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Hi

We are looking at going abroad for the first time next year with our caravan. How far has anyone travelled on their first trip abroad. Im quite happy to stay in France, Spain or maybe even as far as Italy for our first trip abroad. We like sites that have maybe a shop, childrens play area, swimming pool would be nice and not to far to a beach too. Can anyone give me some names of some of the sites you have stayed at that you would recommend for our first trip abroad. Maybe suggest some websites we can look at. One thing to mention we tow a twin axle and I have heard that some sites abroad won't take them so I need to bare this is mind. Also what can I expect to pay for a trip like this including ferries etc.

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply.

Best wishes

Mandy B

Mandy - sites in France can cost anything from about 6 euros per night, in a small municipal, up to 50 or more euros per night for all-singing, all-dancing, in high season.   There are more than 11,000 campsites in France - so something to suit everyone.  Like Jeff and Sharon I'd suggest you should decide what sort of an area you'd prefer - Atlantic beach with big waves, Mediterranean beach with smaller waves and usually hotter sun or whether you might prefer an 'inland' beach, by the side of a lovely river, such as the Dordogne or the Ardeche.  Do you like mountains, or flatter countryside - again there's something to suit everyone.  Also, how much driving do you want to do?  France is such a big country, and to get from north to south will reaslistically take two full day's driving, or three shorter days.  If you've only a two week holiday you may want to not drive so far, especially for your first time.  For some typical French campsites have a look at the Eurocamp Independent website, Alan Rogers, or www.campingcheque.co.uk, www.touringcheque.co.uk, or www.campingcard.com.  These are all easy to use websites, which offer a good selection of sites throughout France.  Have a look at the Eurocamp or Canvas Holidays, or Keycamp brochures, too, as the sorts of sites they use will have other British children around, which helps your children make friends.  The sites are usually of the bigger variety - if you want smaller CL type sites then you need to look for 'Camping a la Ferme'.

Ferries, as said, are cheapest Dover/Calais, and we've just booked ours through the Caravan Club, with Norfolk Lines, paying just £78.00 return.  However, this was a special offer, and I think prices are now more like £130 return (with caravan).  Norfolk Lines tends to be cheaper for caravans - but it's definitely worth checking the Caravan Club price too for the same crossings.

Have a look at the posting in this forum - titled 'Advice for Continental First-Timers' it gives an overview of everything you'll need to know.

Enjoy planning your trip - and I'm sure you'll enjoy camping in  Europe.

Thanks for your replies. Im thinking maybe along the lines of brittany for our first trip abroad. But would we get the same weather there as we do at home. Last two years have been spent on the IOW and had awful weather both times, Really want to get away from the british weather, so does this mean we need to go further south.

Mandy B

hi mandy

dont dither just go for it,youll wish you had done it years ago.

a nice site with all the trimmings and 110% superb staff is www.etang-breche.com in the loire valley, not too far for a first visit and oceans to do in the area

av! a gud-un

Hi Mandy,

With regard to your worry about having a twin axle, we have one and have never had any problems using a site although we do tend to book in advance just to be sure that there is a pitch big enough. Some sites have very narrow roads which can make actually getting onto a pitch a bit tricky, especially when it's busy, but if you look at the Alan Rogers website, Select Sites brochure, Caravan Club France book etc then any problems like that are usually mentioned. Some sites do actually stipulate a maximum length in high season but that applies to single and twin axles.

Susie

We have only been going to France for the last three years, but wish we had done it years ago. We got to the Vendee area and have been very lucky with the weather each time.

Our first trip was to Spain, costa brava.  Loved traverling in France so much we have had 5 trips in the last year.

France and Spain is great for camping you will have a great time, we are off again for New Year can't wait.

We stay at Eldelfin verde, Costa Brava.  Fantastic site all singing all dancing or just quite and relaxing depending were you pitch, can walk straight onto the beach.

We travel on Eurrotunel and drive down, cost depends on when you travel and date's you stay on site.

Have a look for ferry prices or tunnel and different sites before you make up your mind, loads of choice.

have a fab holiday