway) Happy New Year, catch up soon. Oliver
If you can drive in the UK you can drive in NZ - similar kinds of roads and we drive on the same side. Hire a motorhome (gasp - yes we caravanners can make an exception if needs must) and head for the South Island, you wont be disappointed!
Old oaks is fantastic. Stayed in September and going g back for Karen's birthday in June this year. Our first trip in March Eye Kettleby Lakes another great site
Hi Dan and Angela. Talking about abroad, why don’t you do Portsmouth St Malo for a day trip with the car only just to see how all the caravans load. The only problem we’ve ever had was with Brittany Ferries Economiqe where we had to reverse on board to get off but all the other ferries are fab. You could do an over night cabin with gourmet meal, explore The ancient walled city of St Malo and come back the following day? PS congrats on your milestone x
You will love Old Oaks we go every year. The walk from the site to the tou is excellent. Also go to wick about 5/10 miles away it's were they filmed Hot Fuzz
Old Oaks is one of the best Tranquil sites. It's a great site very clean and tidy and a nice off road walk to the Tor and Glastonbury. You'll like it there
Going on and off a ferry is simple, no turns or anything, simply drive on and park within white lines and then drive off again, just as you would park in a motorway service area in uk
Happy New Year to you both, love your videos and great help. Can I recommend the channel: Beyond that Blue Door, they have excellent videos showing getting on and off ferries and trains. Plus he has the most amazing t-shirts. Regards
Hi Dan we are going to Isle of Wight fist time on a ferry with a van. I’m apprehensive but I’ve booked now so we are definitely going. Our first stop is Chichester for a week then iow for ten nights then we’re going to Devizes. And possibly Cirencester and Tewksbury on our slow ride home. That’s all in may and June. After that we will have a break then possibly go to Nottingham good luck with France I’m like you Apprehensive In going abroad. So we will see how it goes and maybe France next year.
I did the isle of wight last year enjoyed it so much booked again this year. Ferry was so easy they direct you in to place and check your not going to bump anything. we have booked the Orchard caravan site brilliant site with 2 pools
Hi Dan, try the chocolace shop in grassington for Angela's liquorice they have a large selection. The spelling for the shop is correct. Hope that helps.
My son is in Europe St the moment, 10 days in Switzerland touring by train then 4 nights in Amsterdam on the way back before getting on Eurostar to come home.
Towed first time to Normandy last year, it is easier than driving in this country, french roads brilliant, alot quieter . Camp sites better and cheaper. Go for it.
Now then, when you go to Amsterdam, get yourself to the Sea Palace Restaurant. Absolutely fantastic food, and make sure you take the free ferry to the North side. It's just behind the central station 👌
Dan, towing in Europe is so much more easier than towing here, the roads are a lot emptier than the UK and the Autoroutes are a breeze, again hardly any traffic, the ferries are a piece of cake to get on/off and so is the Tunnel, if you are that paranoid just stay away from the Paris ring road, that can be a bit of a pain but only as much as say the M25, I've been touring over there for years, just me and my dog, trust me you will not look back
Sure what do you need to know? Are you looking to add lights for the wardrobe while its open? Something like this would be good, rechargeable, motion activated they will light up when the wardrobe door opens. amzn.to/405BBgn
@TheTrudgians I've watched your video on the installation of led's to your van. We have an Elddis Affinity 554 2023 model and I'd like to install let's to come on when the door opens using an on off switch, we have wardrobes either side of the bed plus I'd like led lighting under the TV table next door to the main door, each using an independent on off switch, I can get access to the main 12v power from the main wardrobe. I did a similar thing in my previous van a Lunar Clubman Si 2011 model, but for the life of me I can't remember how to get access to the positive from one light switch to the other. Help required 🥴🤔 please
Can't understand the difference between going to France & getting on the ferry & going to Brittany???? If you can do one you can do the other!!! Stupid, unfounded, unnecessary anxiety!! I cannot believe that of you. It must be your age 😅😅! We're all older than you & just get on with it! Whatever you do , enjoy it
Dan, I have/continue to have all sorts of towing anxieties. In some respects, I don't think it should be a goal to ever completely be free of them as having a healthy concerns drives me to research routes and locations more thoroughly. I also had anxieties about the ferry, but mine were mainly having to stop/start on the ramp! I've done it a number of times now, and with some common sense like leaving a sensible gap when boarding/disembarking, it's one of those things that once you've done it once, it feels a lot easier next time. Re: towing in France, I actually find it easier as the roads feel better and less busy, but you may rely on your passenger on Autoroutes for a lane check as you get used to it. If you do plan on using Autoroutes, prepare mentally for toll booths. You will need to slow down in advance and pick the lane without height restriction. They 'tend' to be to the right hand side, but I always look where the lorry's are going if in doubt, and as a result are a bit wider (better for your 8' van). Your passenger will have to be prepared for hanging out of their window for payment... I had a young lad break down in a toll lane and had to reverse the van out, I think that experience has made anything else seem simple by comparison.
Something else I would do is research your route into the camping site. Sometimes, you have no option, but I always feel like it's better to be prepared if there's a challening approach than not knowing.
Honestly though, I don't think it'll be anywhere near as bad as your perceptions and I'm sure you'll have a great adventure.
Dan, Going to Brittany is a good idea. This is exactly what we did over twenty years ago and have now been all over Europe. You will soon realise that all your fears disappear and wonder why on earth you didn't go abroad with your van years ago. A whole new world opens up. Give it a go, you won't regret it!
Will be taking our van to France for the first time this year, just booked the train to get us across. We will spend 6 weeks there in total, now need to plan our our route and sites from Calais. First stop will be Paris to take the kids to Disney for a few days. Then not sure where from there! Excited and nervous all at the same time! My childhood memories are of caravanning in France, so looking forward to creating similar memories for my Daughters. The journey from NE Scotland to Folkstone, is probably the part I am looking forward to the least! Have a great year!
Great plans. We too were nervous about towing in France. We did many Eurocamp type holidays when the kids were little and loved it. Hubby fell out of love with towing completely so we’ve gone over to the dark side and got a Motorhome, I can drive that too. It’s so much easier especially with a dog to have your own accommodation, you know exactly what you’re getting which you don’t with self catering. So fingers crossed we will be taking the plunge and crossing the channel too when we’ve got the dog his passport!
We have been going to France since 2012, first with a trailer and since 2019 with a caravan, getting on and off the ferry is easy, there are loads of uniformed staff that guide up on etc, I imagine living where you do that you will probably do Poole - Cherbourg which isn't a bad ferry and avoids the toll roads down to Brittany.
We have never done Brittany but have done Normandy, Aquitaine and Vendée which are all really nice areas.
As loads of people have already mentioned, towing in France is a lot more relaxing than in the UK, just follow the same rules that you do in this country and check the routes via Google maps etc, am sure that you will enjoy it 👍
We’ve just come back from spending new year at Cirencester, only 45 minutes from home, but lovely site and we will certainly return x
Cirencester Park Is Now Open All Year..
Hi Dan, Listening to what you say regarding towing abroad, getting on and off the ferries are very simple we go to Spain every year January to end of March on Brittany Ferries to Santander, we found getting on and off the ferry is very simple and not stressful at all, as far as towing abroad well if you can tow in Cornwall you can tow any where, we found the roads in Europe are so much easier than in the UK, I know it is easy to say when you have a thing about it but if you can get passed this and give it a go I know you will defiantly want to do it again, we have do France Italy Luxemburg Germany Slovenia Austria and Croatia Spain and Portugal always had a great time and no problems with driving in Europe, I hope this helps and you decide to give it a go.
Regards
Bruce
Booked up so far, Ilfarcombe Hidden Valley in April, Cirencester and New Forest in May.
Still loving the channel, John & Wendy in South Devon
Hi Dan, Good to see you still caravanning. We absolutely love France which is odd as my step dad and mam went with my sister year after year and I said I would never go. Since 2017 we have been each year even without the caravan over the past few years. I get what you mean about the fear of getting on and off. It does feel a bit odd when you first get onto the other side, but it's easier to two in France than the UK given their much better motorway system. It's a bit of a trek for us but once we get there it's like being on a flying vacation but can easily explore as still have the car.
Happy New Year Dan. I too have a fear of getting on and off the ferry even though it’s my husband who does all the driving. He says he has no problem with it but maybe he’s not being as honest as you. We are thinking about Germany but may be better with a trip to France first to build our confidence. Thank you so much for bringing this up.
Sounds like a good plan for 2025. Glad you are still doing your Videos😊
Western Canada is stunning - we've been 3 times in the last 10 yrs and loved it every time.
Totally understandable to be a bit anxious about getting on and off the ferry etc and driving abroad. Great idea to go to Brittany. As you say lovely area, loads to do! I’m sure when you’ve been you’ll look back and wonder what your worries about. The people who load the ferries obvs do it day in day out with caravans, trailers and lorries and I remember the first time just taking it super slow, not being rushed into anything and letting them guide me. Being roll-on, roll off there is little manoeuvring to do on board. I’m sure it’ll make a great ‘how to’ video!
Driving in France is so less stressful than driving in the UK. Just go for it. You'll love it 😊
We've been to Brittany the past two summers (without the caravan because it was cheaper to stay at Eurocamp one year then a Sandaya the next). It's a beautiful part of France. Driving abroad is so much nicer than the UK; you'll love it! Happy New Year!
Old Oaks - fabulous - we've been - you will love it.
We’re off to France in June/July via the tunnel with our 8ft wide caravan. Had a trailer tent last time we went back in 2015. Looking forward to it and the roads are generally so much better than ours.
Hi Dan, happy new year to you both.
We take our caravan abroad every summer. We usually do an overnight crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo, as we find we can have a better nights sleep on board the slightly longer crossing than to Caen. We then head of south. The first couple of years we stayed around the Vendee area as it is a reasonable drive down from St Malo. This year we are towing down to the Bay of Roses in Spain.
As others have said, towing in France is so much easier than in this country. The roads are better as well as the weather! Hope you have a cracking year and look forward to your uploads.
Hi Dan, We visited South Island New Zealand last year. We did consider hiring a Motorhome but in the end decided on a car and staying overnight in a mixture of Airbnbs, hotels and b&bs.. With the benefit of hindsight we are convinced it was the right choice. Roads are very very quiet and there is no need to be hand held. We acquired most of our info and guidance from Trip Advisor and it worked out well. We have also taken our own tourer into France and Spain and again wouldn't entertain any hand holding by the CAMC or indeed anyone else. As others have mentioned towing abroad is so easy, it is only when you return to the UK that you realise how crowded our roads are. My tip is simply do your own thing and definitely don't prebook your sites abroad, just go with the flow and move on when you want to, so easy as there is no need to decide how many days you wish to stay on a site, simply pay when you leave.
Happy new year Dan hope you and family had a relaxing time
Happy New Year - booked every month to go away xx
First port of call Cirencester in April, visiting family and friends on five of our visits
Hi the T's
Caravan to France. If you don't fancy the Ferry, there's always the Chunnel. We have done both, over many years.
We have been to the South, East, West & Central France. We love the Loire.
Never used th CAMC organised trips, very expensive, but do use them for Ferry/Chunnel prices and Red Pennant, there are other companies.
Normandy and Brittany are a good starting point. We were there for the 80th Anniversary last year.
Stressful, for me is a no, advance planning is a yes and can be therapeutic.
I seen most of your vlog's and seeing how you do them, France and Ferry will be a doddle.
We hope you get there, as there's nothing better than being with your own outfit on a French campsite.😊
Happy new year Dan. The unfamiliar can cause anxiety, but honestly ferries are much easier than you'd think. Especially if you are towing a caravan as that means they put you on the main decks. It's only the solo cars that some times have to go up onto the narrow mez like decks.
As others have said towing in Europe is generally easier and less stressful than in the UK. Brittany is nice, we've taken the caravan there several times.
Dave
Hi Dan
Why not try a trip to the Isle of Wight, the ferries are role on role off, no turning or reversing required and it will give you the experience of the booking, checking in, and the boarding procedures. We’ve been many times with the caravan always booking through the CAMC as they are much cheaper than booking direct with the ferry companies. Plus it’s a lovely place to visit and probably not that far for you, we travel from Yorkshire so about 250 miles to the ferry, although we do stop over at Winchester Morn Hill for a night or two on the way down. My wife has the same anxiety about travelling and towing abroad so we’ve never actually been into Europe ourselves. Good luck on this years trips.
Happy New Year to you.. We went to France last summer, first time we'd ever ventured overseas with the caravan, i was a big ball of anxiety leading up to the trip, over thinking the ferry boarding, disembarking and driving on the other side of the road etc.. But the reality of it was, it was all so straight forward and added to a fantastic adventure abroad in the caravan.. would wholeheartedly recommend anyone to do it.
We sailed Poole to Cherbourg travelled to Brittany for 2 weeks and stopped off in Normandy on way back to Cherbourg.
Looking to plan another trip abroad for 2026.. 👌
Hi Dan. Great video as usual. We have the same trepidation about going abroad as yourselves but feel we must be adventurous, lets face it, thats why we bought a caravan. So we have decided on southern Ireland for our foreign experience. Same language (ish), same experience of getting on and off of a ferry, great beer, loveley sceanery and not too far to go on the ferry.
I would recommend the isle of wight . That was a ferry crossing and was my first time. Felt like going abroad . Was very straight forward. I would also like to go to France buy my wife also fears towing on other side of road! Although roads are so much better. I still need to convince her....
Happy New Year. You have nothing to fear about towing abroad. As regard the ferry. Just imagine you are driving a 44 tonne Artic. They do the ferry with no problem and you are smaller and lots more manoeuvrable! Just follow the deck hand direction. I was a 69 yrs old 1st timer to Holland & France. And YES apprehension and nerves and palpitations as I approached the loading ramp but I was following another car and caravan and copied them - simple! As for driving over there Holland is fine, good roads but some congestion going through the cities. France is an absolute doddle. So, since 2019 we have clocked up over 10000 miles in Holland, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy and Germany. Great sites, good prices. Join ACSI for great discounts and several thousand campsite choices. This June/July we are off to Brittany and Normandy via Newhaven / Dieppe (£480 this year). Have a great year. Message me if you want more info!
Thank you. 🙏
From the very first videos you created to the content you create now I have to say I've loved the journey, I have literally seen every video you have uploaded over the past 10 years, as a follower and a fellow caravan owner I can only say thank you, for your commitment and dedication to keeping us entertained and informed. Thank you Dan keep up the good work 👍
Wow, thank you!🙏
Happy New Year Dan to you and your family and hopefully you will enjoy your 2025 trips, like yourself we have planned are year out but changers are in the pipeline already.
Looking forward to your next blog and thanks for the reminder to sterilise the water system.
Absolutely love going over the water it’s a much better experience and the roads are 1 million times better than the U.K. and the sites are much better setup. It’s a breeze go for it you’ll never look back. Plus you’ll save a fortune
Hi Dan, Happy new year to you and Angela.
I was watching this in the first few minutes, and I was kinda of hoping to hear you say "you'd be doing clubfest".
You confirmed it and I let out a great cackle!
I hope to cross your path's whilst there with my goon squad, it would be great to actually meet you and share our Journey into caravanning as you played a very big factor!
Keep up the fab work, love the channel!
Oh we will be there and if you do see us, please please please do say hi!!!
Well done Dan good luck. I was the same on ferry’s so last year I (being a widower) took the caravan to Isle of Wight only problem on going over was jockey wheel bottomed out and pulled my ATC cable light out. Take jockey wheel off.
Enjoy Old Oaks, it’s a brilliant site. We love it there.
Hi Dan, Happy New Year to you both. My wife and I absolutely love Brittany, and with my obsession of D-Day, Normandy. Brittany Ferries are amazing, really good boats, except for the Poole to Cherbourg one! But that's just my view, it's just not as nice/comfortable as the others. Plymouth port will be the one for Brittany, and is easy to get to, we usually go overnight having a cabin. We haven't taken our caravan as yet, but if a 40ft articulated lorry can get on, so could you, there are deck crew to guide you. On arrival at Roscoff you are then on open roads to Morlaix where the roads split to the different directions. All the roads have wide verges and are far quieter than ours, (not like Cornwall where we live. If you can tow here, you can tow anywhere). Having done possibly fifteen to twenty thousand miles in France over the many years, feel just as happy driving there as here. You can buy a little sticker for the windscreen as a reminder to be on the right side of the road for roundabouts etc. Quimper area is our go to, with lots of different things to see. Take the plunge, you will be fine and will really, really enjoy yourselves. Thank you for all your videos, follow them with interest, even using many of your tips.
Hi Dan, happy new year.
We went to France last year for the first time and really enjoyed it. It is so easy over there and you will wonder why you was so worried.
A year or two before we went, we did a holiday to the Isle of Wight to experience leaving the mainland and going on a ferry. It was a great experience but we ended going to France through the tunnel 😂
HNY! Greatest laugh of the year so far. We’re doing things differently this year. Our first trip will be to Cirencester 😂😂😂 had to check it was 2025 video. Turns out good reason but tickled me, back to Brecon (wonder if the gin place will be on your itinerary this time) happy travels
Hi Dan, my wife is very nervous of being in the car when we are towing. Towing on the continent is so much better than UK so we usually head abroad for our holidays. Living in Devon we usually start in Brittany! The ferry experience is easy and a great start to the holiday. Roads, especially motorways are so much quieter than UK. My only advice is to avoid the main continental travel days such as the very start or the very end of the holiday period. I’m sure you will both love the experience and make it a regular thrip.
Happy new year to you both 🎉🥂
Sounds like you have a lot planned for this year.
We were in Cornwall in September ( we go every year)
We recommend The Mermaid restaurant in St Ives, it only small but the food is very nice, run by lovely friendly people , you need to book upto a month before.
Enjoy your trips and we look forward to watching them.
Don’t worry about the ferries. The crew will guide you where to go. Driving on the continent is no big deal, but do ensure your towing mirrors are well adjusted, so you have clear vision on left side for when you need to pull out. Beware some Dutch roundabouts. Some you cross through the middle to turn right then go around to eventually effectively turn left. Follow signs, not satnav.
Happy new year Dan🎉
Look forward to see you in france 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵👍
Old oaks site is amazing and one of the best sites we have been too. Equally, clamber park is as good as it gets.
Happy new year to you both Great choice re old oaks such a lovely site great facilities friendly staff we go there every year on the lower oaks
Looks like you got a good year coming. Dad has the same anxiety about abroad. We did it once and my main advice is planning, have everything printed out and ready for any eventuality (I know you would anyway)
Happy New Year, catch up soon. Oliver
Happy new year bud. A decent catch up is well overdue. 👍
Happy new year to you both
Happy new year to you all Dan…. As others have said get abroad we love it you won’t regret.
Thanks Mark, hope you guys are well. 👍
@ honestly Dan driving in France is so easy better than here in the uk,you could always do eurotunnel drive on and drive off….you stay in your car.
Old Oaks is just the best and Im from Brecon so look forward to you coming to my neck of the woods....enjoy
If you can drive in the UK you can drive in NZ - similar kinds of roads and we drive on the same side. Hire a motorhome (gasp - yes we caravanners can make an exception if needs must) and head for the South Island, you wont be disappointed!
Old oaks is fantastic. Stayed in September and going g back for Karen's birthday in June this year. Our first trip in March Eye Kettleby Lakes another great site
Hi Dan and Angela. Talking about abroad, why don’t you do Portsmouth St Malo for a day trip with the car only just to see how all the caravans load. The only problem we’ve ever had was with Brittany Ferries Economiqe where we had to reverse on board to get off but all the other ferries are fab. You could do an over night cabin with gourmet meal, explore The ancient walled city of St Malo and come back the following day? PS congrats on your milestone x
You will love Old Oaks we go every year. The walk from the site to the tou is excellent. Also go to wick about 5/10 miles away it's were they filmed Hot Fuzz
I did my first time to belegium last year it's easy and the driving is so simple
5:38 we love Clumber. 30mins away from us. Super clean and friendly. Zero phone signal. Proper step away from life.
Old Oaks is one of the best Tranquil sites. It's a great site very clean and tidy and a nice off road walk to the Tor and Glastonbury. You'll like it there
Going on and off a ferry is simple, no turns or anything, simply drive on and park within white lines and then drive off again, just as you would park in a motorway service area in uk
Dan, Clumber Park is my local area. I’d happily show you around and have a walk / beer.
Happy new Dan and family. Dave Birmingham
Happy New Year to you both, love your videos and great help. Can I recommend the channel: Beyond that Blue Door, they have excellent videos showing getting on and off ferries and trains. Plus he has the most amazing t-shirts. Regards
HNY. Amsterdam is on our to visit list too.
If you can match your holland trip with dates of kukonoff tulip festival you wont be disappointed!
Hi Dan we are going to Isle of Wight fist time on a ferry with a van. I’m apprehensive but I’ve booked now so we are definitely going. Our first stop is Chichester for a week then iow for ten nights then we’re going to Devizes. And possibly Cirencester and Tewksbury on our slow ride home. That’s all in may and June. After that we will have a break then possibly go to Nottingham good luck with France I’m like you Apprehensive In going abroad. So we will see how it goes and maybe France next year.
I did the isle of wight last year enjoyed it so much booked again this year. Ferry was so easy they direct you in to place and check your not going to bump anything. we have booked the Orchard caravan site brilliant site with 2 pools
Hi Dan, try the chocolace shop in grassington for Angela's liquorice they have a large selection. The spelling for the shop is correct. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the tip!
yay, I'm first! Happy new year!!
Happy new year!!
My son is in Europe St the moment, 10 days in Switzerland touring by train then 4 nights in Amsterdam on the way back before getting on Eurostar to come home.
Towed first time to Normandy last year, it is easier than driving in this country, french roads brilliant, alot quieter . Camp sites better and cheaper. Go for it.
Now then, when you go to Amsterdam, get yourself to the Sea Palace Restaurant. Absolutely fantastic food, and make sure you take the free ferry to the North side. It's just behind the central station 👌
Thanks for the tips!
Dan, if you are planning on doing the Anne Frank tickets, sell out up to 6 weeks in advance. We missed out as didn’t realise this when in the area.
Aha! That’s good to know.
We are going to Morton in marsh in October never been before
It’s great. We have never been there in the summer, so this will be a first for us.
Happy Birthday, let us know what it's like to be an Octogenarian :D
Dan, towing in Europe is so much more easier than towing here, the roads are a lot emptier than the UK and the Autoroutes are a breeze, again hardly any traffic, the ferries are a piece of cake to get on/off and so is the Tunnel, if you are that paranoid just stay away from the Paris ring road, that can be a bit of a pain but only as much as say the M25, I've been touring over there for years, just me and my dog, trust me you will not look back
Why not do isle of wight as you have to do the ferry
Dan if your going to newquay and use the swimming pool the changing locker keeps the £1 coin out to mug the tourists lol
Thanks for the heads up.
Dutch liquorice, Amazon. About £10.00 for 300 grams
Think she’s tried that. But who knows. I can’t stand the stuff 🤮
Have you tried Amazon for the liquorice.
I think she has, will check in with her. Thanks for suggestion.
@TheTrudgians Is Danish liquorice the same as Dutch? Our daughter in law is Danish.
Happy New Year to you all, I'm looking for help regarding wardrobe lighting if you could message me with info, if you're not too busy, please
Sure what do you need to know? Are you looking to add lights for the wardrobe while its open?
Something like this would be good, rechargeable, motion activated they will light up when the wardrobe door opens.
amzn.to/405BBgn
@TheTrudgians I've watched your video on the installation of led's to your van.
We have an Elddis Affinity 554 2023 model and I'd like to install let's to come on when the door opens using an on off switch, we have wardrobes either side of the bed plus I'd like led lighting under the TV table next door to the main door, each using an independent on off switch, I can get access to the main 12v power from the main wardrobe.
I did a similar thing in my previous van a Lunar Clubman Si 2011 model, but for the life of me I can't remember how to get access to the positive from one light switch to the other.
Help required 🥴🤔 please
Think you need to double your age to be right 😅😅😊
How rude - it was a tough paper round, you know. . 😂😂😂
@TheTrudgians You had all the flats with no lifts 😜
Can't understand the difference between going to France & getting on the ferry & going to Brittany????
If you can do one you can do the other!!!
Stupid, unfounded, unnecessary anxiety!!
I cannot believe that of you. It must be your age 😅😅!
We're all older than you & just get on with it! Whatever you do , enjoy it